Learn Korean with BTS Lyrics | 'Intro: What Am I To You' Korean Lyrics Explained
Let’s study Korean with BTS Lyrics! In this post, we’ll break down each lyric in BTS’ ‘Intro: What Am I To You’ with detailed vocabulary and grammar notes to help you understand the meaning of the Korean used. Whether you’re a fan looking to deepen your connection to the music or a language learner studying through lyrics, this post is for you. Click the expand arrow beside each lyric to view the notes and explanations for that line.
Want to turn this into a study challenge? Try reading each line and testing your understanding before checking the notes. See how much you can recognize on your own—then expand the section to check your answers and learn something new. It’s a great way to strengthen your Korean comprehension while enjoying BTS’s lyrics.
To take your practice even further, I’ve also linked videos from my YouTube channel in this post—perfect for reviewing vocab, testing your lyric knowledge, and making your BTS Korean study sessions more fun and interactive.
자, 시작해 볼까? Let’s dive into the lyrics and learn Korean with BTS!
BTS (방탄소년단) - 'Intro: What Am I To You' Lyrics (With English Translation & Korean Grammar/Vocabulary Notes)
[RM] : Come here
I’m about to take you higher
We about to set
This love on fire
이런 느낌 처음이야 I've never felt this way before
이런: this kind of / like this
이렇다 (to be like this) + -ㄴ (attributive ending modifying a noun)
느낌: feeling / sensation
처음이야: it’s my first time / this is the first time
처음 (first time) + -이다 (to be) → 처음이다 (to be the first time) → 처음이야 (present-tense casual form)
*Note: 이런 modifies 느낌, forming 이런 느낌 (“this kind of feeling” / “a feeling like this”). 처음이야 literally means “it’s the first time,” so the full line naturally conveys that the speaker has never experienced a feeling like this before.
엄마도 못 말렸으 Even my mom couldn't stop me
엄마도: even my mom / my mom, too
엄마 (mom) + -도 (even / also)
못 말렸으: couldn’t stop me
못 (cannot / be unable to) + 말리다 (to stop / dissuade someone) + -었- (past tense) + -어 (casual sentence ending) → 못 말렸어 (couldn’t stop / dissuade) → 못 말렸으 (stylized pronunciation of 못 말렸어, with the final -어 changed to -으)
*Note: The 으 in 못 말렸으 is not a separate grammatical ending. 못 말렸으 is a colloquial/stylized form of 못 말렸어, with the final -어 pronounced as -으. This type of alteration can occur in lyrics or informal speech for rhythm, emphasis, or style.
내 진심을 말했고 I told you my true feelings and
내: my
나 (I / me) + -의 (possessive particle) → 나의 (my) → 내 (contracted form of 나의)
진심을: true feelings / sincerity (object)
진심 (true feelings / sincerity) + -을 (object particle)
말했고: said and...
말하다 (to say / speak) + -았/었- (past tense) → 말했다 (said) + -고 (connective ending meaning “and”) → 말했고 (said, and)
결국에는 내가 이겼으 In the end, I won
결국에는: in the end / eventually
결국 (the end / ultimately) + -에 (time/location particle; in) + -는 (topic/contrast particle)
내가: I (subject)
나 (I / me) + -가 (subject particle) → 내가 (I)
이겼으: won
이기다 (to win) → 이겼어 (won; casual past tense) → 이겼으 (stylized pronunciation of 이겼어, with the final -어 changed to -으)
*Note: The 으 in 이겼으 is not a separate grammatical ending. 이겼으 is a colloquial/stylized form of 이겼으, with the final -어 pronounced as -으. This type of alteration can occur in lyrics or informal speech for rhythm, emphasis, or style.
Baby you should know you change all of my negatives to positive
가시를 세우고 있지만 볼 수 있어 너의 장미를 Even though you’re putting up your thorns, I can see your rose
가시를: thorns (object)
가시 (thorn / thorns) + -를 (object particle)
세우고 있지만: are putting up / raising, but
세우다 (to erect / raise / put up) + -고 있다 (to be doing; progressive construction) → 세우고 있다 (to be raising / putting up) + -지만 (but / although) → 세우고 있지만 (are raising / putting up, but)
볼 수 있어: can see
보다 (to see) + -(으)ㄹ 수 있다 (can / be able to) → 볼 수 있다 (can see) → 볼 수 있어 (can see; casual present tense)
너의: your
너 (you) + -의 (possessive particle) → 너의 (your)
장미를: rose (object)
장미 (rose) + -를 (object particle)
*Note: The imagery contrasts the “thorns” someone puts up defensively with the “rose” underneath, suggesting that he can still see their softer or beautiful side.
다시금 날 뛰게 만드는 You make my heart beat again
다시금: once again / anew
날: me (object)
나 (I / me) + -를 (object particle) → 나를 (me) → 날 (contracted form of 나를)
뛰게 만드는: that makes me run / makes me move
뛰다 (to run / jump) + -게 만들다 (to make someone do something) → 뛰게 만들다 (to make [someone] run / jump) + -는 (present-tense attributive ending) → 뛰게 만드는 (that makes [someone] run / jump)
*Note: 뛰다 literally means “to run” or “to jump,” and the line literally describes someone who “makes me run/jump again.” However, 뛰다 can also describe a heart beating or racing. In this romantic context, the line may evoke the idea of someone making his heart race again, although “heart” is not explicitly stated in the Korean. More broadly, the imagery of running or jumping can be understood figuratively as an expression of renewed excitement, energy, or emotional vitality.
그 사람이 너란 사실을 The fact that that person is you
그 사람이: that person (subject)
그 (that) + 사람 (person) + -이 (subject particle)
너란: that it’s you / who is you
너 (you) + -(이)란 (contracted form of -(이)라는, quotative attributive form of -(이)라고 하다 [to say/call that something is]) → 너란 (that is you / called you)
사실을: fact (object)
사실 (fact) + -을 (object particle)
*Note: Even though there is a line break, 다시금 날 뛰게 만드는 connects directly to 그 사람 in the next line. 만드는 means “that/who makes” and describes 그 사람 (that person), so 다시금 날 뛰게 만드는 그 사람 means “the person who makes me run/jump again.” 그 사람 then continues into 그 사람이 너란 사실, meaning “the fact that that person is you.” In other words, 그 사람 connects the two lines: the first line describes “that person,” and the second tells us that “that person” is you. "다시금 날 뛰게 만드는 그 사람이 너란 사실을 = The fact that the person who makes me run again is you…"
아직은 알 수 없겠지만 I might not know yet, but
아직은: for now / as of yet
아직 (still / yet) + -은 (topic/contrast particle; emphasizes that this is true for now, with the possibility that things may change later)
알 수 없겠지만: may not be able to know, but / although [someone] can’t know yet
알다 (to know) + -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 (cannot / be unable to) → 알 수 없다 (cannot know) + -겠- (expresses supposition/uncertainty) → 알 수 없겠다 (may not be able to know / probably cannot know) + -지만 (but / although) → 알 수 없겠지만 (may not be able to know, but / although I can’t know yet)
내가 전부 다 알게 할게 당신을 I'll make sure I know everything about you
내가: I (subject)
나 (I / me) + -가 (subject particle) → 내가 (I)
전부 다: everything / all of it
전부 (all / entirety) + 다 (all / completely)
알게 할게: I’ll make [someone] know
알다 (to know) + -게 하다 (to make/cause someone do something) → 알게 하다 (to make someone know) + -(으)ㄹ게 (casual ending expressing the speaker’s intention or promise) → 알게 할게 (I’ll make [someone] know)
당신을: you (object)
당신 (you) + -을 (object particle)
나 난 되고파 너 너의 오빠 I, I want to be your oppa
나: I / me
난: I (topic)
나 (I / me) + -는 (topic particle) → 나는 (I) → 난 (contracted form of 나는)
되고파: want to become / want to be
되다 (to become / be) + -고 싶다 (to want to verb) → 되고 싶다 (to want to become / be) → 되고파 (contracted/lyrical form of 되고 싶어)
너: you
너의: your
너 (you) + -의 (possessive particle) → 너의 (your)
오빠: oppa / older brother (term used by a female speaker for an older male, also commonly used for an older boyfriend or male love interest)
*Note: The repeated 나 난 and 너 너의 create emphasis and rhythm rather than changing the grammatical meaning.
다른 놈팽이들과는 달리 Unlike the other guys
다른: other / different
다르다 (to be different) + -ㄴ (attributive ending) → 다른 (other / different)
놈팽이들과는 달리: unlike the guys
놈팽이 (guy / punk / good-for-nothing) + -들 (plural marker) + -과는 달리 (unlike / differently from) → 놈팽이들과는 달리 (unlike the guys)
*Note: The construction N-(과)와는 달리 means “unlike N” or “differently from N,” with -는 adding contrast. -과는 달리 is used after a noun ending in a consonant, while -와는 달리 is used after a noun ending in a vowel. The -는 adds contrast, emphasizing a difference between the noun and whatever is being discussed. Here, he is contrasting himself with the “other guys.”
인정받고파 I want to be recognized
인정받고파: want to be recognized / want to be acknowledged
인정받다 (to be recognized / acknowledged) + -고 싶다 (to want to do/be) → 인정받고 싶다 (to want to be recognized / acknowledged) → 인정받고파 (contracted/lyrical form of 인정받고 싶어)
뻔한 영화 대사처럼 들리겠지만 난 식스센스 It might sound like a cliché movie line, but I have a sixth sense
뻔한: obvious / predictable / cliché
뻔하다 (to be obvious / predictable) + -ㄴ (attributive ending) → 뻔한 (obvious / predictable)
영화 대사처럼: like a line from a movie
영화 (movie / film) + 대사 (line of dialogue) + -처럼 (particle meaning “like” or “as”)
들리겠지만: may sound / might sound, but
들리다 (to sound / be heard) + -겠- (expresses supposition) → 들리겠다 (may/might sound) + -지만 (but / although) → 들리겠지만 (it may/might sound, but)
난: I (topic)
나 (I / me) + -는 (topic particle) → 나는 (I) → 난 (contracted form of 나는)
식스센스: Sixth Sense
*Note: 식스센스 (“sixth sense”) may work as a play on the preceding 영화 (“movie”), since The Sixth Sense is also a well-known film. He acknowledges that what he is saying may sound like a cliché movie line, but suggests that he has an intuitive “sixth sense” or certainty about his feelings/the relationship.
Yo I’ll be different
I’ll be missing
I’ll be kissing
You all the time girl
눈을 떼봐도 맘은 뗄 수가 없어 Even if I try to take my eyes off you, I can't pull my heart away from you
눈을: eyes (object)
눈 (eye / eyes) + -을 (object particle)
떼봐도: even if I try to take [my eyes] off
떼다 (to take off / remove / detach) + -아/어 보다 (to try doing) → 떼보다 (to try taking off / away) + -아/어도 (even if / even though) → 떼봐도 (even if I try to take [them] off)
맘은: heart (topic/contrast)
맘 (heart/feelings; contracted form of 마음) + -은 (topic/contrast particle)
뗄 수가 없어: cannot detach / cannot pull away
떼다 (to detach / separate) + -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 (cannot / be unable to) → 뗄 수 없다 (cannot detach / separate) + -가 (subject particle adding emphasis to 수) → 뗄 수가 없다 (cannot detach / separate) + -어 (casual sentence ending) → 뗄 수가 없어 (cannot detach / separate)
*Note: There is wordplay through the repetition of 떼다 (“to detach/take away”). 눈을 떼다 literally means “to take one’s eyes off” something, while 맘을 떼다 refers to emotionally detaching or pulling one’s heart away. The contrast is that he may be able to try to look away physically, but cannot emotionally detach.
자 이제 시작이야 Alright, now it begins
자: now / alright / come on (interjection used to draw attention or signal that something is about to begin)
이제: now
시작이야: it’s the beginning / it’s starting
시작 (beginning / start) + -이다 (to be) → 시작이다 (to be the beginning / start) → 시작이야 (present-tense casual form)
I’m your 포켓몬스터 I'm your Pokémon
포켓몬스터: Pokémon (literally “Pocket Monster,” the Korean title/name for the Pokémon franchise)
*Note: 포켓몬스터 is the Korean name for Pokémon, from “Pocket Monsters.” In the romantic context, he compares himself to the listener’s Pokémon, suggesting that he belongs to her or is “hers,” possibly also playing on the idea of a Pokémon being chosen or caught by its trainer.
너도 맘을 주고 나도 내 맘 다 줬어 You gave me your heart, and I gave you all of mine too
너도: you too
너 (you) + -도 (also / too)
맘을: heart / feelings (object)
맘 (heart / feelings; contracted form of 마음) + -을 (object particle)
주고: give, and
주다 (to give) + -고 (connective ending meaning “and”) → 주고 (give, and)
나도: me too / I too
나 (I / me) + -도 (also / too)
내: my
나 (I / me) + -의 (possessive particle) → 나의 (my) → 내 (contracted form of 나의)
맘: heart / feelings (contracted form of 마음)
다: all / completely
줬어: gave
주다 (to give) → 줬어 (gave; casual past tense)
오늘이 어제보다 행복해졌어 I'm happier today than yesterday
오늘이: today (subject)
오늘 (today) + -이 (subject particle)
어제보다: than yesterday
어제 (yesterday) + -보다 (than / compared to)
행복해졌어: became happier / has gotten happier
행복하다 (to be happy) + -아/어지다 (to become / come to be) → 행복해지다 (to become happy / happier) → 행복해졌어 (became / has gotten happier; casual past tense)
근데 왜 근데 왜 But why? But why?
근데: but / though
왜: why
죄인처럼 혼자 네게 연락할 핑계를 찾지 Like a guilty person, I search alone for an excuse to contact you
죄인처럼: like a guilty person / like a criminal
죄인 (guilty person / criminal / sinner) + -처럼 (like / as)
혼자: alone / by myself
네게: to you
너 (you) + -에게 (to) → 네게 (contracted form of 너에게)
연락할: to contact / that I’ll contact
연락하다 (to contact / get in touch) + -(으)ㄹ (future/intentional attributive ending) → 연락할 (to contact; modifies 핑계)
핑계를: excuse / pretext (object)
핑계 (excuse / pretext) + -를 (object particle)
찾지: look for / find
찾다 (to look for / find) + -지 (casual sentence ending, often adding an assertive or reflective tone)
*Note: The comparison to a criminal (죄인) conveys his feelings of guilt, hesitation, or discomfort about contacting the other person. Although he wants to reach out, he feels compelled to find an excuse or justification for doing so, almost as though contacting them would be something wrong or forbidden. The use of 혼자 (“alone” or “by oneself”) emphasizes that he is privately struggling with these feelings and searching for a reason to make contact on his own, potentially suggesting loneliness or isolation. Together, these details highlight the emotional conflict between his desire to connect and his reluctance to act on it.
만나기 전보다 더해 It’s stronger than before we met
만나기 전보다: than before [we] met
만나다 (to meet) + -기 전 (before doing) → 만나기 전 (before meeting) + -보다 (than / compared to) → 만나기 전보다 (than before [we] met)
더해: is more / has gotten stronger
더하다 (to be more / increase / intensify) → 더해 (is more / stronger; casual present tense)
애인이란 이유로는 부족한 지 I wonder if being your lover isn't reason enough
애인이란: being lovers / that [we’re] lovers
애인 (lover / romantic partner) + -(이)란 (contracted form of -(이)라는, quotative attributive form of -(이)라고 하다) → 애인이란 (that [someone is] a lover / being lovers)
이유로는: as a reason / as for the reason
이유 (reason) + -(으)로 (as / by means of) + -는 (topic/contrast particle) → 이유로는 (as a reason / when it comes to being a reason)
부족한 지: whether [it] is not enough
부족하다 (to be insufficient / not enough) + -(으)ㄴ지 (ending expressing uncertainty or an indirect question; whether) → 부족한지 (whether [it] is not enough)
맨날 단답 ㅇㅇ 잔다 ㄴㄴ Always short replies: “yeah,” “going to sleep,” “no”
맨날: every day / all the time
단답: short answers / one-word replies
ㅇㅇ: yeah / yep (Korean texting abbreviation for 응응 [yeah / yes])
잔다: [I’m] sleeping / [I’m] going to sleep
자다 (to sleep) + -ㄴ다 (plain-style declarative ending) → 잔다 ([I] sleep / [I’m] going to sleep)
ㄴㄴ: no / nope (Korean texting abbreviation based on “no no,” meaning “no / nope”)
*Note: The line imitates very brief, dismissive text messages. ㅇㅇ and ㄴㄴ are Korean internet/texting shorthand, while 잔다 is another terse response, creating the sense that the other person constantly replies with only a few words.
10 바이트를 안 넘는 메시지 Messages that don’t exceed 10 bytes
10 바이트를: 10 bytes (object)
10 바이트 (10 bytes) + -를 (object particle)
안 넘는: that don’t exceed / under
안 (not) + 넘다 (to exceed / go over) + -는 (present-tense attributive ending) → 안 넘는 (that don’t exceed; modifies 메시지)
메시지: message
*Note: In context, this continues the idea of extremely short text replies from the previous line, emphasizing just how little the other person writes.
넌 의지를 잃은 키퍼 You’re a goalkeeper who’s lost the will
넌: you (topic)
너 (you) + -는 (topic particle) → 너는 (you) → 넌 (contracted form of 너는)
의지를: will / motivation / determination (object)
의지 (will / motivation / determination) + -를 (object particle)
잃은: lost / that has lost
잃다 (to lose) + -은 (past attributive ending) → 잃은 (that has lost; modifies 키퍼)
키퍼: keeper / goalkeeper
*Note: 잃은 modifies 키퍼, forming 의지를 잃은 키퍼 (“a goalkeeper who has lost [his] will/motivation”). 키퍼 is a shortened form of 골키퍼 (“goalkeeper”). The image suggests a goalkeeper who has lost the motivation or will to defend the goal.
난 허허벌판을 달리는 메시지 I'm Messi running across an empty field
난: I (topic)
나 (I / me) + -는 (topic particle) → 나는 (I) → 난 (contracted form of 나는)
허허벌판을: an open wasteland / vast empty field (object)
허허벌판 (vast open field / empty wasteland) + -을 (object particle)
달리는: running / that runs
달리다 (to run) + -는 (present-tense attributive ending) → 달리는 (running / that runs; modifies 메시지)
메시지: message / may also be a play on 메시 (Messi, football player Lionel Messi's name)
*Note: 메시지 literally means “message,” but it may also be a play on 메시 (Messi), the Korean spelling of football player Lionel Messi's name. The preceding lyrics describe receiving short, dismissive text replies, making “message” particularly relevant. Meanwhile, the imagery of running across a vast, empty field evokes Messi running on a football pitch. The line may therefore carry a double meaning, comparing RM to Messi running alone across an empty field while also portraying his messages as traveling through an empty space, emphasizing the lack of meaningful communication or reciprocation.
그래 처음부터 Yeah, from the beginning
그래: yeah / right / okay
처음부터: from the beginning / from the start
처음 (beginning / first) + -부터 (from / starting from)
이게 공평할 수 없는 게임이란 건 알았어 I knew this was a game that couldn't be fair
이게: this (subject)
이것 (this / this thing) + -이 (subject particle) → 이것이 (this) → 이게 (contracted form of 이것이)
공평할 수 없는: that cannot be fair
공평하다 (to be fair) + -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 (cannot / be unable to) → 공평할 수 없다 (cannot be fair) + -는 (attributive ending) → 공평할 수 없는 (that cannot be fair; modifies 게임)
게임이란 건: the fact that [it] is a game / the idea that [it] is a game
게임 (game) + -(이)란 (contracted form of -(이)라는, quotative attributive form of -(이)라고 하다, meaning “called” or “that [something] is”) + 것 (thing / fact) + -은 (topic particle) → 것은 → 건 (contracted form)
알았어: knew
알다 (to know) → 알았어 (knew; casual past tense)
널 이기고 싶던 건 아니었지만 It's not that I wanted to beat you, but
널: you (object)
너 (you) + -를 (object particle) → 너를 (you) → 널 (contracted form of 너를)
이기고 싶던 건: that [I] wanted to win / the fact that [I] wanted to beat [someone] (topic)
이기다 (to win / beat) + -고 싶다 (to want to do something) → 이기고 싶다 (to want to win / beat) + -던 (retrospective attributive ending recalling a past desire or state) + 것 (thing / what) + -은 (topic particle) → 것은 → 건 (contracted form)
아니었지만: wasn’t, but / although it wasn’t
아니다 (to not be) + -었- (past tense) → 아니었다 (was not) + -지만 (but / although) → 아니었지만 (wasn’t, but / although it wasn’t)
Note: The construction -(으)ㄴ/는 건 아니다 means “it's not that…” or “it's not the case that…” and is used to negate or qualify a statement, often correcting a possible assumption rather than simply stating a negative fact.
계속 지고 싶지도 않았어 I didn’t want to keep losing either
계속: continuously / continually / keep
지고 싶지도 않았어: didn’t want to keep losing either
지다 (to lose) + -고 싶다 (to want to do) → 지고 싶다 (to want to lose) + -지도 않다 (not do either / also not) → 지고 싶지도 않다 (to not want to lose either) → 지고 싶지도 않았어 (didn’t want to lose either; casual past tense)
*Note: 계속 gives 지다 the sense of “keep losing” or “continue losing.” -지도 않다 adds “not… either,” connecting this thought to the preceding 널 이기고 싶던 건 아니었지만 (“It’s not that I wanted to beat you, but…”). Together, he is saying that although beating the other person was not the goal, he did not want to continue being the one who lost either.
조금은 달달하게 At least a little sweetly
조금은: a little / at least a little
조금 (a little / a bit) + -은 (topic or contrastive particle, emphasizing a small amount in contrast to something greater or suggesting “at least this much”)
달달하게: sweetly / in a sweet way
달달하다 (to be sweet) + -게 (adverbial ending meaning “-ly / in a … way”) → 달달하게 (sweetly / in a sweet way)
*Note: The particle -은 adds a subtle contrast or emphasis to 조금. In this context, 조금은 suggests wanting at least some sweetness or affection in the relationship, even if it isn't excessively romantic.
막 깨가 쏟아지진 않아도 Even if we’re not all lovey-dovey
막: extremely / wildly / all that much (adverb emphasizing intensity or degree; here suggesting something happening to an excessive or exaggerated extent)
깨가: sesame seeds (subject)
깨 (sesame seeds) + -가 (subject particle)
쏟아지진 않아도: even if [they] aren’t pouring out / even if [we] aren’t extremely lovey-dovey
쏟아지다 (to pour out / spill out) + -지는 않다 (to not actually/really do; negation with contrast/emphasis) → 쏟아지지는 않다 (to not pour out) → 쏟아지진 않다 (contracted form) + -아/어도 (even if / even though) → 쏟아지진 않아도 (even if [they] aren’t pouring out)
*Note: 깨가 쏟아지다 literally means “sesame seeds pour out,” but it is an idiomatic expression used to describe a couple who is extremely affectionate, happy, and lovey-dovey together. 막 intensifies this idea, while -지는 않다 adds contrast, giving the sense of “even if we’re not exactly/super lovey-dovey.”
남들처럼 팔짱을 딱 끼고 때로는 Like other couples, linking arms tightly sometimes
남들처럼: like other people
남 (other person / others) + -들 (plural marker) + -처럼 (like / as) → 남들처럼 (like other people)
팔짱을 딱 끼고: linking arms snugly / firmly linking arms
팔짱 (linked arms / the act of linking arms) + -을 (object particle) + 딱 (adverb emphasizing a snug, firm, or precise action) + 끼다 (to link / interlock, as with arms) + -고 (connective ending meaning “and,” linking this action to what follows)
때로는: sometimes / at times
때로 (sometimes / at times) + -는 (topic/contrast particle) → 때로는 (sometimes / at times)
위로와 진심을 담아서 서로를 위하는 것 Caring for each other with comfort and sincerity
위로와: comfort and
위로 (comfort / consolation) + -와 (and)
진심을 담아서: with sincerity / putting genuine feelings into it
진심 (sincerity / genuine feelings) + -을 (object particle) + 담다 (to put / contain / fill with) + -아서 (connective ending indicating manner or means) → 담아서 (putting into / filling with)
서로를: each other (object)
서로 (each other / one another) + -를 (object particle)
위하는 것: caring for / looking out for / the act of caring for
위하다 (to care for / do something for the sake of) + -는 (present-tense attributive ending modifying 것) + 것 (thing / act; nominalizes 위하는 into “the act of caring for” or “caring for”)
니가 무미건조한 것도 Even the fact that you're dry
니가: you (subject)
너 (you) + -가 (subject particle) → 네가 (you) → 니가 (colloquial spelling/pronunciation used to distinguish it from 내가)
무미건조한 것도: even the fact that [something] is dry / dull or emotionless
무미건조하다 (to be dry / dull / lacking in emotion) + -ㄴ (present-tense attributive ending for descriptive verbs, modifying 것) + 것 (thing / fact; nominalizes the preceding description) + -도 (particle meaning “also,” “too,” or “even,” adding emphasis or inclusion)
*Note: 무미건조하다 literally describes something as bland, dry, or lacking interest or emotion. When applied to a person in a romantic context, it suggests that they are emotionally unexpressive, detached, or lacking warmth. The ending -도 (“even” / “also”) indicates that this is one of multiple things being acknowledged or discussed, with the thought continuing into the next line.
Understand
난 항상 너의 밑에 서 있으니까 Because I'm always standing beneath you
난: I (topic)
나 (I / me) + -는 (topic particle) → 나는 (I) → 난 (contracted form of 나는)
항상: always
너의: your
너 (you) + -의 (possessive particle) → 너의 (your)
밑에: underneath / below
밑 (bottom / underneath) + -에 (location particle) → 밑에 (under / underneath)
서 있으니까: because I’m standing
서다 (to stand) + -아/어 있다 (to be in a continuing state resulting from an action) → 서 있다 (to be standing) + -(으)니까 (because / since) → 서 있으니까 (because I’m standing)
Understand
널 목마처럼 받치고 있는 Holding you up on my shoulders
널: you (object)
너 (you) + -를 (object particle) → 너를 (you) → 널 (contracted form of 너를)
목마처럼: like a piggyback ride / like carrying someone on the shoulders
목마 (riding on someone’s shoulders / shoulder ride) + -처럼 (like / as) → 목마처럼 (like [giving someone] a shoulder ride)
받치고 있는: supporting / holding up
받치다 (to support / hold up) + -고 있다 (to be doing; progressive construction) → 받치고 있다 (to be supporting / holding up) + -는 (present-tense attributive ending) → 받치고 있는 (supporting / holding up; modifies what follows)
*Note: 받치고 있는 (“supporting” / “holding up”) modifies 난 (“I”) in the following line, connecting the image of the speaker carrying the other person on his shoulders to his statement that he cannot do anything. Together, the lines suggest that he is so occupied with supporting the other person that he feels unable to do anything else.
난 아무것도 할 수가 없어 I can't do anything
난: I (topic)
나 (I / me) + -는 (topic particle) → 나는 (I) → 난 (contracted form of 나는)
아무것도: anything / nothing
아무것 (anything) + -도 (even / also; used with a negative expression to mean “nothing”) → 아무것도 (anything / nothing)
할 수가 없어: can’t do / am unable to do
하다 (to do) + -(으)ㄹ 수 없다 (cannot / be unable to) → 할 수 없다 (cannot do) + -가 (subject particle adding emphasis to 수) → 할 수가 없다 (cannot do / be unable to do) → 할 수가 없어 (can’t do / am unable to do; casual present tense)
어느새 습관이 되어 버린 썩소 Before I knew it, my bitter smile had become a habit
어느새: before one knows it / before one realizes it
습관이: habit (subject)
습관 (habit) + -이 (subject particle)
되어 버린: ended up becoming / has become
되다 (to become) + -아/어 버리다 (to end up doing / do completely, often conveying a sense of finality or an unintended/unfortunate result) → 되어 버리다 (to end up becoming) + -ㄴ (past attributive ending) → 되어 버린 (that has ended up becoming; modifies 썩소)
썩소: bitter/sardonic smile / smirk (slang referring to a bitter, cynical, sarcastic, or unpleasant smile; commonly understood as a shortened form of 썩은 미소, literally “rotten smile”)
넌 또 좋지도 나쁘지도 않다고 해 You say again that it's neither good nor bad
넌: you (topic)
너 (you) + -는 (topic particle) → 너는 (you) → 넌 (contracted form of 너는)
또: again
좋지도 나쁘지도 않다고 해: [you] say it's neither good nor bad
좋다 (to be good) + -지도 않다 (negative construction meaning “not even” / “not either”) + 나쁘다 (to be bad) + -지도 않다 (same negative construction, shared across both adjectives) + -다고 하다 (indirect quotation construction meaning “to say that,” used to report a statement) → 좋지도 나쁘지도 않다고 하다 (to say that something is neither good nor bad) + -아/어 (informal, non-polite present-tense ending) → 좋지도 나쁘지도 않다고 해 (say that it isn’t; casual present tense)
내가 앞서가니 아닌 건 아닌 건데 Am I getting ahead of myself? It's not that, but
내가: I (subject)
나 (I / me) + -가 (subject particle) → 내가 (I)
앞서가니: am I getting ahead of myself? / am I moving too far ahead?
앞서가다 (to go ahead / move ahead / get ahead of someone or something) + -니 (informal, non-polite interrogative ending used to ask a question, sometimes rhetorically) → 앞서가니 (am I getting ahead?)
아닌 건 아닌 건데: it's true that it's not the case, but... / it's not that, but...
아니다 (to not be / to not be the case) + -ㄴ (attributive ending modifying 것) + 것 (thing / fact) + -은 (topic particle) → 아닌 것은 → 아닌 건 (what is not the case) + 아니다 (to not be / to not be the case) + -ㄴ 것인데 (construction introducing a qualification, contrast, or unfinished thought) → 아닌 건데 (it isn't the case, but...)
*Note: 아닌 건 아닌 건데 is a way of acknowledging that something isn't true or isn't the case while suggesting there's more to the situation. It's similar to saying “That's not it, but...” or “It's not that, but...” in English. The repetition emphasizes the acknowledgment, while the ending -건데 introduces a contrast or leaves the thought unfinished.
내 짝 있는 짝사랑 난 바래 My one-sided love, even though I have a partner—I wish for
내: my
나 (I / me) + -의 (possessive particle) → 나의 (my) → 내 (contracted form of 나의)
짝 있는: reciprocated / with a partner
짝 (partner / match) + 있다 (to exist / have) + -는 (present-tense attributive ending) → 짝 있는 (having a partner/match; modifies 짝사랑)
짝사랑: unrequited love / one-sided love
난: I (topic)
나 (I / me) + -는 (topic particle) → 나는 (I) → 난 (contracted form of 나는)
바래: hope for / want
바라다 (to hope / wish for / want) → 바라 (hope / wish for; casual present tense); 바래 is a common colloquial form
*Note: This line plays on the word 짝 (“partner” or “match”), which also appears in 짝사랑 (“one-sided” or “unrequited love”). The phrase 짝 있는 짝사랑 (“one-sided love that has a partner”) creates a deliberate contradiction: the speaker has someone he considers his partner, yet he feels as though his love is not being reciprocated. In the context of the song, this suggests that although he is technically in a relationship, he still feels emotionally alone and longs for a love in which both people share the same feelings.
막 하는 막사랑 A love without holding back
막 하는: doing recklessly / doing without restraint / doing freely
막 (recklessly / indiscriminately / without restraint) + 하다 (to do) + -는 (present-tense attributive ending) → 막 하는 (doing recklessly / without restraint; modifies 막사랑)
막사랑: reckless love / uninhibited love
막 (recklessly / without restraint) + 사랑 (love) → 막사랑 (reckless / uninhibited love)
*Note: The repetition of 막 in 막 하는 막사랑 creates wordplay emphasizing a love pursued freely or without restraint. In the context of the preceding line, he appears to be longing for a more open and uninhibited kind of love, contrasting with the one-sided affection he currently experiences.
좀 잡아줘 Please hold me
좀: a little (often used to soften a request)
잡아줘: please hold me
잡다 (to grab / hold / catch) + -아/어 주다 (to do something for someone) → 잡아주다 (to hold/catch for someone) → 잡아줘 (please hold/catch [me]; casual present tense)
이건 꼭 상대 없는 줄다리기 같잖아 This is just like a tug-of-war with no opponent
이건: this (topic)
이것 (this / this thing) + -은 (topic particle) → 이것은 (this) → 이건 (contracted form of 이것은)
꼭: just like / exactly like
상대 없는: without an opponent / with no one on the other side
상대 (opponent / counterpart / other party) + 없다 (to not exist / not have) + -는 (present-tense attributive ending) → 상대 없는 (without an opponent; modifies 줄다리기)
줄다리기: tug-of-war
같잖아: it’s like / you know it’s like
같다 (to be like / seem like) + -잖아 (casual ending meaning “you know / as you know / after all”) → 같잖아 (it’s like, you know / you know it’s like)
*Note: The metaphor portrays the relationship as one-sided: he is putting in effort and pulling, but the other person is not pulling back. -잖아 presents this comparison as something apparent or recognizable to the listener, giving a sense like “you know” or “after all.”
What you say
Ah baby don’t you play
니가 불길이라도 꿋꿋이 걸을게 Even if you're a path of fire, I'll keep walking steadfastly
니가: you (subject)
너 (you) + -가 (subject particle) → 네가 (you) → 니가 (colloquial spelling/pronunciation used to distinguish it from 내가)
불길이라도: even if it's a blaze / even if it's a path of fire
불길 (flames / blaze; potentially also suggesting 불 [fire] + 길 [path / road]) + -(이)라도 (particle meaning “even if it's” / “even something like”) → 불길이라도 (even if it's a blaze / even if it's a path of fire)
*Note: 불길 ordinarily means “flames” or “blaze,” but it can also evoke the combination of 불 (“fire”) and 길 (“path” or “road”). In the lyric 니가 불길이라도 꿋꿋이 걸을게 (“Even if you're a path of flames, I'll keep walking”), the verb 걸을게 (“I'll walk”) makes this possible wordplay particularly meaningful. He may be comparing the other person to both a dangerous blaze (approaching them could be painful or dangerous) and a difficult path that he is determined to keep walking. Although “path of fire” is not the usual dictionary meaning of 불길, the imagery allows both interpretations to resonate.
꿋꿋이: steadfastly / resolutely / unwaveringly
걸을게: I’ll walk
걷다 (to walk) + -(으)ㄹ게 (casual ending expressing the speaker’s intention or promise) → 걸을게 (I’ll walk / I’ll keep walking)
그러니까 제발 모르는 사람 보는 듯한 눈빛으로 날 보지 마 So please don't look at me as if I'm someone you don't know
그러니까: so / therefore / that’s why
제발: please
모르는: unknown / that [you] don’t know
모르다 (to not know) + -는 (present-tense attributive ending) → 모르는 (that [you] don’t know; modifies 사람)
사람: person
보는 듯한: as if looking at / seeming to look at
보다 (to see / look at) + -는 듯하다 (to seem as though / as if) → 보는 듯하다 (to seem as though [one] is looking at) + -ㄴ (attributive ending) → 보는 듯한 (as if looking at; modifies 눈빛)
눈빛으로: with a look / with an expression in [your] eyes
눈빛 (look / expression in one’s eyes) + -(으)로 (with / by means of) → 눈빛으로 (with a look in [one’s] eyes)
날: me (object)
나 (I / me) + -를 (object particle) → 나를 (me) → 날 (contracted form of 나를)
보지 마: don’t look at [me]
보다 (to see / look at) + -지 말다 (do not) → 보지 말다 (to not look) → 보지 마 (don’t look; casual present / imperative tense)
*Note: 모르는 modifies 사람, forming 모르는 사람 (“a person [you] don’t know” / “a stranger”). 보는 듯한 modifies 눈빛, forming 모르는 사람 보는 듯한 눈빛 (“a look as if [you’re] looking at someone you don’t know”). The literal image is “don’t look at me with eyes that seem to be looking at a stranger,” which naturally becomes “don’t look at me like I’m a stranger.”
자꾸 내가 네게 아무것도 아니던 그때가 생각나니까 Because it keeps reminding me of the days when I meant nothing to you
자꾸: repeatedly / keep
내가: I (subject)
나 (I / me) + -가 (subject particle) → 내가 (I)
네게: to you
너 (you) + -에게 (to) → 네게 (contracted form of 너에게)
아무것도: anything / nothing
아무것 (anything) + -도 (even / also; used with a negative expression to mean “nothing”) → 아무것도 (anything / nothing)
아니던: was not / used to not be
아니다 (to not be) + -던 (retrospective attributive ending used to recall a past state) → 아니던 (was not / used to not be; modifies 그때)
그때가: that time / those days (subject)
그때 (that time / then) + -가 (subject particle)
생각나니까: because I remember / because it reminds me of
생각나다 (to come to mind / be reminded of) + -(으)니까 (because / since) → 생각나니까 (because [it] comes to mind / because I remember)
*Note: 내가 네게 아무것도 아니던 modifies 그때, forming 내가 네게 아무것도 아니던 그때 (“the time when I was nothing to you”). -던 looks back retrospectively on the speaker’s past state of being “nothing” to the other person. 자꾸 adds the sense that memories of that time keep coming back to the speaker.
What am I to you girl
What am I to you
I do love you crazy uh do you
이랬다 저랬다 사람 A person who goes back and forth
이랬다 저랬다: back and forth / this way and that / inconsistent (literally “doing this, then doing that")
이러다 (to be/do like this) → 이랬다 (was/did like this) + 저러다 (to be/do like that) → 저랬다 (was/did like that) → 이랬다 저랬다 (going back and forth / being inconsistent)
사람: person
*Note: 이랬다 저랬다 describes repeatedly changing between one way and another, so when used with 사람, it characterizes someone as inconsistent, indecisive, or changeable.
맘 좀 헷갈리게 하지 마 Don't confuse my heart
맘: heart / feelings (contracted form of 마음)
좀: a little (often used to soften a request, giving the sense of “please”)
헷갈리게 하지 마: don’t confuse / don’t make [someone] confused
헷갈리다 (to be confused) + -게 하다 (to make/cause someone to do or become) → 헷갈리게 하다 (to confuse / make [someone] confused) + -지 말다 (do not) → 헷갈리게 하지 말다 (to not confuse) → 헷갈리게 하지 마 (don’t confuse; casual imperative tense)
자꾸 이딴식일 거면 If you're going to keep being this way
자꾸: repeatedly / keep
이딴식일 거면: if it's going to be like this / if this is how it's going to be
이딴 (this kind of / this sort of; disparaging or dismissive form) + 식 (way / manner) + -이다 (to be) + -(으)ㄹ 거면 (conditional construction combining the future/assumptive attributive ending -(으)ㄹ, the dependent noun 것 [thing / situation], and -(이)면 [if]; expresses “if something is going to be the case”) → 이딴식일 거면 (if it's going to be like this)
*Note: 이딴 conveys irritation or contempt, making the phrase more dismissive than simply saying “if it's going to be like this.”
계약서에 도장 찍자 Let’s stamp the contract
계약서에: on the contract
계약서 (contract / agreement) + -에 (location particle) → 계약서에 (on the contract)
도장: seal / stamp
찍자: let’s stamp
찍다 (to stamp / affix) + -자 (casual ending meaning “let’s”) → 찍자 (let’s stamp)
*Note: 도장을 찍다 literally means “to stamp a seal” and is a common expression for formally signing or finalizing an agreement or contract. The object particle -을 is omitted after 도장, which is common in casual speech.
하루에 뽀뽀 몇 번 카톡 몇 번 How many kisses a day, how many messages?
하루에: per day / in a day
하루 (one day / a day) + -에 (per / in) → 하루에 (per day / in a day)
뽀뽀: kiss / kisses (cute/affectionate word for a kiss)
몇 번: how many times / a certain number of times
몇 (how many / several) + 번 (time / occurrence) → 몇 번 (how many times)
카톡: KakaoTalk / KakaoTalk messages (shortened form of 카카오톡 [KakaoTalk]; can refer to messaging someone through KakaoTalk)
몇 번: how many times / a certain number of times
몇 (how many / several) + 번 (time / occurrence) → 몇 번 (how many times)
*Note: This continues the idea of a 계약서 (“contract”) from the previous line. He lists things that could be specified in a relationship contract, such as how many kisses and KakaoTalk messages they should exchange each day.
그래 그렇게까지 해놓으면 Yeah, if we go that far
그래: yeah / okay / right
그렇게까지: that far / to that extent
그렇게 (like that / in that way) + -까지 (up to / as far as / even) → 그렇게까지 (to that extent / that far)
해놓으면: if [we] do it and have it set that way / if [we] set it up
하다 (to do) + -아/어 놓다 (to do something and leave/keep it in that resulting state) → 해놓다 (to do/set something up and leave it that way) + -(으)면 (if / when) → 해놓으면 (if [we] set it up / if [we] do it and leave it that way)
*Note: -아/어 놓다 indicates that an action is completed and its resulting state is maintained. Here, 그렇게까지 해놓으면 refers back to setting out the relationship terms in detail, such as how many kisses and messages there should be each day. -까지 adds the sense of going “that far” or “to that extent.”
속이 좀 시원해질까 Would I feel a little better?
속이: inside (subject)
속 (inside / inner feelings) + -이 (subject particle)
좀: a little / somewhat
시원해질까: will [I] feel relieved? / I wonder if [I’ll] feel better
시원하다 (to be refreshing / relieved) + -아/어지다 (to become / come to be) → 시원해지다 (to become refreshed / feel relieved) + -(으)ㄹ까 (ending expressing wondering or uncertainty about what will happen) → 시원해질까 (will [I] feel relieved? / I wonder if [I’ll] feel better)
*Note: 속이 시원하다 literally describes one’s “inside” as feeling cool or refreshed, but idiomatically means to feel relieved, satisfied, or as though something has been gotten off one’s chest. -(으)ㄹ까 expresses the speaker wondering whether establishing all those relationship terms would actually make them feel more at ease.
What am I to you girl What am I to you I do love you crazy uh do you
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BTS Lyric Translations (@btslyrictranslations)
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