자기야
jagiya
The English term of endearment 'sayang' can be expressed in Korean as 자기야 (jagiya).
자기야 is a term of endearment used to address a romantic partner.
How do you pronounce it?
jagiya
Did you know?
- The term 자기 originally refers to 'oneself' or 'the self' in a philosophical or reflexive sense. Using it for a partner implies that they are an inseparable part of your own identity.
- If you are texting, you might see the word written as 쟈기 instead of 자기. This is a common way to add a 'cute' or 'aegyo' tone to the word by altering its spelling.
- The suffix 야 in 자기야 is a vocational particle used for people of equal or lower status, meaning this phrase cannot be used to address a romantic partner if you are maintaining a strict honorific hierarchy.
Examples in context
- 자기야, 뭐 하고 싶어?jagiya, mwo hago sipeo?Honey, what do you want to do?
- 자기야, 오늘도 고생했어.jagiya, oneuldo gosaenghaesseo.Honey, you worked hard today too.
- 자기야, 나 배고파.jagiya, na baegopa.Honey, I'm hungry.
Example conversation
A couple is relaxing at home on a Friday evening.
- 민준 Min-jun자기야, 영화 볼까?jagiya, yeonghwa bolkka?Honey, shall we watch a movie?
- 서연 Seo-yeon좋아, 민준아.joa, minjuna.Sure, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun팝콘도 준비할게.pakondo junbihalge.I'll prepare some popcorn too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워, 자기야.gomawo, jagiya.Thanks, honey.
