How to say "I love you" in Korean

The natural way Koreans say "I love you" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.

When to use it

Korean drops the I and the you - the verb alone carries it. Said to partners, family and close friends, but far less casually than in English.

Polite form

• ▶
  사랑해요

  saranghaeyo

  Use this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.

Other ways to say it

• ▶
  사랑합니다

  saranghamnida

  = I love you (formal)

  Weddings, letters, on stage. Weighty.
• ▶
  좋아해

  joahae

  = I like you

  This is the confession word for a new crush. 사랑해 is a big step past it.

In a sentence

• ▶
  엄마, 사랑해.

  eomma, saranghae.

  Mom, I love you.
• ▶
  나도 사랑해.

  nado saranghae.

  I love you too.