자기야
jagiya
The Korean term for babe is 자기야 (jagiya).
자기야 is an informal term of endearment used to address a boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse, equivalent to the English terms 'babe' or 'honey'.
Meaning: attractive person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'babe' can sometimes be used to describe the attractiveness of a stranger, 자기야 is almost exclusively used to address someone you already know intimately.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
자기야 is an informal term. It should only be used with someone you are close to or in a romantic relationship with.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -야 (-ya) is an informal vocative particle added to the end of the word to call out to someone.
How do you pronounce it?
jagiya
Did you know?
- The word 자기 (jagi) originally refers to 'oneself' or 'self' in a reflexive sense, which is why it implies a level of profound intimacy.
- While 자기야 is romantic, some very close female friends in Korea use it with each other as a platonic term of endearment, similar to 'honey' in some English dialects.
- Korean has a specific word 여보 (yeobo) that is almost exclusively reserved for married couples, making 자기야 the preferred choice for dating couples.
Examples in context
- 자기야, 오늘 저녁에 뭐 먹을까요?Babe, what do you want to eat for dinner tonight?
- 여보, 이 노래 너무 좋아! 같이 들어요.Darling, I love this song! Let's listen to it together.
Example conversation
A couple is walking in a park.
- 도현 Do-hyeon자기야, 저기 봐!jagiya, jeogi bwa!Babe, look over there!
- 수빈 Su-bin뭐가 있어, 도현아?mwoga isseo, Dohyena?What is there, Dohyun?
- 도현 Do-hyeon귀여운 강아지가 있어.gwiyeoun gangajiga isseo.There is a cute puppy.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 귀엽다!jeongmal gwiyeopda!It's really cute!
