What does 남자친구 mean?

남자친구 (nam-ja-chin-gu, namjachingu)

남자친구 (namjachingu) means 'boyfriend' in Korean, referring to a male romantic partner.

Definition of 남자친구 meaning boyfriend

Definition & nuance

Core meaning and shades learners miss.

남자친구(nam-ja-chin-gu, namjachingu)

남자친구 means a male romantic partner, commonly used for a boyfriend in a dating relationship.

Nuances

  • Emphasizes romantic partner, not just a male friend
  • Used more in casual or friendly contexts than formal
  • Mostly refers to young adults' relationships

When to use

dating, introductions, daily conversation

In context

남자친구 is a noun used to indicate possession or existence, e.g., 'my boyfriend' or 'I have a boyfriend.' It is natural in everyday and casual business conversations about relationships.

Real-world examples

  • 내 남자친구는 정말 친절해요.

    nae nam-ja-chin-gu-neun jeong-mal chin-jeol-hae-yo., nae nam ja chin gu neun jeong mal chin jeol hae yo.

    This sentence correctly uses 남자친구 to mean a male romantic partner.

  • 남자친구랑 영화를 봤어요.

    nam-ja-chin-gu-rang yeong-hwa-reul bwass-eo-yo., nam ja chin gu rang yeong hwa reul bwass eo yo.

    Using 남자친구 to mean 'boyfriend' in a shared activity is natural.

  • 그는 내 남자친구이다.

    geu-neun nae nam-ja-chin-gu-i-da., geu neun nae nam ja chin gu i da.

    Correct formal sentence stating 'He is my boyfriend'.

  • 남자친구는 학교에 갔어요.

    nam-ja-chin-gu-neun hak-gyo-e gass-eo-yo., nam ja chin gu neun hak gyo e gass eo yo.

    Natural sentence with 남자친구 as the subject.

  • 남자친구가 친구야.

    nam-ja-chin-gu-ga chin-gu-ya., nam ja chin gu ga chin gu ya.

    남자친구 means romantic partner, so calling him 'friend' here contradicts the meaning.

  • 남자친구가 여자예요.

    nam-ja-chin-gu-ga yeo-ja-ye-yo., nam ja chin gu ga yeo ja ye yo.

    남자친구 specifically means a male partner, so this sentence is incorrect.

Quick quiz

  1. What does 남자친구 mean?

    남자친구의 뜻은 무엇인가요?(nam-ja-chin-gu-uitteus-eunmu-eos-in-ga-yo?, namjachinguuitteuseunmueosingayo?)
  2. Which sentence correctly uses 남자친구?

    다음 중 올바른 문장은?(da-eumjungol-ba-reunmun-jang-eun?, daeumjungolbareunmunjangeun?)

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