Dictionary — Entry No. 0917
너무 좋아해
neomu johahae · expression
너무 좋아해
neomu johahae
[nuh-MOO joh-AH-hay]
expressionbeginner
Meaning
Literally means ‘I really like/love you very much.’ This is an earnest romantic expression commonly used to confess feelings or express deep affection to someone special. The intensity comes from ‘neomu’ (too much/very) combined with ‘johahae’ (I like you).
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Featured prominently in K-dramas like Crash Landing on You when characters confess romantic feelings. BLACKPINK and IVE frequently include this phrase in their love songs and music videos. K-pop idols often use variations of this when expressing gratitude to fans, making it deeply significant in fan culture.
Example Sentences
너무 좋아해, 정말로 너의 옆에만 있고 싶어.
Neomu johahae, jeongmallo neoeui yeopaemankeum issgo sipeo.
I really like you—I genuinely just want to be by your side. (More intimate than casual interest)
우리 팬분들, 너무 좋아해요!
Uri panbuneun, neomu johahaeyo!
I really love you, our fans! (How K-pop idols address their fanbase)
그녀가 자꾸 ‘너무 좋아해’라고 말해서 설렜다.
Geunyeoga jakku ‘neomu johahae’rago malhaeseo seollewossta.
She kept saying ‘I really like you’ and it made my heart flutter. (Context of emotional excitement)
⚠️ Don’t use neomu johahae when…
Overusing this phrase in real life can sound insincere or emotionally manipulative—Koreans often show affection through actions rather than constant verbal declarations. Don’t confuse this with ‘saranghae’ (사랑해), which is reserved for deeper, more committed love; ‘neomu johahae’ is more playful and immediate.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Crash Landing on You — Yoon Se-ri’s emotional confession scene when Ri Jeong-hyeok realizes her genuine feelings
- K-Pop: IVE — ‘I AM’ (lyrics celebrate being cherished and truly liked for who you are)
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.