Korean Dictionary
How to say "Favorite" in Korean
“Favorite” in Korean is 최애 (pronounced "choiae").
최애
choiae
Usage & Context
Abbreviation meaning favorite or most loved. Used in fan culture to describe one's favorite celebrity, character, or group.
Example Sentence
그 배우가 내 최애야.
That actor is my favorite.
How to use 최애 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Favorite” is 최애, romanized as choiae.
Usage tip
Use slang only with friends or people who already speak casually with you. It can sound rude in formal Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 최애.
Pronunciation Guide
'최' (choi) sounds like 'choy' in 'choice' without the 'ce'. '애' (ae) is a sound similar to 'eh' in 'bed' or 'air' without the 'r'. Combine them: CHOY-eh.
More Example Sentences
Sharing one's ultimate bias with a friend.
내 최애 아이돌은 방탄소년단 지민이야.
My favorite idol is BTS's Jimin.
Discussing a show with friends.
이 드라마에서 누가 네 최애 캐릭터야?
Who's your favorite character in this drama?
Talking about personal preferences.
최애 음료는 역시 아이스 아메리카노지!
My favorite drink is definitely iced Americano!
Cultural Context
최애 is a widely used term in Korean fan culture, short for '최고로 애정하는' (choegoro aejeonghaneun, most beloved). It refers to one's absolute favorite member in a K-pop group (often called 'bias' in English K-pop fandoms), a favorite character in a drama/anime, or even a favorite food/item. It signifies the highest level of affection and preference and is an essential term for anyone engaging in K-pop or K-drama discussions.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 최애 for register and audience, since Korean slang can shift quickly and may sound rude outside close friendships.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
최애 멤버
Favorite member (in a group)
최애템
Favorite item
최애 맛집
Favorite restaurant
Related Expressions
차애
cha-ae
Second favorite
최애캐
choaekae
Favorite character
최애곡
choaegok
Favorite song
최고
choego
Best, greatest (more general superlative)
More Slang Words
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