What does 사랑해 mean?

사랑해 (sa-rang-hae, saranghae)

사랑해 (saranghae) is a common way to say "I love you" in close relationships.

Korean phrase 사랑해 meaning I love you

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

사랑해(sa-rang-hae, saranghae)

사랑해 means expressing deep affection and love, usually used between lovers, family, or close friends.

Nuances

  • Informal and friendly tone
  • Not used in formal situations
  • Expresses honest feelings
  • Can be serious or casual depending on context

When to use

romantic relationships, family, close friends

In context

사랑해 is the informal present tense form of the verb 사랑하다 (to love). It is usually used among close people and often omits the subject. It appears at the end of sentences to directly express feelings.

Real-world examples

  • 너를 정말 사랑해.

    neo-reul jeong-mal sa-rang-hae., neo reul jeong mal sa rang hae.

    Subject omitted naturally; informal '사랑해' used correctly.

  • 사랑해요, 엄마.

    sa-rang-hae-yo, eom-ma., sa rang hae yo, eom ma.

    Polite form '사랑해요' used appropriately for family.

  • 사랑합니다.

    sa-rang-hap-ni-da., sa rang hap ni da.

    Formal polite form used in official contexts.

  • 나는 사랑해 너.

    na-neun sa-rang-hae neo., na neun sa rang hae neo.

    Word order is unnatural in Korean.

  • 사랑해요 너.

    sa-rang-hae-yo neo., sa rang hae yo neo.

    '너' usually comes before verb; this sentence is unnatural.

  • 사랑해 친구야!

    sa-rang-hae chin-gu-ya!, sa rang hae chin gu ya!

    Natural informal sentence expressing affection to a friend.

  • 사랑해요 친구야.

    sa-rang-hae-yo chin-gu-ya., sa rang hae yo chin gu ya.

    Mix of informal '친구야' and polite '사랑해요' is inconsistent.

Quick quiz

  1. What does '사랑해' mean?

    '사랑해'의 뜻은 무엇인가요?('sa-rang-hae'uitteus-eunmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, 'saranghae'uitteuseunmueosingayo?)
  2. Which sentence uses '사랑해' correctly?

    다음 중 '사랑해'를 올바르게 사용한 문장은?(da-eumjung'sa-rang-hae'reulol-ba-reu-gesa-yong-hanmun-jang-eun?, daeumjung'saranghae'reulolbareugesayonghanmunjangeun?)
  3. In what situations is '사랑해' mainly used?

    '사랑해'는 어떤 상황에서 주로 사용되나요?('sa-rang-hae'neuneo-tteonsang-hwang-e-seoju-rosa-yong-doe-na-yo?, 'saranghae'neuneotteonsanghwangeseojurosayongdoenayo?)

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