여보
yeobo[jʌ̹bo̞]
yeobo is the Korean term for honey or darling.
여보 is a term of endearment used specifically between married couples.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term does not change based on the gender of the speaker or the person being addressed.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is yeobo.
Did you know?
- The phrase 여보 is closely linked to 여보세요, the standard way to say 'hello' on the phone. Both originate from a request for someone to look at or attend to the speaker.
- While 여보 is for married couples, unmarried partners typically use 자기야 ('jagiya'). Using 여보 before marriage can be a playful way to hint at a desire for a serious commitment.
- In traditional households, some older couples avoid using 여보 in public and instead refer to their spouse as the father or mother of their children.
Examples in context
- 여보, 오늘 뭐 먹을까?yeobo, oneul mwo meogeulkka?Honey, what should we eat today?
- 여보, 나 왔어.yeobo, na wasseo.Darling, I'm home.
- 여보, 사랑해.yeobo, saranghae.Honey, I love you.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Minji are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 지훈 Ji-hun여보, 저녁 뭐 먹을까요?yeobo, jeonyeok mwo meogeulkkayo?Honey, what should we eat for dinner?
- 민지 Min-ji음, 저는 비빔밥이 먹고 싶어요.eum, jeoneun bibimbabi meokgo sipeoyo.Hmm, I want to eat bibimbap.
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋아요. 그럼 제가 준비할게요.joayo. geureom jega junbihalgeyo.Sounds good. Then I will prepare it.
- 민지 Min-ji고마워요, 지훈 씨!gomawoyo, Jihoon ssi!Thank you, Jihoon!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 여보, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 여보, CC BY-SA 4.0.
