와이프
waipeu[wa̠ipʰɯ]
The English term "wifey" can be translated into Korean as 와이프 (waipeu).
와이프 is an informal and affectionate way to refer to one's wife.
Meaning: (informal, affectionate) wife (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is waipeu.
Did you know?
- In many Korean social circles, a man might refer to his wife as 우리 와이프 (our wifey) instead of 내 와이프 (my wifey). This reflects the Korean linguistic tendency to use 'our' to express closeness.
- Depending on the age of the speaker, they might use 집사람 which literally translates to 'house person' instead of 와이프.
- Because it is a loanword, 와이프 avoids some of the strict honorific rules attached to native Korean words for 'wife'. This makes it a 'linguistic shortcut' for people navigating social hierarchies.
Examples in context
- 와이프가 생일 선물을 좋아할까요?waipeuga saengil seonmureul joahal-kkayo?Will my wifey like the birthday present?
- 우리 와이프는 아주 똑똑해요.uri waipeureun aju ttokttokhaeyo.My wifey is very smart.
Example conversation
Ji-hun is showing a photo to Min-ji.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 사람이 제 와이프예요.i sa-ram-i je wa-i-peu-ye-yo.This person is my wifey.
- 민지 Min-ji두 분 정말 잘 어울리시네요.du bun jeong-mal jal eo-ul-li-si-ne-yo.You two look really great together.
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사합니다. 정말 착한 사람이에요.gam-sa-ham-ni-da. jeong-mal chak-han sa-ram-i-e-yo.Thank you. She is a really kind person.
- 민지 Min-ji사진 속 표정이 너무 행복해 보여요.sa-jin sok pyo-jeong-i neo-mu haeng-bok-hae bo-yeo-yo.Her expression in the photo looks so happy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 와이프, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
