Love Phrases-Part 2

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ii. The Korean Name Game

Koreans use a hierarchical system for referring to each other. It’s embedded in the language in a number of ways, and they consider it an important way of showing respect.

Simply put, Koreans will talk differently to one another depending on the age difference between them and the other people they speak with.

If you are in a relationship with someone older than you, it’s respectful to use the correct title (“오빠” or “누나”). If your significant other is the same age or younger, you may be able to use that person’s name. It depends on your level of closeness.

Here are the rules for using names and titles:

For females:

To older men: “오빠” Example: “사랑해요” —> “오빠 사랑해요”To younger men: His nameExample: “사랑해” —> “민석아 사랑해”

For males:

To older women: “누나”Example: “사랑해요” —> “누나 사랑해요”To younger women: Her nameExample: “사랑해” —> “진아야 사랑해”

The rules above will help you correctly use the phrases below. Get practicing so you can shower your significant other with kind words and affection!

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