“Honey” is an easy word for English speakers. You can use it with your partner without thinking much about age, status, or context.
In Korean, however, choosing the right word matters more. The word you use depends on your relationship, how close you are, and sometimes even your age difference.
Below are the most natural ways to say “honey” in Korean, along with when and how to use each one.
1. 여보 (yeobo) – The Standard “Honey” for Married Couples
여보 means “honey” or “dear” and is most commonly used between married couples.
It sounds:
- very natural
- very warm
- very serious in a good way
여보, 집에 몇 시에 와?
2. 자기 (jagi) / 자기야 (jagiya) – Romantic and Very Common
자기 literally means “self” or “one’s own,” but in relationships, it works just like “honey” or “babe.”
You can use this with:
- a boyfriend or girlfriend
- a spouse
It is:
- very common, especially among younger Koreans
- softer and more casual than 여보
자기야, 오늘 바빠?
You’ll often hear 자기야, which adds a more affectionate tone. This is one of the safest and most natural choices for learners.
3. 애기 / 아기 (aegi / agi) – “Baby”
This is similar to calling your partner “baby” in English.
It is:
- cute and affectionate
- often used playfully
- only natural between very close couples
우리 애기 괜찮아?
Tone matters a lot with this one. When used naturally, it sounds cute. When forced or overused, it can sound childish or awkward.
4. 오빠, 누나, 언니, 형 – Not “Honey,” but Extremely Natural
These words technically mean “older brother” or “older sister,” but in Korean relationships, they often replace pet names entirely.
- 오빠 – used by women for older men
- 누나 – used by men for older women
- 언니 – used by women for older women
- 형 – used by men for older men
Although they don’t translate to “honey,” the emotional meaning is very similar.
오빠, 보고 싶어.
For learners, this is one of the most natural-sounding options in real Korean.
Which One Should You Use?
Here’s a simple guideline:
- Married couples: 여보
- Dating couples: 자기 / 자기야
- Very close and playful couples: 애기 (use with care)
- Many Korean couples: 오빠, 누나, 언니, 형
If you’re unsure, the best strategy is simple: listen to what your partner uses and mirror that.
Final Tip for Learners
Using the right word for your partner in Korean can make you sound very natural, even if the rest of your grammar is simple.
This isn’t about direct translation. It’s about understanding your relationship and expressing it in a Korean way.
