What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally composed of the verb 보다 (to see) and the auxiliary verb structure –고 싶다 (to want to).
Which one should you use?
While 보고 싶어 is the standard informal way to say it, you may encounter 보고파, which is a casual, shortened version. You might also hear 보고싶네, which translates to "I miss you" but adds a nostalgic tone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality depends on your relationship with the listener. 보고 싶어 is the informal style used with close friends, younger people or romantic partners. For a respectful yet less formal approach, use 보고 싶어요. In very professional or highly respectful settings, use the formal version 보고 싶습니다.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can adjust the politeness of the expression by changing the verb ending. Adding the suffix –요 to the end makes the phrase polite and suitable for speaking to someone older or less familiar. The form 보고 싶습니다 serves as the formal/honorific version.
How do you pronounce it?
bogo sipeo
Did you know?
- In Korean, the emotional weight of 'missing someone' is physically tied to the eyes through the word 'see' rather than the heart as it is in English.
- The word 보고 used in this phrase is a homonym for a Sino-Korean word meaning 'report' or 'information'.
- The nuance of 보고싶네 can make it sound like you are talking to yourself or sighing to the universe, rather than directly addressing a person.
Examples in context
- 보고 싶어.I miss you.This example shows a basic statement of 보고 싶어.Tatoeba #5368 by 0ni, translation #1308 by brauliobezerra
- 보고 싶어!I miss you!This example shows an emphatic version of 보고 싶어.Tatoeba #13182098 by atitarev, translation #6055899 by sergiomelo
- 너를 볼 수 없어서 보고 싶어.I miss you because I can't see you.
- 애기 보고파.I miss you, baby.
- 너무 보고 싶어.neomu bogo sipeo.I miss you so much.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are talking on the phone late at night.
- 민준 Min-jun잘 자, 민지야.jal ja, Minji-ya.Good night, Minji.
- 민지 Min-ji응, 민준아. 너도 잘 자.eung, Minjun-a. neodo jal ja.Okay, Minjun. You sleep well too.
- 민준 Min-jun갑자기 보고 싶어.gapjagi bogo sipeo.I miss you all of a sudden.
- 민지 Min-ji나도 보고 싶어.nado bogo sipeo.I miss you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 보고, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
