보고 싶어
bogo sipeo
In Korean, "I miss you" is expressed as 보고 싶어 (bogo sipeo).
While the phrase is used to translate to "I miss you," it is most commonly used to express a desire to see someone's face or to meet them in person. You can also use the endearing term 자기, which means "darling," when expressing these feelings.
Meaning: I miss you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 보고 싶어 is a combination of the verb "to see" and the auxiliary verb "to want to," literally translating to "I want to see (you)."
Which one should you use?
The default form 보고 싶어 is informal and is used with close friends, younger people or romantic partners. In contrast, 보고 싶습니다 is the highly formal version, while 보고 싶어요 serves as a polite middle ground.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite, you can add the suffix -요 to the end, resulting in 보고 싶어요. For the highly formal version, use 보고 싶습니다.
How do you pronounce it?
bogo sipeo
When do people say it?
In cute or playful contexts, adding 뿅 to the end of your expression can create a charming effect.
Did you know?
- The word 보고 is a homonym in Korean, and in a completely different context, it is a Sino-Korean word meaning 'report' or 'information'.
- Texting 보고 싶어 often includes the characters ㅠ or ㅜ, which are not letters but visual representations of streaming tears.
- To sound like a child when texting, people often intentionally misspell 보고 싶어 as 보구 시포.
Examples in context
- 보고 싶어.I miss you.This is a simple way to say "I miss you."Tatoeba #5368 by 0ni, translation #1308 by brauliobezerra
- 보고 싶어!I miss you!This is an emphatic way to say "I miss you!"Tatoeba #13182098 by atitarev, translation #6055899 by sergiomelo
- 무지 보고싶어! 잘 있었지?I really miss you! Have you been well?
- 보고 싶으니까 하루에 열 번씩 전화할 거야!I miss you so much, so I'll call you ten times a day!
- 너무 보고 싶어.neomu bogo sipeo.I miss you so much.
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking on a video call late at night.
- 수빈 Su-bin지훈아, 보고 싶어.Jihoon-ah, bogo sipeo.Jihoon, I miss you.
- 지훈 Ji-hun나도 수빈이 너무 보고 싶어.Nado Subin-i neomu bogo sipeo.I miss you too, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin우리 언제 만날까?Uri eonje mannalkka?When shall we meet?
- 지훈 Ji-hun이번 주말에 만나자.Ibeon jumare mannaja.Let's meet this weekend.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 보고, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
