Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 여보 | yeobo | [jʌ̹bo̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 자기 | jagi | [t͡ɕa̠ɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈt͡ɕa̠(ː)ɡi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, different terms are used to address a loved one based on the stage of the relationship. 여보 is an informal endearing term meaning 'darling' or 'honey'. 자기 or its variation 자기야 serves as an informal term for 'sweetheart', 'baby' or 'darling'. Additionally, 사랑아 is an informal term meaning 'my love' used to address a romantic partner or someone you deeply care about.
Which one should you use?
While both are used by couples, 여보 is specifically a term for spouses. In contrast, 자기 is a more casual, colloquial term for sweetheart that can be used by couples who are not yet married.
How do you pronounce it?
yeobo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using 여보 with people they are not married to, as it is a term specifically reserved for spouses.
Did you know?
- The word 여보 may be related to 여보세요, the standard way to say 'hello' on the phone. Both originate from a request for the other person to look or pay attention.
- Because 자기 means 'self', calling your partner 자기 can be poetically interpreted as treating them as an extension of your own identity.
- While 자기 is used as 'sweetheart' between couples, it is also the standard reflexive pronoun for 'oneself' in formal writing and speech.
Examples in context
- 여보, 오늘 정말 고생 많았어요.yeobo, oneul jeongmal gosaeng manasseoyo.Sweetheart, you worked so hard today.
- 여보, 우리 내일 뭐 먹을까요?yeobo, uri naeil mwo meogeulkkayo?Sweetheart, what shall we eat tomorrow?
- 여보, 사랑해요.yeobo, saranghaeyo.Sweetheart, I love you.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are deciding what to do for their anniversary.
- 민준 Min-jun여보, 우리 이번 주말에 어디 갈까요?yeobo, uri ibeon jumare odi galkkayo?Sweetheart, where shall we go this weekend?
- 서연 Seo-yeon음, 바다에 가고 싶어요.eum, bada-e gago sipeoyo.Hmm, I want to go to the beach.
- 민준 Min-jun좋아요. 제가 다 예약할게요.joayo. jega da yeyakhalgeyo.Great. I will handle all the reservations.
- 서연 Seo-yeon고마워요, 민준 씨!gomawoyo, Minjun ssi!Thank you, Minjun!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweetheart” translations and entries 여보, 자기, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 여보, 자기, CC BY-SA 4.0.
