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BTS ‘상남자 (Boy In Luv)’ Lyrics Explained – Learn Korean with BTS

  • Writer: BTS Lyric Translations
    BTS Lyric Translations
  • Apr 22
  • 30 min read

Updated: Aug 27




BTS (방탄소년단) - '상남자 (Boy In Luv)' Lyrics (With English Translation & Korean Grammar/Vocabulary Notes)



[All] : 되고파 너의 오빠 I want to be your oppa


되고파: I want to become

  • From 되다 (verb): to become

  • -고파 is a contraction of -고 싶어 하다 or -고 싶다, which means to want to (do something). (되고파 = 되고 싶어)


너의: your

  • 너 = you (informal)

  • -의 = possessive particle, like ’s in English


오빠: older guy / romantic interest (from a female speaker’s POV)

  • Literally means older brother when spoken by a female, but in romantic contexts, it’s used by women to refer to their older boyfriend or crush. Here, it’s used with that romantic nuance.


너의 사랑이 난 너무 고파 I'm so hungry for your love


너의: your

  • 너 = you (informal)

  • -의 = possessive particle


사랑이: love (as the subject of the sentence)

  • 사랑 = love

  • -이 = subject particle (attached to nouns ending in consonants)


난: as for me / I

  • Contraction of 나는

    • 나 = I, me

    • -는 = topic particle


너무: Too much, so much, or very — intensifier


고파: am hungry

  • From 고프다 = to be hungry or to crave / want (something strongly)

  • 고파 is the informal present tense form


되고파 너의 오빠 I want to be your oppa


되고파: I want to become

  • From 되다 (verb): to become

  • -고파 is a contraction of -고 싶어 하다 or -고 싶다, which means to want to (do something). (되고파 = 되고 싶어)


너의: your

  • 너 = you (informal)

  • -의 = possessive particle, like ’s in English


오빠: older guy / romantic interest (from a female speaker’s POV)

  • Literally means older brother when spoken by a female, but in romantic contexts, it’s used by women to refer to their older boyfriend or crush. Here, it’s used with that romantic nuance.


널 갖고 말 거야 두고 봐 I'm going to have you, you'll see


널: you (object)

  • Contraction of 너를

    • 너 = you (informal)

    • -를 = object particle


갖고 말 거야: I will make you mine no matter what (Literally: I will end up having you)

  • 갖다 = to have, to take, to possess

  • -고 말 거야 = “I will do it (for sure)”

    • -고 말다 is a grammar ending that shows an action will definitely happen in the end, often with a sense of determination or inevitability.

    • -거야 is a future tense expression used for emphasis in casual speech, like “I will / I’m going to.”


[V] : 왜 내 맘을 흔드는 건데 Why are you shaking my heart?


왜: Why — a question word


내 맘을: my heart / my feelings (as the object of the action)

  • 내 = my (informal)

  • 맘 = short form of 마음 = heart / feelings / emotions

  • -을 = object particle (attached to nouns ending in consonants)


흔드는 건데: shaking / disturbing / stirring (something)

  • 흔들다 = to shake / to sway / to stir up

  • 흔드는 것 = “to shake” → “shaking” or “the thing that shakes” or “The act of shaking”

    • When you attach -는 (present tense verb modifier) to a verb and then add 것, you’re creating a noun clause — a phrase that acts like a noun.

  • -ㄴ데 / -은데 / -인데 = connective ending that gives background, contrast, or leads into something else. It can be used when asking a question (expecting some explanation about a situation or behavior). Or when showing surprise or exclamation.


왜 내 맘을 흔드는 건데 Why are you shaking my heart?


왜: Why — a question word


내 맘을: my heart / my feelings (as the object of the action)

  • 내 = my (informal)

  • 맘 = short form of 마음 = heart / feelings / emotions

  • -을 = object particle (attached to nouns ending in consonants)


흔드는 건데: shaking / disturbing / stirring (something)

  • 흔들다 = to shake / to sway / to stir up

  • 흔드는 것 = “to shake” → “shaking” or “the thing that shakes” or “The act of shaking”

    • When you attach -는 (present tense verb modifier) to a verb and then add 것, you’re creating a noun clause — a phrase that acts like a noun.

  • -ㄴ데 / -은데 / -인데 = connective ending that gives background, contrast, or leads into something else. It can be used when asking a question (expecting some explanation about a situation or behavior). Or when showing surprise or exclamation.


왜 내 맘을 흔드는 건데 Why are you shaking my heart?


왜: Why — a question word


내 맘을: my heart / my feelings (as the object of the action)

  • 내 = my (informal)

  • 맘 = short form of 마음 = heart / feelings / emotions

  • -을 = object particle (attached to nouns ending in consonants)


흔드는 건데: shaking / disturbing / stirring (something)

  • 흔들다 = to shake / to sway / to stir up

  • 흔드는 것 = “to shake” → “shaking” or “the thing that shakes” or “The act of shaking”

    • When you attach -는 (present tense verb modifier) to a verb and then add 것, you’re creating a noun clause — a phrase that acts like a noun.

  • -ㄴ데 / -은데 / -인데 = connective ending that gives background, contrast, or leads into something else. It can be used when asking a question (expecting some explanation about a situation or behavior). Or when showing surprise or exclamation.


흔드는 건데 흔드는 건데 You're shaking it, shaking it


흔드는 건데: shaking / disturbing / stirring (something)

  • 흔들다 = to shake / to sway / to stir up

  • 흔드는 것 = “to shake” → “shaking” or “the thing that shakes” or “The act of shaking”

    • When you attach -는 (present tense verb modifier) to a verb and then add 것, you’re creating a noun clause — a phrase that acts like a noun.

  • -ㄴ데 / -은데 / -인데 = connective ending that gives background, contrast, or leads into something else. It can be used when asking a question (expecting some explanation about a situation or behavior). Or when showing surprise or exclamation.

[Jungkook] : 아빠, 아빤 대체 어떻게 Dad, how on earth


아빠: Dad / Daddy — casual and affectionate


아빤: as for Dad / Dad, you…

  • Contraction of 아빠는

  • -는 = topic particle


대체: Literally means substitution or alternative, but in spoken Korean, it's used as an intensifier in questions, similar to saying “seriously” or “what the hell” in English — depending on tone.

  • "대체 어떻게" = "how on earth" / "how the heck" / "just how"


어떻게: How

엄마한테 고백한 건지 did you confess to mom?


엄마한테: to Mom

  • 엄마 = Mom

  • -한테 = particle meaning to (someone) (used with people when giving, saying, or doing something toward them)


고백한 건지: confessed

  • 고백한 것 is a noun phrase meaning “confessed” or “the thing that was confessed”

    • When you attach -ㄴ (past tense verb modifier) to a verb and then add 것, you’re creating a noun clause — a phrase that acts like a noun.

  • -ㄴ지 / -은지 means “whether it is…”, “if it is…”, or “I wonder if…”


편지라도 써야 될런지 Should I write a letter?

편지라도: maybe a letter / even a letter / I guess a letter…

  • 편지 = letter

  • -라도 = a particle meaning at least / even / I guess I could try

    • It implies that the speaker isn’t sure it’s the best option, but they might try it anyway, often used when you’re settling for something


써야 될런지 = “whether I should write (it)” / “if I have to write (it)” / “not sure if I need to write (it)”

  • 쓰다 = to write / to use

  • 써야 되다 = “must write” / “need to write”

    • using -아/어/여 + -야 되다/하다 to say things such as “I have to…” or “I should…”

  • -ㄹ런지 / -을런지 = wondering if, not sure whether

    • This is colloquial and softer than just 써야 될지.Often used when someone is talking to themselves, thinking aloud, or hesitating. It adds a tentative, almost wondering or speculative feeling.


뭔지, 니 앞에서 난 먼지 What is this, I'm dust in front of you


뭔지 = what it is / what this even means

  • 뭐 → informal contraction of 무엇, meaning "what"

  • 인지 → a connective/ending form of 이다 (to be) + -ㄴ지, used to indicate indirect questioning or wondering/knowing/asking about something


니 앞에서 = in front of you

  • 니 = you (informal, spoken version of 너)

  • 앞에서 = in front of / when I’m in front of (you)

    • 앞 = front

    • -에서 = location particle (at / in / from)


난 먼지 = I am dust

  • 난 = 나는 (I + topic particle)

  • 먼지 = dust

  • This is a metaphor: I feel small, worthless, insignificant


“뭔지, 니 앞에서 난 먼지”

This line is most likely wordplay — hinging on the sound similarity between 뭔지 (what it is) and 먼지 (dust).

[RM] : 괜히 틱틱대고 씩씩대고 징징대게 돼 For no reason, I snap and huff and puff and end up whining


괜히 = for no real reason / unnecessarily


틱틱대고 = I snap (at people), and…

  • From 틱틱대다 meaning to speak snappily, be irritable or short-tempered

  • -고 = connective ending → “and”


씩씩대고 = I huff and puff, and…

  • From 씩씩대다 meaning to huff and puff in anger or frustration

  • Again, -고 = “and”


징징대게 돼 = I end up whining

  • From 징징대다 meaning to whine, complain, pout

  • -게 되다 = grammar pattern meaning “to end up doing…” or “to find yourself doing…”


나는 진지한데 찌질하게 시비나 걸게 돼 I'm serious, but pathetically, I end up picking a fight


나는 = As for me / I

  • 나 = I / me

  • -는 = topic particle


진지한데 = I’m serious, but…

  • 진지하다 (adj.) = to be serious

  • -ㄴ데 = a connective ending that can be used to:

    • Contrast two things (“but…”)

    • Provide background/context before saying something else (“so…” or “well…”)

    • Trail off a sentence to imply something unspoken


찌질하게 = in a pathetic/petty way

  • 찌질하다 = slangy term meaning pathetic, lame, petty, or whiny

  • -게 = turns it into an adverb (how something is done)


시비나 걸게 돼 = I end up picking a fight (even though I don’t mean to)

  • 시비를 걸다 = to pick a fight, to provoke an argument, to nitpick

  • 시비 = dispute, quarrel

  • 걸게 돼 = from 걸다 + -게 되다

    • -게 되다 = grammar meaning “end up doing…” (unintentionally or unwillingly)

  • -나 = softener or filler, like “or something”, sometimes adds a feeling of hesitation or resignation


뭔데 신경 쓰여 다 큰 날 애로 만들어 What are you, that you’re on my mind like this, making a grown adult like me into a child?


뭔데 = What is it about you…? / What are you, seriously…?

  • Short for 뭐인데 → 뭐 (what) + 인데 (is but / is and… / background info)


신경 쓰여 = You’re on my mind / I can’t stop thinking about you / You bother me (emotionally)

  • From 신경 쓰이다 = passive form of 신경 쓰다

  • 신경 쓰다 = to care about / to worry about / to be bothered by something

  • 쓰이다 = passive = to be cared about / to be on my mind


다 큰 날 = me, a fully grown adult

  • 다 크다 = to be fully grown / all grown up

  • 다 큰 = fully grown (adjective)

  • 날 = 나 + -를 = me (object form)


애로 만들어 = make (me) a child / turn (me) into a kid

  • 애 = child

  • -로 만들다 = to make someone into (something)


거꾸로 뒤집을껴, 인연을 연인으로 I'll flip this around, turn this connection into a relationship


거꾸로 = upside down, in reverse, backward


뒤집을껴 = I’m gonna flip it (around)

  • From 뒤집다 = to flip / to turn over / to reverse

  • 뒤집을껴 = future/tentative form → will flip / gonna flip

    • 껴 = dialectal ending (likely from Gyeongsang-do or similar), equivalent to 거야 in standard speech

    • So, 뒤집을껴 = 뒤집을 거야


인연을 = the connection / the fate (as the object)

  • 인연 = fate, connection, relationship (by chance or destiny)

  • -을 = object particle


연인으로 = into lovers / as romantic partners

  • 연인 = lover / romantic partner

  • -으로 = particle meaning into / as / toward

  • 인연을 연인으로 translates to "Turn a connection into a lover" or "Change a bond into a romantic relationship."


This line uses contrast and wordplay: 인연 (fate) → 연인 (lover)

Same syllables, just reversed — both literally and emotionally. It’s a strong declaration of determined love, where the speaker is actively trying to change the course of destiny.


[j-hope] : 대학까지도 너랑 간다면 참 잘 갈 것 같아 If I even went to college with you, I think it’d go really well


대학까지도 = even to college / if we even go to college (together)

  • 대학 = college / university

  • -까지 = up to

  • -도 = also / even


너랑 = with you

  • 너 = you

  • -랑 = with (casual)


간다면 = if (I/we) go

  • From 가다 = to go

  • -다면 = if (hypothetical conditional form)


 = really / truly / so


잘 갈 것 같아 = I think it would go really well / I think it’d be great

  • 잘 가다 = to go well / go smoothly / succeed

  • -을 것 같아 = guessing or assuming something (like “I think / it seems like”)


가나다라마바사아 하쿠나마타타! ABCDEFGH Hakuna Matata


가나다라마바사아: This is the beginning of the Korean alphabet:

  • 가 나 다 라 마 바 사 아

  • Used like “A-B-C-D…” in English — playful or to symbolize basics, rhythm, or even emotional buildup.


하쿠나마타타!: Hakuna Matata!”

  • Borrowed from Swahili via The Lion King

  • Means: “No worries!” or “Don’t worry, be happy”


“A-B-C-D-E-F-G… Hakuna Matata!”

(Let it flow — no worries!)


똑같은 프로필 사진 왜 자꾸 확인할까 Why do I keep checking the same profile picture over and over?


똑같은 = the same

  • From 똑같다 = to be identical / the same

  • 똑같은 = adjective form = same / identical


프로필 사진 = profile picture

  • 프로필 = profile

  • 사진 = photo / picture


 = why

  • Rhetorical here — the speaker already knows it’s irrational


자꾸 = repeatedly / again and again / over and over


확인할까 = Why do I keep checking? / Do I check it again?

  • From 확인하다 = to check / to confirm

  • -할까 = ending expressing self-questioning, wondering, or hesitation.


그렇다고 착각하지마 쉬운 남자 아냐 But don't get me wrong, I'm not an easy guy


그렇다고 = Even so / just because of that

  • 그렇다 = to be so / to be like that

  • -다고 (originally a quotation marker) here functions as a clause-ending nominalizer.

    It turns “그렇다” (a descriptive statement) into “that it is so.”

    • 그렇다고 = “(the fact) that it is so.”


착각하지마 = Don’t misunderstand / don’t get the wrong idea

  • 착각하다 = to misunderstand / to be mistaken

  • -지마 =  informal imperative (don’t), used when telling someone not to do something


쉬운 = easy / simple (used here to describe someone as easy to get or simple)

  • 쉽다 = to be easy

  • 쉬운 = adjective form of 쉽다 (easy)


남자 = guy / man


아냐 = I’m not

  • 아니다 = to not be

  • 아냐 = 아니야 (casual “is not”)


[Vocal line] : 안달 났어 나 안달 났어 I'm so nervous, I'm so nervous


안달 났어 = I’m restless / I’m so impatient

  • 안달 → a noun meaning impatience, anxious desire, nervous restlessness, or being worked up over something.

  • 나다 = to arise, occur, happen

    • 났어 = past tense, casual → happened / arose. In this context, it’s used to show that the feeling has already arrived or is currently affecting the speaker.

      So: 안달 났어 = Impatience has arisen → More naturally: I’m all worked up / I’m restless / I’m dying to (do something)


 = I / me (informal, used when speaking casually or with people close to you)

니가 뭔데? 너만 잘났어? Who are you? Are you that great?


니가 = you (subject of the sentence)


뭔데? = What’s your deal? or Who do you think you are?

  • Short for 뭐인데 → 뭐 (what) + 인데 (is but / is and… / background info)


너만 = only you or just you

  • 너 = you

  • -만 = only / just


잘났어? = Are you so great? or Are you that amazing?

  • 잘나다 = to be good at something / to be great / to be outstanding

  • In real usage, it’s often sarcastic: “Oh, you think you’re so great?” It’s not usually genuine praise; more like teasing or criticizing arrogance.

    • 잘났어 (past tense, casual)


왜 나를 자꾸 놀려 놀려 Why do you keep teasing me?


 = why


나를 = me (as the object of the action)

  • 나 = I / me (informal)

  • -를 = object particle (marks the direct object of the sentence)


자꾸 = repeatedly / over and over


놀려 = tease me

  • 놀리다 = to tease / to make fun of


너 이제 그만 hol’ up hol’ up Stop it now, hol' up hol' up


 = you (informal)


이제 = now / from now on


그만 = stop / enough

[Jungkook] : 꽉 잡아 날 덮치기 전에 Hold on tight to me before I pounce on you


꽉 잡아 = Hold me tight or Grab me firmly

  • 꽉 = tight / firmly

  • 잡다 = to grab / to hold

  • -아 = informal imperative ending


 = me (as the object of the action)

  • 날 = contraction of 나를, where 나 = I / me and -를 = object particle


덮치기 전에 = before (I) pounce on you / before (I) attack you

  • 덮치다 = to pounce on / to attack (literally or metaphorically)

    • In romantic or dramatic contexts, it can imply an intense physical approach (sometimes flirtatious, sometimes literal)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


내 맘이 널 놓치기 전에 Before my heart lets you go


내 맘이 = my heart or my feelings

  • 내 = my (informal possessive form of 나, meaning “I” or “me”)

  • 맘 = contraction of 마음 = heart / mind. This refers to the speaker’s emotions or inner feelings


 = you (as the object of the action)

  • 너 = you (informal, used when addressing someone close or younger)

  • -를 = object particle, marking 너 as the direct object of the sentence


놓치기 전에 = before I lose you / before I miss you

  • 놓치다 = to miss / to lose (in terms of losing something or someone important, either physically or emotionally)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


“Before my heart loses you.”

“Before I lose you in my heart.”


[V] : Say what you want

Say what you want


니가 진짜로 원하는 게 뭐야 What do you really want?


니가 = you (as the subject of the sentence)


진짜로 = really or truly

  • 진짜 = real / genuine

  • -로 = adverbial particle (turns the adjective into an adverb)


원하는 게 = the thing (you) want

  • 원하다 = to want

  • 원하는 = wanted / desiring. It modifies the noun 게 (thing) that follows.

  • 게 = shortened form of 것이 = thing (as subject)


뭐야 = what is it? or what’s that?

  • 뭐 = what

  • -야 = informal copula (is/am/are, casual)

 

[Jimin] : 꽉 잡아 날 덮치기 전에 Hold on tight to me before I pounce on you


꽉 잡아 = Hold me tight or Grab me firmly

  • 꽉 = tight / firmly

  • 잡다 = to grab / to hold

  • -아 = informal imperative ending


 = me (as the object of the action)

  • 날 = contraction of 나를, where 나 = I / me and -를 = object particle


덮치기 전에 = before (I) pounce on you / before (I) attack you

  • 덮치다 = to pounce on / to attack (literally or metaphorically)

    • In romantic or dramatic contexts, it can imply an intense physical approach (sometimes flirtatious, sometimes literal)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


내 맘이 널 놓치기 전에 Before my heart lets you go


내 맘이 = my heart or my feelings

  • 내 = my (informal possessive form of 나, meaning “I” or “me”)

  • 맘 = contraction of 마음 = heart / mind. This refers to the speaker’s emotions or inner feelings


 = you (as the object of the action)

  • 너 = you (informal, used when addressing someone close or younger)

  • -를 = object particle, marking 너 as the direct object of the sentence


놓치기 전에 = before I lose you / before I miss you

  • 놓치다 = to miss / to lose (in terms of losing something or someone important, either physically or emotionally)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


“Before my heart loses you.”

“Before I lose you in my heart.”


[Jin] : Say what you want


Say what you want


니가 진짜로 원하는 게 뭐야 What do you really want?


니가 = you (as the subject of the sentence)


진짜로 = really or truly

  • 진짜 = real / genuine

  • -로 = adverbial particle (turns the adjective into an adverb)


원하는 게 = the thing (you) want

  • 원하다 = to want

  • 원하는 = wanted / desiring. It modifies the noun 게 (thing) that follows.

  • 게 = shortened form of 것이 = thing (as subject)


뭐야 = what is it? or what’s that?

  • 뭐 = what

  • -야 = informal copula (is/am/are, casual)


[V] : 왜 내 맘을 흔드는 건데 Why are you shaking my heart?


왜: Why — a question word


내 맘을: my heart / my feelings (as the object of the action)

  • 내 = my (informal)

  • 맘 = short form of 마음 = heart / feelings / emotions

  • -을 = object particle (attached to nouns ending in consonants)


흔드는 건데: shaking / disturbing / stirring (something)

  • 흔들다 = to shake / to sway / to stir up

  • 흔드는 것 = “to shake” → “shaking” or “the thing that shakes” or “The act of shaking”

    • When you attach -는 (present tense verb modifier) to a verb and then add 것, you’re creating a noun clause — a phrase that acts like a noun.

  • -ㄴ데 / -은데 / -인데 = connective ending that gives background, contrast, or leads into something else. It can be used when asking a question (expecting some explanation about a situation or behavior). Or when showing surprise or exclamation.


왜 내 맘을 흔드는 건데 Why are you shaking my heart?


왜: Why — a question word


내 맘을: my heart / my feelings (as the object of the action)

  • 내 = my (informal)

  • 맘 = short form of 마음 = heart / feelings / emotions

  • -을 = object particle (attached to nouns ending in consonants)


흔드는 건데: shaking / disturbing / stirring (something)

  • 흔들다 = to shake / to sway / to stir up

  • 흔드는 것 = “to shake” → “shaking” or “the thing that shakes” or “The act of shaking”

    • When you attach -는 (present tense verb modifier) to a verb and then add 것, you’re creating a noun clause — a phrase that acts like a noun.

  • -ㄴ데 / -은데 / -인데 = connective ending that gives background, contrast, or leads into something else. It can be used when asking a question (expecting some explanation about a situation or behavior). Or when showing surprise or exclamation.


왜 내 맘을 흔드는 건데 Why are you shaking my heart?


왜: Why — a question word


내 맘을: my heart / my feelings (as the object of the action)

  • 내 = my (informal)

  • 맘 = short form of 마음 = heart / feelings / emotions

  • -을 = object particle (attached to nouns ending in consonants)


흔드는 건데: shaking / disturbing / stirring (something)

  • 흔들다 = to shake / to sway / to stir up

  • 흔드는 것 = “to shake” → “shaking” or “the thing that shakes” or “The act of shaking”

    • When you attach -는 (present tense verb modifier) to a verb and then add 것, you’re creating a noun clause — a phrase that acts like a noun.

  • -ㄴ데 / -은데 / -인데 = connective ending that gives background, contrast, or leads into something else. It can be used when asking a question (expecting some explanation about a situation or behavior). Or when showing surprise or exclamation.


흔드는 건데 흔드는 건데 You're shaking it, shaking it


흔드는 건데: shaking / disturbing / stirring (something)

  • 흔들다 = to shake / to sway / to stir up

  • 흔드는 것 = “to shake” → “shaking” or “the thing that shakes” or “The act of shaking”

    • When you attach -는 (present tense verb modifier) to a verb and then add 것, you’re creating a noun clause — a phrase that acts like a noun.

  • -ㄴ데 / -은데 / -인데 = connective ending that gives background, contrast, or leads into something else. It can be used when asking a question (expecting some explanation about a situation or behavior). Or when showing surprise or exclamation.

 

[Suga] : 겉으론 bad bad girl, 속은 더 bad bad girl On the outside, you're a bad bad girl, but on the inside, you're even more of a bad bad girl


겉으론 = on the outside or outwardly

  • 겉 = outside / outward appearance

  • -으로 = direction/means particle

  • -는 = topic particle (겉으로는 → 겉으론)


속은 = inside (the person) or internally

  • 속 = inside / inner feelings

  • -은 = topic particle


 = more


나 같은 남잘 놓치면 후회하게 될 걸 If you miss a guy like me, you'll regret it


나 같은 남잘 = a man like me (as the object of the action)

  • 나 = I / me (informal, used when referring to oneself)

  • 같은 = like / similar to

  • 남자 = man

  • -를 = object particle (marks the direct object of the sentence)


놓치면 = if you miss / if you lose

  • 놓치다 = to miss / to lose

  • -면 = conditional ending, meaning if or when


후회하게 될 걸 = You're going to end up regretting this

  • 후회하다 = to regret

  • Verb stem + -게 되다 = "to end up doing (something)", or "to come to be (a certain way)"

  • -ㄹ/을 걸 is a casual, often teasing or speculative way to express a future outcome, usually with a nuance of “you’ll see” or “I bet.” It can be predictive, assumptive, or softly warning.


메신저 확인해놓고 누르지 않는 너의 행위 Your habit of checking messenger and not responding


메신저: “Messenger” (like a messaging app)


확인해놓고: after checking (and leaving it that way)

  • 확인하다 = to check / to confirm

  • -해놓다 = to do something and leave it that way (completion + intent to leave as-is)

  • -고 = and / after (connecting clause particle)


누르지 않는: not pressing (modifier describing "너의 행위")

  • 누르다 = to press / to click (like a message or a button)

  • -지 않다 = not (negation pattern)

  • -는 = present tense modifier for verbs (turns verb into adjective to describe a noun)


너의: “your.”


행위 is a formal word for “act” or “behavior.”


Put together, the sentence literally means: “Your act of checking the messenger and not clicking (on it).” More naturally in English, you might say: “The way you check the message and don’t click on it.” or “You saw the message but didn’t open it—that’s your behavior.”


“1” 자리 없어 짐과 동시에 속만 타지 As soon as the "1" disappears, I get nervous


“1” 자리: Literally “the ‘1’ spot” or “first place.”

  • 자리 means seat, position, or spot.

  • KakaoTalk, the dominant messaging app in Korea, shows the number of people who haven’t read your message yet. In a 1-on-1 chat, this means if you send a message and see a “1”, the other person hasn’t read it yet. When that “1” disappears, it means they’ve read it — but if they don’t reply, it can feel anxiety-inducing, like you’re being ignored.


없어 짐: “the act of disappearing” or “disappearance.”

  • Comes from 없어지다, which means “to disappear” or “to be gone.”

  • It’s a verb that combines 없다 (to not exist) and -어지다 (a passive/change-of-state ending).

  • In this case, it’s turned into a noun with -ㅁ, so 없어짐 means “the act of disappearing” or “disappearance.” (The space between 없어 and 짐 is likely stylistic.)


-과 동시에 = at the same time as / simultaneously with

  • 과 = with / and (formal particle used mostly in writing)

  • 동시에 = at the same time

  • 없어짐과 동시에 = at the same time the “1” disappears


속만 타지 = only my insides burn

  • 속 = inside / internal feelings (often refers to emotional state)

  • -만 = only

  • 타다 = to burn

  • -지 = ending used to express a kind of descriptive statement or emotional commentary (similar to saying “it burns, you know?” or “it really does burn”)


네비게이션이나 살까봐 Maybe I should buy a GPS


네비게이션이나 = maybe a GPS / a GPS or something

  • 네비게이션 means “navigation” or “GPS.”

  • -이나 is a particle with a few uses. Here, it suggests “maybe” or “I guess I’ll just…” — it implies the speaker is considering something as an option, often not their first choice. There’s also a bit of resignation or casualness to it.


살까봐 = I might buy (it) / I'm thinking I might buy (it)

  • 사다 = to buy

  • -ㄹ까봐 = (because I) might… / I'm thinking I might… / for fear that I might…


[RM] : (빠름 빠름 빠름) (fast fast fast)


(빠름 빠름 빠름): “Fast, fast, fast!”

  • This is a playful repetition of the word 빠름, which is the noun form of 빠르다, meaning “fast.”

  • But there’s a bit more context: this phrase became famous from a commercial jingle by LG U+ (formerly LG Telecom) for their fast service—especially their mobile or internet speed. It became kind of a meme in Korea and is often used humorously to talk about speed or urgency.


[Suga] : 어필하려고 계속 난 To appeal to you I keep on


어필하려고: “To try to appeal” or “In order to show off (myself)” / “trying to make an impression”

  • This comes from the Konglish verb 어필하다, which comes from the English “appeal”, but in Korean, it often means to show off, promote oneself, or make oneself attractive or noticeable, especially to others (romantically, professionally, etc.).

  • 어필하다 = to appeal (to someone), to try to stand out, show your charm

  • -려고 = connects to the verb to show intention or purpose. It means “in order to…” or “trying to…”


계속 = continuously / constantly / repeatedly


 = I (as the topic of the sentence)

  • 나 = I / me (informal)

  • -는 = topic particle

  • 나는 → 난 (contracted form)

[RM] : (아둥 바둥 바둥) (struggling, struggling, struggling)


(아둥 바둥 바둥): “(Struggling and scrambling)” / “(Frantically trying)” / “(Desperately hustling)”

  • This is an onomatopoeic phrase, mimicking frantic, clumsy, or desperate movement. The base expression is 아둥바둥, which describes struggling hard—like flailing around trying to survive, achieve something, or just get by.

[Suga] : 진심? (I got ‘em) 뒷심? (I got ‘em) Sincereity? (I got 'em) Endurance (I got 'em)


진심 = “sincerity” or “true feelings.”


뒷심 = literally translates to “back strength”, but idiomatically, it means endurance, staying power, or the strength you show at the end, especially when things get tough.


내가 유일하게 갖지 못한 건 너의 The only thing I couldn’t have was your…


내가 = I (as the subject)


유일하게 = only / solely / uniquely

  • 유일하다 = to be the only one / to be unique

  • -게 = adverbial form (turns adjectives into adverbs)


갖지 못한 건 = the thing (that I) couldn’t have

  • 갖다 = to have / to possess

  • -지 못하다 = to not be able to

  • -ㄴ = past tense modifier for descriptive clause (modifying 것, so this becomes: "that I couldn’t have")

  • 것 (thing) + 은 (topic marker) = 것은 → 건 (contracted form)


너의 = your


[RM] : (아름 아름다움) (beauty beauty beauty)


(아름 아름다움) = (your) beautiful beauty / (your) true, radiant beauty

  • 아름답다 = to be beautiful

  • 아름다움 = beauty (the noun form of 아름답다)

  • 아름 = root syllable of “beautiful” — repeated for poetic emphasis.


이 내가 어떻게 변하면 되겠니, hol’ up How can I change? hol' up


 = this


내가 = I (as subject)

  • 이 내가 = “this me” / “the way I am right now”


어떻게 = how / in what way


변하면 = if (I) change

  • 변하다 = to change / to become

  • -면 = if / when (conditional ending)


되겠니 = would it be okay? / would that work?

  • 되다 = to become / to work / to be okay

  • -겠니 = soft question ending (asks for the other person’s thoughts)

밀당? 어장? 그런 거 난 잘 몰러 Playing hard to get? I don't know stuff like that well


밀당 = push and pull (in relationships)

  • Short for 밀고 당기기 = pushing and pulling

  • Refers to playing hard-to-get, teasing, or emotional manipulation in dating.


어장 = “fish tank” (metaphor for “keeping people around”)

  • From 어장관리 = managing a fish tank

  • Slang for stringing people along romantically without committing; keeping multiple people "hooked" like fish in a tank. (like keeping people “on the hook”)


그런 거 = that kind of thing / stuff like that

  • 그런 = that kind of

  • 거 = thing


 = I (topic)

  • 나 = I / me

  • -는 → 난 (contracted topic particle)


잘 몰러 = don’t really know

  • 잘 = well / really (in this case, used for "not really" when paired with a negative)

  • 모르다 = to not know

  • 몰러 = casual/conversational pronunciation of 몰라 (I don’t know)


대신 아프면 119 말고 날 불러 If you’re hurt, don’t call 119 — call me instead


대신 = instead / in place of


아프면 = if (you’re) hurt / if (you) feel pain

  • 아프다 = to be sick / to hurt / to be in pain

  • -면 = if / when (conditional ending)


119 = emergency number in Korea (like 911 in the U.S.)


말고 = not that, but… / instead of…

  • 말다 = to stop / not do

  • -고 = connective form


 = me (as the object)

  • 나 (I / me) + 를 (object particle) = 나를 → 날 (contracted form)


불러 = call (me)

  • 부르다 = to call (someone), vocally or by name

  • 불러 = informal present tense


니가 울라면 울어, If you tell me to cry, I'll cry


니가 = you (as the subject)


울라면 = if you say “cry”

  • 울다 = to cry

  • -(으)라 = imperative form (“do it!”).

  • -면 = “if.”

  • So together: -(으)라면 = “if (you) say to do ~ / if (I’m told to ~).”


울어 = I cry



웃으라면 웃어, If you tell me to smile, I'll smile


웃으라면 = if you say "smile"

  • 웃다 = to smile / laugh

  • -(으)라면 = “if (you) say to do ~ / if (I’m told to ~).”


웃어 = I smile / I will smile

구르라면 굴러 If you tell me to roll on the ground, I'll roll


구르라면 = if you say “roll”

  • 구르다 = to roll (like physically rolling on the floor)

  • -(으)라면 = “if (you) say to do ~ / if (I’m told to ~).”


굴러 = I roll


These lines are rhythmic, devoted, and kind of playful — the speaker is saying, “I’ll do whatever you tell me to, no hesitation.”


[Vocal line] : 안달 났어 나 안달 났어 I'm so nervous, I'm so nervous


안달 났어 = I’m restless / I’m so impatient

  • 안달 → a noun meaning impatience, anxious desire, nervous restlessness, or being worked up over something.

  • 나다 = to arise, occur, happen

    • 났어 = past tense, casual → happened / arose. In this context, it’s used to show that the feeling has already arrived or is currently affecting the speaker.

      So: 안달 났어 = Impatience has arisen → More naturally: I’m all worked up / I’m restless / I’m dying to (do something)


 = I / me (informal, used when speaking casually or with people close to you)

 

니가 뭔데? 너만 잘났어? Who are you? Are you that great?


니가 = you (subject of the sentence)


뭔데? = What’s your deal? or Who do you think you are?

  • Short for 뭐인데 → 뭐 (what) + 인데 (is but / is and… / background info)


너만 = only you or just you

  • 너 = you

  • -만 = only / just


잘났어? = Are you so great? or Are you that amazing?

  • 잘나다 = to be good at something / to be great / to be outstanding

  • In real usage, it’s often sarcastic: “Oh, you think you’re so great?” It’s not usually genuine praise; more like teasing or criticizing arrogance.

    • 잘났어 (past tense, casual)


왜 나를 자꾸 놀려 놀려 Why do you keep teasing me?


 = why


나를 = me (as the object of the action)

  • 나 = I / me (informal)

  • -를 = object particle (marks the direct object of the sentence)


자꾸 = repeatedly / over and over


놀려 = tease me

  • 놀리다 = to tease / to make fun of


너 이제 그만 hol’ up hol’ up Stop it now, hol' up hol' up


 = you (informal)


이제 = now / from now on


그만 = stop / enough

 

[Jungkook] : 꽉 잡아 날 덮치기 전에 Hold on tight to me before I pounce on you


꽉 잡아 = Hold me tight or Grab me firmly

  • 꽉 = tight / firmly

  • 잡다 = to grab / to hold

  • -아 = informal imperative ending


 = me (as the object of the action)

  • 날 = contraction of 나를, where 나 = I / me and -를 = object particle


덮치기 전에 = before (I) pounce on you / before (I) attack you

  • 덮치다 = to pounce on / to attack (literally or metaphorically)

    • In romantic or dramatic contexts, it can imply an intense physical approach (sometimes flirtatious, sometimes literal)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


내 맘이 널 놓치기 전에 Before my heart lets you go


내 맘이 = my heart or my feelings

  • 내 = my (informal possessive form of 나, meaning “I” or “me”)

  • 맘 = contraction of 마음 = heart / mind. This refers to the speaker’s emotions or inner feelings


 = you (as the object of the action)

  • 너 = you (informal, used when addressing someone close or younger)

  • -를 = object particle, marking 너 as the direct object of the sentence


놓치기 전에 = before I lose you / before I miss you

  • 놓치다 = to miss / to lose (in terms of losing something or someone important, either physically or emotionally)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


“Before my heart loses you.”

“Before I lose you in my heart.”


[V] : Say what you want


Say what you want


니가 진짜로 원하는 게 뭐야 What do you really want?


니가 = you (as the subject of the sentence)


진짜로 = really or truly

  • 진짜 = real / genuine

  • -로 = adverbial particle (turns the adjective into an adverb)


원하는 게 = the thing (you) want

  • 원하다 = to want

  • 원하는 = wanted / desiring. It modifies the noun 게 (thing) that follows.

  • 게 = shortened form of 것이 = thing (as subject)


뭐야 = what is it? or what’s that?

  • 뭐 = what

  • -야 = informal copula (is/am/are, casual)

 

[Jimin] : 꽉 잡아 날 덮치기 전에 Hold on tight to me before I pounce on you


꽉 잡아 = Hold me tight or Grab me firmly

  • 꽉 = tight / firmly

  • 잡다 = to grab / to hold

  • -아 = informal imperative ending


 = me (as the object of the action)

  • 날 = contraction of 나를, where 나 = I / me and -를 = object particle


덮치기 전에 = before (I) pounce on you / before (I) attack you

  • 덮치다 = to pounce on / to attack (literally or metaphorically)

    • In romantic or dramatic contexts, it can imply an intense physical approach (sometimes flirtatious, sometimes literal)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


내 맘이 널 놓치기 전에 Before my heart lets you go


내 맘이 = my heart or my feelings

  • 내 = my (informal possessive form of 나, meaning “I” or “me”)

  • 맘 = contraction of 마음 = heart / mind. This refers to the speaker’s emotions or inner feelings


 = you (as the object of the action)

  • 너 = you (informal, used when addressing someone close or younger)

  • -를 = object particle, marking 너 as the direct object of the sentence


놓치기 전에 = before I lose you / before I miss you

  • 놓치다 = to miss / to lose (in terms of losing something or someone important, either physically or emotionally)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


“Before my heart loses you.”

“Before I lose you in my heart.”


[Jin] : Say what you want


Say what you want


니가 진짜로 원하는 게 뭐야 What do you really want?


니가 = you (as the subject of the sentence)


진짜로 = really or truly

  • 진짜 = real / genuine

  • -로 = adverbial particle (turns the adjective into an adverb)


원하는 게 = the thing (you) want

  • 원하다 = to want

  • 원하는 = wanted / desiring. It modifies the noun 게 (thing) that follows.

  • 게 = shortened form of 것이 = thing (as subject)


뭐야 = what is it? or what’s that?

  • 뭐 = what

  • -야 = informal copula (is/am/are, casual)


[Jungkook] : 되고파 너의 오빠 I want to be your oppa


되고파: I want to become

  • From 되다 (verb): to become

  • -고파 is a contraction of -고 싶어 하다 or -고 싶다, which means to want to (do something). (되고파 = 되고 싶어)


너의: your

  • 너 = you (informal)

  • -의 = possessive particle, like ’s in English


오빠: older guy / romantic interest (from a female speaker’s POV)

  • Literally means older brother when spoken by a female, but in romantic contexts, it’s used by women to refer to their older boyfriend or crush. Here, it’s used with that romantic nuance.


너를 향한 나의 마음을 왜 몰라 Why don’t you know my feelings for you?


너를 = you (as the object)

  • 너 = you

  • -를 = object marker


향한 = toward / directed at

  • 향하다 = to face / be directed toward

  • 향한 = modifier form (describes something directed at something)


나의 = my

  • 나 = I / me

  • -의 = possessive particle→ 나의 = my


마음을 = heart / feelings (as object)

  • 마음 = heart / mind / feelings

  • -을 = object marker→ 마음을 = heart (as object of “몰라”)

  • 너를 향한 나의 마음을 = my heart/feelings toward you


 = why


몰라 = don’t know

  • 모르다 = to not know

  • 몰라 = informal present tense (you don’t know)


[Jin] : 나를 모른 척해도 차가운 척해도 Even if you pretend you don't know me, even if you pretend to be cold,


나를 = me (as the object)

  • 나 = I / me

  • -를 = object particle


모른 척해도 = even if you pretend not to know

  • 모르다 = to not know

  • 모른 척하다 = to pretend not to know (-ㄴ/은 척하다 - to pretend (to do something))

  • -아/어도 = “even if / though.”


차가운 척해도 = even if you pretend to be cold

  • 차갑다 = to be cold (emotionally or temperature-wise)

  • 차가운 척하다 = to pretend to be cold (-ㄴ/은 척하다 - to pretend (to do something))

  • -아/어도 = “even if / though.”


[Jimin] : 널 밀어내진 못하겠어 I can't push you away

 = you (as the object)

  • 너 = you

  • -를 = object particle


밀어내진 못하겠어 = I can't push you away (even if I tried)

  • 밀어내다 = to push away / to push out

  • -지는 못하다 = can't do something (emphasized)

  • -겠어 = future or strong intention/guess. With 못하다, it softens to “I don’t think I can” / “I can’t (bring myself to).”


[Jin] : 되고파 너의 오빠 I want to be your oppa


되고파: I want to become

  • From 되다 (verb): to become

  • -고파 is a contraction of -고 싶어 하다 or -고 싶다, which means to want to (do something). (되고파 = 되고 싶어)


너의: your

  • 너 = you (informal)

  • -의 = possessive particle, like ’s in English


오빠: older guy / romantic interest (from a female speaker’s POV)

  • Literally means older brother when spoken by a female, but in romantic contexts, it’s used by women to refer to their older boyfriend or crush. Here, it’s used with that romantic nuance.


너의 남자가 될 거야 두고봐 I'll be your man, you'll see


너의 = your


남자가 = man (subject of sentence)

  • 남자 = man

  • 가 = subject particle


될 거야 = will become

  • 되다 = to become

  • 될 거야 = future tense (casual): “will become”


두고봐 = just watch / wait and see

  • Literally: 두다 (to place / leave) + 보다 (to watch)

  • Combined as 두고보다 = to watch something as it happens

  • In casual command form: 두고봐 = just wait and see / you’ll see



[Jimin, Jungkook] : 나의 마음이 네게 닿도록 So that my heart reaches you


나의 = my


마음이 = heart (as the subject)

  • 마음 = heart, feelings, mind

  • -이 = subject particle


네게 = to you

  • 너 = you

  • -에게 = to (someone)

  • 너에게 = to you → contracted to 네게


닿도록 = so that it reaches / in a way that it touches

  • 닿다 = to reach / to touch (emotionally or physically)

  • -도록 = grammar structure meaning “so that / in order to / to the point that”




지금 달려갈 거야 I'm going to run to you now


지금 = now


달려갈 거야 = I’m going to run (future intention)

  • 달리다 = to run

  • -갈 = future form of 가다 (to go) — here, it's connected to 달리다 (to run) to show the act of running toward something or someone

  • So: 달려갈 거야 = informal future tense (expressing intention or a decision to do something) (will run toward - future tense)


[Jungkook] : 꽉 잡아 날 덮치기 전에 Hold on tight to me before I pounce on you


꽉 잡아 = Hold me tight or Grab me firmly

  • 꽉 = tight / firmly

  • 잡다 = to grab / to hold

  • -아 = informal imperative ending


 = me (as the object of the action)

  • 날 = contraction of 나를, where 나 = I / me and -를 = object particle


덮치기 전에 = before (I) pounce on you / before (I) attack you

  • 덮치다 = to pounce on / to attack (literally or metaphorically)

    • In romantic or dramatic contexts, it can imply an intense physical approach (sometimes flirtatious, sometimes literal)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


내 맘이 널 놓치기 전에 Before my heart lets you go


내 맘이 = my heart or my feelings

  • 내 = my (informal possessive form of 나, meaning “I” or “me”)

  • 맘 = contraction of 마음 = heart / mind. This refers to the speaker’s emotions or inner feelings


 = you (as the object of the action)

  • 너 = you (informal, used when addressing someone close or younger)

  • -를 = object particle, marking 너 as the direct object of the sentence


놓치기 전에 = before I lose you / before I miss you

  • 놓치다 = to miss / to lose (in terms of losing something or someone important, either physically or emotionally)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


“Before my heart loses you.”

“Before I lose you in my heart.”


[V] : Say what you want


Say what you want


니가 진짜로 원하는 게 뭐야 What do you really want?


니가 = you (as the subject of the sentence)


진짜로 = really or truly

  • 진짜 = real / genuine

  • -로 = adverbial particle (turns the adjective into an adverb)


원하는 게 = the thing (you) want

  • 원하다 = to want

  • 원하는 = wanted / desiring. It modifies the noun 게 (thing) that follows.

  • 게 = shortened form of 것이 = thing (as subject)


뭐야 = what is it? or what’s that?

  • 뭐 = what

  • -야 = informal copula (is/am/are, casual)

 

[Jimin] : 꽉 잡아 날 덮치기 전에 Hold on tight to me before I pounce on you


꽉 잡아 = Hold me tight or Grab me firmly

  • 꽉 = tight / firmly

  • 잡다 = to grab / to hold

  • -아 = informal imperative ending


 = me (as the object of the action)

  • 날 = contraction of 나를, where 나 = I / me and -를 = object particle


덮치기 전에 = before (I) pounce on you / before (I) attack you

  • 덮치다 = to pounce on / to attack (literally or metaphorically)

    • In romantic or dramatic contexts, it can imply an intense physical approach (sometimes flirtatious, sometimes literal)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


내 맘이 널 놓치기 전에 Before my heart lets you go


내 맘이 = my heart or my feelings

  • 내 = my (informal possessive form of 나, meaning “I” or “me”)

  • 맘 = contraction of 마음 = heart / mind. This refers to the speaker’s emotions or inner feelings


 = you (as the object of the action)

  • 너 = you (informal, used when addressing someone close or younger)

  • -를 = object particle, marking 너 as the direct object of the sentence


놓치기 전에 = before I lose you / before I miss you

  • 놓치다 = to miss / to lose (in terms of losing something or someone important, either physically or emotionally)

  • -기 전에 = before (doing something)


“Before my heart loses you.”

“Before I lose you in my heart.”


[Jin] : Say what you want


Say what you want


니가 진짜로 원하는 게 뭐야 What do you really want?


니가 = you (as the subject of the sentence)


진짜로 = really or truly

  • 진짜 = real / genuine

  • -로 = adverbial particle (turns the adjective into an adverb)


원하는 게 = the thing (you) want

  • 원하다 = to want

  • 원하는 = wanted / desiring. It modifies the noun 게 (thing) that follows.

  • 게 = shortened form of 것이 = thing (as subject)


뭐야 = what is it? or what’s that?

  • 뭐 = what

  • -야 = informal copula (is/am/are, casual)



Please note ♡ : To fully understand the Korean language and its’ use in BTS’ music, a more comprehensive study method is recommended in addition to this content. (There are many great resources online for learning Korean!) 💜 Please credit me & link my site if you use or share any of the translations or content from my site. Thank you. :)


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Person reading a manga with overlay text: "Boy in Luv by BTS," "I want to be your oppa." Play icon and BTS Lyric Translations logo visible.

 
 
 

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