자기
jagi[t͡ɕa̠ɡi]
The English phrase 'bae' can be expressed in Korean as 자기 (jagi).
자기 is a term of endearment used by romantic partners to address one another, similar to 'honey' or 'baby' in English. While it is used for affection between couples, the word 자기 can also mean 'self' or 'oneself' in other contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
자기 is used in informal, intimate settings between couples.
How does it change in a sentence?
When calling out to your partner directly, you often add the vocative particle '야' to the end, resulting in 자기야.
How do you pronounce it?
jagi
Did you know?
- While 자기 is most common today, older couples may use 당신, a word that can be incredibly polite or a sudden spark for a fight if used with a stranger.
- In many contexts, a Korean person might use 자기 to refer to themselves in the third person, which can sound quite cute or childlike depending on the speaker.
- Using 자기 with someone you are not dating can be interpreted as an aggressive flirtation or a sarcastic joke about being 'too close'.
Examples in context
- 자기야, 뭐 해?jagiya, mwo hae?Bae, what are you doing?
- 우리 자기, 정말 예쁘다.uri jagi, jeongmal yeppeuda.My bae is truly beautiful.
- 자기야, 사랑해.jagiya, saranghae.Bae, I love you.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji자기야, 커피 마실래?jagiya, keopi masillae?Bae, do you want to drink some coffee?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 좋아. 고마워, 민지야.eung, joa. gomawo, minjiya.Yes, I'd love to. Thanks, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji도현이도 마시고 싶은 거 있어?dohyeoni-do masigo sipeun geo isseo?Is there anything else you want, Dohyeon?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니, 그냥 이거면 돼.ani, geunyang igeomyeon dwae.No, this is enough.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 자기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
