자기야
jagiya
The Korean word for "darling" is 자기야 (jagiya). Wiktionary also lists 달링 (dalling) and 자기 (jagi).
Meaning: often used as an affectionate term of address: person who is very dear to one (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 자기야 | jagiya | |
| 달링 | dalling | [ta̠ʎʎiŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 자기 | jagi | [t͡ɕa̠ɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈt͡ɕa̠(ː)ɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 여보 | yeobo | [jʌ̹bo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
These terms are used as affectionate addresses for someone very dear to you. While 자기 means "darling" or "sweetheart" and is common among couples, 애기 is an informal way to call someone "baby" or "sweetheart" in a similar endearing manner. The form 달링 is rare in Korean speech.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the relationship and age of the couple. 자기야 is typically used by younger couples or those in casual, romantic relationships. In contrast, 여보 is the standard term used between spouses and carries a more mature, established tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the form 자기야, the suffix –야 is added to 자기 to create a vocative form, which is used to call out to someone directly in an informal setting.
How do you pronounce it?
jagiya
Did you know?
- 여보 likely shares a root with 여보세요, the standard way to say 'hello' on the phone, which is essentially a request for the other person's attention.
- In many romantic K-dramas, you might hear characters use 'baby' terms like 애기, but in real life, this can feel overly cutesy or even childish.
- The term 여보 is strictly reserved for married couples. Using it with a boyfriend or girlfriend would be seen as an unusual jump in commitment.
Examples in context
- 여보, 뭐 하고 있어요?What are you doing, darling?This sentence shows how to use 여보 to address a spouse.Tatoeba #13115749 by atitarev, translation #4889833 by warrenbisch
- 애기야, 오늘 너무 이쁘다!Darling, you look beautiful today!
- 자기야, 항상 고마워.Darling, I'm always grateful for you.
- 여보, 오늘 데이트 하자!Darling, let's go on a date today!
- 자기야, 이거 봐.jagiya, igeo bwa.Darling, look at this.
- 자기야, 배고파요?jagiya, baegopayo?Darling, are you hungry?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo자기야, 오늘 저녁 뭐 먹을까?jagiya, oneul jeonyeok mwo meogeulkka?Darling, what shall we eat for dinner tonight?
- 수빈 Su-bin음, 나는 파스타가 먹고 싶어.eum, naneun pasutaga meokgo sipeo.Hmm, I want to eat pasta.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아, 내가 예약할게.joha, naega yeyakhalge.Okay, I will make a reservation.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워, 현우야!gomawo, Hyeon-u-ya!Thanks, Hyeon-u!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “darling” translations and entries 달링, 자기, 여보, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 달링, 여보, 자기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
