자기야
jagiya
jagiya is the Korean term for honey or darling.
jagiya is a term of endearment used by couples to address each other. It is commonly used by both men and women in established romantic relationships.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the root word 자기, which literally means self and the suffix -야, which is a vocative particle used when calling someone's name or title in informal speech.
Which one should you use?
While jagiya translates to honey or darling, it is specifically reserved for romantic partners and is not used for general friends or family members.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term is used in an informal, intimate register between romantic partners.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -야 is a vocative particle used when calling someone's name or title in informal speech.
How do you pronounce it?
jagiya
Did you know?
- In some contexts, jagiya is used ironically between very close female friends to mimic the affection of a couple, though this is strictly informal and platonic.
- Korean has several terms for 'honey', but jagiya is often preferred over yeobo by younger couples because yeobo is more traditionally associated with married spouses.
- Because the root 자기 means 'self', using jagiya is symbolically like telling your partner they are an extension of your own identity.
Examples in context
- 자기야, 배고파.jagiya, baegopa.Honey, I'm hungry.
- 자기야, 이것 좀 봐.jagiya, igeot jom bwa.Darling, look at this.
- 자기야, 사랑해.jagiya, saranghae.Honey, I love you.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing on the sofa at home.
- 수빈 Su-bin자기야, 우리 영화 볼까?jagiya, uri yeonghwa bolkka?Honey, shall we watch a movie?
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아, 수빈아. 무슨 영화?joa, subin-a. museun yeonghwa?Sure, Subin. What movie?
- 수빈 Su-bin최근에 나온 로맨틱 코미디 어때?choegeune naon romenteuk komidi eo-ttae?How about the romantic comedy that came out recently?
- 도현 Do-hyeon그래, 좋아.geurae, joa.Okay, sounds good.
