As February winds down, let’s celebrate love one last time with a collection of heartfelt endearments for your special someone. In Korea, expressing affection for family, friends, and that special someone often comes in the form of sweet and playful nicknames. From adorable pet names for your partner to playful nicknames for your siblings and friends, we’ve got you covered. These Korean nicknames are guaranteed to bring smiles and make your loved ones feel special. Ready to add one last touch of charm this Valentine’s season? Let’s explore the cutest nicknames you can use!
*FOR YOUR LOVER
1.애기야 (Ae-gi-ya) – “Baby”
A classic term of endearment, 애기야 (ae-gi-ya) is similar to calling someone ‘baby’ in English. It’s sweet and playful, perfect for a significant other or even a close younger friend.
Example:
“애기야, 오늘 뭐 하고 싶어?” (ae-gi-ya, o-neul mwo ha-go ship-eo?) – Baby, what do you want to do today?
2.자기야 (Ja-gi-ya) – “Honey”
If you are a K-Drama fan, this one will definitely sound familiar! The term is not only popular in Korean dramas but also a favorite among Korean couples in real life. It translates to ‘honey’ or ‘darling’ and is a go-to for expressing affection.
Example:
“자기야, 나 너무 보고 싶어!” (ja-gi-ya, na neo-mu bo-go ship-eo!) – Honey, I miss you so much!
3.내 사랑 (Nae Sa-rang) – “My Love”
Nothing says romance like calling someone 내 사랑 (nae sa-rang), which literally means ‘my love’. It’s cheeky, loving, and sure to make hearts skip a beat.
Example:
“내 사랑, 행복한 발렌타인데이 보내!” (nae sa-rang, haeng-bok-han bal-len-ta-in-de-i bo-nae!) – My love, have a happy Valentine’s Day!
4.달콤이 (Dal-kom-i) – “Sweetie”
Derived from the word 달콤하다 (dal-kom-ha-da) or ‘sweet’, ‘달콤이’ (dal-ko-mi) is sweet, short, and perfect for someone who brings sweetness into your life.
Example:
“내 달콤이, 너랑 있으면 행복해.” (nae dal-kom-i, neo-rang iss-eu-myeon haeng-bok-hae.) – My sweetie, I’m happy when I’m with you.
5.공주님 (Gong-ju-nim)/ 왕자님 (Wang-ja-nim) – “Princess”/ “Prince”
Looking for a fun way to dote on your loved ones? Call them 공주님 (gong-ju-nim) or 왕자님 (wang-ja-nim). It’s a Gen-Z-approved way to express adoration—a cute and cheeky way to pamper them with words. Is it extra and cheesy? Maybe! But who doesn’t love an extra bit of attention?
Example:
“공주님, 오늘 뭐 드시고 싶어요?” (Gong-ju-nim, o-neul mwo deu-shi-go ship-eo-yo?) – Princess, what would you like to eat today?
*FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS
1.누나 (Noo-na) “Older sister” / 오빠 (O-ppa) – “Older brother”
In Korean culture, 오빠 (o-ppa) is used by females to address an older male, and 누나 (noo-na) is used by males for an older female. However, these terms can also double as cute nicknames in romantic relationships! For an adorable twist, you can say 누나야 (noo-na-ya) or 오빠야 (o-ppa-ya).
Example:
“누나야, 우리 같이 밥 먹자!” (noo-na-ya, u-ri gat-chi bap meok-ja!) – Noona, let’s have a meal together!
2.친구야 (Chin-gu-ya) – “Friend”
친구야 (Chin-gu-ya) simply means ‘friend’, but it carries an affectionate and playful tone to it. Whether you want to hype up your best friend, show appreciation, remind them of how much they mean to you, or just call them, this term is a perfect way to do it.
Example:
“친구야, 오늘 노래방에 갈까?” (chin-gu-ya, o-neul no-rae-bang-ae gal-kka?) – Buddy, let’s go to karaoke today?
3.짝꿍 (Jjak-kung) – “Partner/Buddy”
짝꿍 (jjak-kung) is like calling someone your ‘partner in crime’ or ‘best buddy’—fun and light-hearted! After all, we all have that one person who matches our vibe, no matter what the situation is.
Example:
“넌 영원한 내 짝꿍이야!” (neon yeong-won-han nae jjak-kung-i-ya!) – You are my forever partner!
4.바보 (Ba-bo) – “Silly”
Last but not least, 바보 (ba-bo) is a playful nickname meaning ‘silly’ or ‘fool’. It is also used affectionately even among close friends or lovers.
Example:
“바보야, 넌 내 베프야!” (ba-bo-ya, neon nae be-peu-ya!) – Silly, you’re my best friend!
Korean nicknames often add a special touch of charm and fun to any relationship. It also captures the essence of your loved one’s personality with a cute and playful twist. So, why not sprinkle some of it into your daily conversations? Whether it’s calling your significant other 자기야 (ja-gi-ya) or playfully teasing your friend with 바보 (ba-bo), these endearing terms are bound to bring affection and closeness.
그럼, 오늘부터 애칭 한번 써볼까요? (geu-reom, o-neul-bu-teo ae-ching han-beon sseo-bol-kka-yo?) – Shall we start using nicknames from today?
Written by – Ariba
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