여보
yeobo[jʌ̹bo̞]
The phrase honey or dear is expressed in Korean as 여보 (yeobo).
The term 여보 is a standard way for spouses to address one another. Other terms of endearment exist for different relationships, such as 자기 for a significant other or 내 사랑 to mean my love.
Which one should you use?
While 여보 is specifically used by married couples, the more modern and informal term 자기 is used by both married and unmarried couples to refer to a significant other.
How do you pronounce it?
yeobo
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 여보 to address children or close friends, as it is strictly reserved for spouses.
Did you know?
- While 여보 is a term of endearment between spouses, it is also the root of the common telephone greeting 여보세요, which is used to say 'Hello' when answering the phone.
- While 여보 is the standard, some older Korean couples may avoid endearments entirely and instead address each other by the title of their child, such as OO's father or OO's mother.
- The term 여보 is of native Korean origin.
Examples in context
- 여보, 오늘 뭐 먹을까?yeobo, oneul mwo meogeulkka?Honey, what should we eat today?
- 여보, 이제 집에 가요.yeobo, ije jibe gayo.Dear, let's go home now.
- 여보, 이거 좀 봐.yeobo, igeo jom bwa.Honey, look at this.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing at home in the evening.
- 민지 Min-ji여보, 많이 피곤해?yeobo, mani pigonhae?Honey, are you very tired?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 조금 피곤하네.eung, jogeum pigonhaene.Yes, I am a little tired.
- 민지 Min-ji그럼 얼른 쉬어.geureom eolleun swieo.Then get some rest quickly.
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워, 민지야.gomawo, minji-ya.Thanks, Minji.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 여보, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 여보, CC BY-SA 4.0.
