Meaning and Usage
The verb 사랑하다 means "to love" and is used to express deep affection or emotional attachment toward a person, family member, or even abstract concepts like a hobby or country. It is a common verb in everyday conversation and can be used in both romantic and non-romantic contexts.
Common Collocations
- 사랑하다 + 사람 (to love a person): the most typical usage.
- 사랑하는 마음 (loving heart/feelings): expresses the emotional state.
- 사랑하다가 상처를 받다 (to get hurt while loving): a common phrase expressing the vulnerability in love.
Politeness and Register
사랑하다 is a standard verb and can be conjugated into polite forms like 사랑해요 or 사랑합니다 depending on the formality of the situation. It is appropriate in both casual and formal contexts.
Usage Tips
When using 사랑하다, be aware that it implies a strong emotional bond. For lighter feelings, verbs like 좋아하다 (to like) might be more appropriate. Also, 사랑하다 is often followed by the object particle 을/를 to mark the loved person or thing.
Avoid confusing 사랑하다 with 좋아하다; 사랑하다 is stronger and more serious in emotional tone.