Korean word

그대

Pronunciation

Romanizationkeudae

Meaning

  • pronounyou

Example

그대는 내게 소중해.keu dae neun nae ge so jung hae

You are dear to me.

Illustration for 그대 (you)

More examples

문자에서 그대라고 쓰면 고풍스럽게 들릴 수 있어요.mun ja e seo keu dae ra go sseu myeon ko pung seu reop kke teul lil ssu i sseo yo

Using the word you in a text message can sound old-fashioned.

Core concept

A poetic and emotionally charged way to address the person being spoken to.

Similar words

너neo: A casual form for addressing one person who is familiar or younger.
당신tangsin: A formal written form of address for the other person that may sound distant in direct speech.
그쪽keujjok: A somewhat roundabout form of address for the other person, often with polite distance.

Definition in Korean

주로 가사나 시에서 청자에게 정서를 전달할 때 쓰이는 고어적 대명사로, 일상어에서는 거의 쓰이지 않는다.chu ro ka sa na si e seo cheong ja e ge cheong seo reul cheon dal hal ttae sseu i neun ko eo jeok tae myeong sa ro il sang eo e seo neun keo ui sseu i ji an neun da

Word origin

The exact origin of this old pronoun is uncertain, but it became established as a literary way to address a listener.

Usage tips

  • English you is neutral, but this word often adds a lyrical or nostalgic feeling and is uncommon in everyday Korean.

Word lists with this word