자기야
jagiya
The Korean term for sweetie is 자기야 (jagiya).
자기야 is used as a term of endearment to address a romantic partner, functioning similarly to English words like "sweetie" or "honey". While the root word can refer to oneself in many contexts, using it as a direct address transforms it into an intimate term for a significant other.
What does it mean word for word?
The root word 자기 literally means "self" or "oneself".
Which one should you use?
In English, "sweetie" is often used for children, but 자기야 is almost exclusively used between romantic partners or very close peers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
자기야 is an informal term used within an intimate register between couples.
How do you pronounce it?
jagiya
Did you know?
- While 자기야 is romantic, some couples use the more formal 자기님 to playfully mimic professional respect or a 'customer service' tone with each other.
- In very traditional Korean settings, couples rarely used terms like 자기야 in public, preferring to refer to each other by their roles as 'father' or 'mother' of the children.
- Korean has several other endearments like 여보, but 자기야 is more common among younger couples or those who are not yet married.
Examples in context
- 자기야, 오늘 정말 예쁘다.jagiya, oneul jeongmal yeppeuda.Sweetie, you look really beautiful today.
- 자기야, 배고프지 않아?jagiya, baegopeuji ana?Sweetie, aren't you hungry?
- 자기야, 나 좀 도와줄 수 있어?jagiya, na jom dowajul su isseo?Sweetie, can you help me out?
Example conversation
Dohyeon and Subin are deciding on a movie to watch.
- 도현 Do-hyeon자기야, 이 영화 볼까?Jagiya, i yeonghwa bolkka?Sweetie, shall we watch this movie?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 재미있어 보여요.Eung, jaemiisseo boyeoyo.Yes, it looks interesting.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 내가 팝콘 사 올게.Geureom naega papkon sa olge.Then I will go buy some popcorn.
- 수빈 Su-bin고마워요, 도현 씨!Gomawoyo, Dohyeon ssi!Thank you, Dohyeon!
