joahae

Also written: joahae; jo-a-hae; I like you; I like it

An informal Korean expression meaning “I like [you/it/them],” with the object often omitted when context makes it clear.

Literal meaning

like; feel positively toward

Cultural context

좋아하다 covers preferences and affection. In romance, 좋아해 can be a confession, but it is not automatically as strong or explicit as 사랑해, “I love you.”

How dramas use it

Characters use it to admit romantic interest, reveal a preference, answer a confession, or finally state the feeling that has been visible through several episodes of behavior.

Usage & formality

It is banmal. Polite forms include 좋아해요 and 좋아합니다. Because Korean often omits pronouns and objects, subtitles must infer what or whom the speaker likes.