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 forms of address for someone dear. While 자기야 is typically used by couples in a romantic, often casual or dating relationship, 여보 is the standard term of endearment used between married couples. For a more formal or written context, the word 사랑하는 can be used to mean 'loving' or 'beloved'. In a very informal and affectionate way, some may use 애기, which translates to 'baby'.
Which one should you use?
자기 is an informal version of darling or sweetheart. 여보 is the standard term of endearment used between married couples, while its variant 여보야 is used by married couples in a playful or intimate manner. The term 달링 is a rare phonetic borrowing of the English word 'darling'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Seoul, the term 자기야 is commonly used to express endearment.
How does it change in a sentence?
To create the vocative form used when calling out to the person directly, the suffix –야 is added to 자기 to make 자기야.
How do you pronounce it?
jagiya
Did you know?
- The term 여보 is closely related to 여보세요, the standard way to say 'hello' on the phone. Both originate from a request for the other person to look at or attend to the speaker.
- In older Korean generations, it was once uncommon for husbands to call their wives 여보 in public to avoid showing too much intimacy.
Examples in context
- 여보, 뭐 하고 있어요?What are you doing, darling?This sentence shows how to use 여보 when addressing a spouse.Tatoeba #13115749 by atitarev, translation #4889833 by warrenbisch
- 애기, 오늘 데이트 어때?Darling, how about going on a date today?
- 넌 내 여보야, 내 사랑.You are my darling, my love.
- 자기야, 나 배고파.jagiya, na baegopa.Darling, I'm hungry.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are deciding what to watch on TV.
- 민지 Min-ji자기야, 무슨 영화 볼래?jagiya, museun yeonghwa bollae?Darling, what movie do you want to watch?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo나는 로맨틱 코미디가 좋아.naneun romantik komidiga joa.I like romantic comedies.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 이걸로 보자.geureom igeollo boja.Then let's watch this one.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo좋아, 고마워!joa, gomawo!Okay, thank you!
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.
