보고 싶어
bogo sipeo
In Korean, "I want to see you" is expressed as 보고 싶어 (bogo sipeo).
While the phrase literally means "I want to see you," it is the standard way to express "I miss you" in Korean.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the verb 보다 (to see) and the auxiliary verb -고 싶다 (to want to).
How does it change in a sentence?
The dictionary form 보고 싶다 can be used in written journals or as a plain statement of feeling. Adding the suffix -요 to the end of the phrase to create 보고 싶어요 makes it polite and suitable for someone you are not on intimate terms with.
How do you pronounce it?
bogo sipeo
Did you know?
- The word 보고 can also be a homonym in Korean, meaning 'a report' or 'an investigation' when derived from different Sino-Korean characters.
- Because the phrase can be quite direct and intimate, using it with a superior or an elder without proper honorifics can actually cause social discomfort rather than showing affection.
- When texting, Koreans often shorten or modify phrases like this to sound 'cute' or 'aegyo', such as adding extra vowels to soften the tone.
Examples in context
- 난 당신이 웃는 걸 보고 싶어요.I want to see you smile.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 보고 싶어.Tatoeba #4846821 by kinsella, translation #2952577 by CK
- 귀하를 뵙고 싶습니다.I want to see you, Sir/Madam.
- 제 생일날에 만나고 싶습니다.I want to see you on my birthday.
- 회의 후에 뵙고 싶어요.I want to see you after the meeting.
- 오랜만에 만나고 싶어.I want to see you after a long time.
- 너무 보고 싶어.neomu bogo sipeo.I miss you so much.
- 지금 당장 보고 싶어.jigeum dangjang bogo sipeo.I want to see you right now.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking on the phone late at night.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈아, 너무 보고 싶어.jihun-a, neomu bogo sipeo.Jihoon, I miss you so much.
- 지훈 Ji-hun나도 지은이가 정말 보고 싶어.nado jieun-iga jeongmal bogo sipeo.I miss you too, Jieun.
- 지은 Ji-eun우리 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.
