The Korean Wave or Hallyu is a cultural phenomenon in which the global popularity of South Korean culture has dramatically risen.
From the Korean culture, and music to the Korean Language, the world has fallen in love with everything South Korean.
One of the most popular phrases many wish to learn is how to say I Love You In Korean.
The art of saying I love You depends on whom you are saying it to.
The Korean culture has a hierarchical way of speaking, so you need to address the phrase as per the person you are speaking to.
3 Ways To Say I Love You in Korean
Here are some easy ways to say I Love You in the Korean language.
- 사랑합니다 (saranghamnida)
- 사랑해요 (saranghaeyo)
- 사랑해 (saranghae)
1. 사랑해요 (saranghaeyo)
It is the polite and respectful form of “I Love You” in Korean. It is often used to express your love towards your parents.
- 나는 너를 사랑해요. (Na-neun neo-reul sa-rang-hae-yo.) — This means ‘I Love You.’
- 아빠, 사랑해요. (A-ppa, sa-rang-hae-yo.) — This is to say, Dad, I love you.
- 사랑해요, 여보. (Sa-rang-hae-yo, yeo-bo.) — If you addressing your boyfriend then use this phrase and it means ‘I Love You, Honey’.
2. 사랑해 (saranghae)
It is the informal version of saying “I Love You” in Korean. This is used between boyfriends and girlfriends. It is also used for family and friends.
- 난 너를 사랑해 (Nan neo-reul sa-rang-hae) — This is used to say ‘I Love You.‘
- 엄마, 사랑해 (Eom-ma, sa-rang-hae) — This means ‘Mom, I Love You’.
- 사랑해, 친구야 (Sa-rang-hae, chin-gu-ya) — This phrase is used to say ‘I Love You, My Friend’.
3. 사랑합니다 (saranghamnida)
It is the formal form of “I Love You”. It respectfully conveys love. It is often used while making a presentation or a wedding speech at a wedding.
The times you address many people at once you’d use the -imnida (formal) endings this is to show respect.
- 나는 너를 사랑합니다 (Na-neun neo-reul sa-rang-ham-ni-da.) — This phrase conveys, ‘I Love You’.
- 할머니, 사랑합니다 (Hal-meo-ni, sa-rang-ham-ni-da.) — This means, ‘Grandmother, I Love You’.
- 사랑합니다, 사랑하는 사람 (Sa-rang-ham-ni-da, sa-rang-ha-neun sa-ram.) — The meaning of this phrase is, ‘I Love You, My Love.‘
To specify who you are in love with:
- 는/은 내가 사랑하는 사람이야 (neun/eun naega sarangha neun saramiya) — This is to convey the person “is the one I love.‘
- 나는 그 사람을 사랑해요. (na-neun geu saram-eul saranghaeyo) — I love that person.
- 나는 너를 사랑해 (na-neun neo-leul saranghae) — I Love You
More Ways of Saying I Love You In Korean
Here are some more ways to say I Love You in Korean:
Korean | English |
나도 사랑해 (nado saranghae) | I love you, too. |
너무 사랑해요 (neomu saranghaeyo) | I love you very much. |
많이 사랑해요 (mani saranghaeyo) | I love you a lot. |
사랑에 빠진 (sarang-e ppajin) | In love. |
보고 싶어요 (bogo sipeoyo) | I miss you. |
Gesture To Convey “I Love You”
This is done by crossing your thumb and index finger to make a heart, it symbolizes 사랑해 (saranghae), or “I love you” in Korean.
How To Say I Like You In Korean
- 좋아해요 (jowahaeyo) — I like you (This is used when you wish to be polite).
- 좋아합니다 (jowahamnida) — I like you (This is used when you wish to be formal).
Romantic Korean Nicknames
Here are some romantic Korean nicknames to use:
Korean Nicknames | Usage |
여보 (yeobo) Honey | It can be used for Men & Women. |
오빠 (oppa) | This form is used when the girl is younger than the boy. |
귀요미 (gwiyomi) | Cutie |
자기야 (jagiya) / 자기 (jagi) | Baby / Babe |
공주님 (gongjunim) | Princess |
왕자님 (wangjanim) | Prince |
These are the best ways to express your love or liking of someone in Korean. If we have missed any then do share in the comment section with us.