애인
aein[ˈɛ(ː)in]
The Korean word for lover is 애인 (aein).
애인 is a common and widely used term to refer to a lover.
Meaning: sexual partner (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 애인 is composed of 애 (love) and 인 (person).
Which one should you use?
While 애인 is a standard term, 연인 is more poetic and formal, often used in literature, songs or to describe a couple in a more romanticized sense. For informal contexts, you may use 여자친구 for girlfriend or 남자친구 for boyfriend.
How do you pronounce it?
aein
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be careful not to assume 애인 always implies a purely sexual relationship. In modern Korean, it is the standard word for a romantic partner or significant other.
Did you know?
- Couples in Korea often use the term 우리 (our) before referring to their 애인 when speaking to others, such as saying 'our lover' instead of 'my lover'.
- In mainland China, the term 애인 (àirén) is a common way to say 'spouse' or 'husband/wife', which can lead to confusion if used in a romantic Korean context.
- The word 애인 is often replaced by terms like 남친 or 여친 in texting, which are clipped versions of 'boyfriend' and 'girlfriend'.
Examples in context
- 그는 제 애인입니다.He is my lover.
- 저의 연인은 음악가입니다.My lover is a musician.
- 그녀는 제 여자친구예요.She is my girlfriend.
- 나는 그의 남자친구입니다.I am his boyfriend.
- 새로운 애인을 만났어요.saeroun aeineul mannasseoyo.I met a new lover.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Dohyun are talking about their personal lives.
- 서연 Seo-yeon도현 씨는 애인이 있어요?Dohyun ssineun aeini isseoyo?Dohyun, do you have a lover?
- 도현 Do-hyeon아니요, 아직 없어요.aniyo, ajik eopseoyo.No, I don't have one yet.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 의외네요.jeongmalyo? uioeneyo.Really? That's unexpected.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연 씨는 어때요?Seoyeon ssineun eottaeyo?How about you, Seoyeon?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lover” translations and entries 애인, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
