When it comes to expressing the concept of “bestie” in Korean, there are a few different words and phrases that can be used. The specific term you choose will depend on the level of formality you want to convey, as well as the regional variation you are looking for. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “bestie” in Korean, providing tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say Bestie in Korean
- 가장 친한 친구 (gajang chinhan chingu) – This phrase can be used in formal settings to refer to a best friend. It translates to “closest friend” and is often used in official or professional contexts. For example, if you want to introduce your best friend to your co-workers, you can say “이 사람은 저의 가장 친한 친구입니다” which means “This person is my closest friend.”
Informal Ways to Say Bestie in Korean
- 베프 (bepeu) – A popular term used among young Koreans, 베프 is a shortened form of the English word “best friend.” It is typically used in casual conversations among friends and peers. For instance, you might say “우리는 베프야” which means “We are best friends.”
- 최애 (choeae) – Another informal term that has gained popularity in recent years is 최애. It is an abbreviation of the phrase “최고로 애정하는” which means “the most beloved.” This term is often used among young people to refer to their close friends or favorite people. For example, you can say “너는 나의 최애야” which translates to “You are my favorite person.”
- 친짝 (chinjjak) – 친짝 is a cute and affectionate way to refer to a best friend. It is commonly used among friends who are close and comfortable with each other. If you want to address your bestie using this term, you can say “안녕, 친짝아” which means “Hello, my bestie.”
Regional Variations
While the above terms are widely used throughout Korea, it’s important to note that regional variations exist. Different regions may have their unique ways of expressing the concept of “bestie.” Here are a couple of regional variations:
Busan Dialect
In the Busan dialect, people often use the term 찌비 (jjibi) to refer to their best friends. It is a cute and affectionate way of saying “bestie” that is commonly used in the Busan region of South Korea. For instance, you can say “찌비야, 와 같이 놀자” to mean “Hey, bestie, let’s hang out together!”
Gyeongsang Province
In Gyeongsang Province, people use 끈질긴 친구 (kkeunjilgin chingu) to describe a close friend who sticks by your side. It translates to “tenacious friend” or “persistent friend.” This term reflects the regional love for loyalty and strong bonds. For example, you can say “끈질긴 친구가 있어서 행복해요” which means “I am happy because I have a tenacious friend.”
Tip: When using regional variations, it’s essential to be aware of the context and the people you are conversing with. These terms may not always be understood or appropriate in different regions or situations.
Overall, the Korean language offers various ways to express the concept of “bestie,” from formal to informal terms, and even regional variations. The choice of which term to use depends on the desired level of formality and the specific region you are in. Hopefully, with this guide, you now have a better understanding of how to say “bestie” in Korean and can comfortably express your close friendships in the Korean language!
