Korean Dictionary
How to say "I miss you" in Korean
“I miss you” in Korean is 보고 싶어요 (pronounced "Bogo sipeoyo").
보고 싶어요
Bogo sipeoyo
Usage & Context
Expressing that you long to see someone. The present tense 보고 싶어요 means 'I miss you right now', while 보고 싶었어요 refers to missing someone over a period. Used in all relationships—romantic, friendship, and family. Very common in Korean texts and calls.
Example Sentence
요즘 바빠서 못 만났는데, 보고 싶어요!
We haven't met because of being busy lately. I miss you!
How to use 보고 싶어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I miss you” is 보고 싶어요, romanized as Bogo sipeoyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
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 보고 싶어요.
Pronunciation Guide
'보' (bo) sounds like 'boh' in 'boat.' '고' (go) is like 'goh' in 'go.' '싶' (sip) is like 'sheep' but with a soft 'p' at the end. '어' (eo) is like 'uh' in 'up,' and '요' (yo) is like 'yoh.' The stress is typically on '싶어요'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
보고 싶습니다
Bogo sipseumnida
A more formal and less common variant, typically used in very formal settings or writing.
Casual (반말)
보고 싶어
Bogo sipeo
Used with close friends, family, or romantic partners.
More Example Sentences
A child talking to their mother on the phone.
엄마, 보고 싶어요. 언제 집에 와요?
Mom, I miss you. When are you coming home?
Someone talking about their pet.
우리 강아지 보고 싶어서 빨리 퇴근하고 싶다.
I miss my puppy so much, I want to leave work early.
Nostalgically remembering past times.
예전 친구들 다 같이 모여서 놀던 때가 보고 싶어요.
I miss the time when all my old friends gathered and hung out.
Cultural Context
'보고 싶어요' is a widely used expression of longing, not limited to romantic relationships. It's commonly used for family, friends, pets, or even to express nostalgia for a place or past time. In K-dramas and K-pop lyrics, it's a staple for conveying deep affection. In daily life, it's frequently exchanged in texts or phone calls when people haven't seen each other for a while, showing emotional connection.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 보고 싶어요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
너무 보고 싶어
I miss you so much (casual)
보고 싶어 죽겠어
I miss you to death (very strong, casual)
언제 볼 수 있어요?
When can I see you?
Related Expressions
그립다
Geuripda
To miss, to long for (often for abstract things or memories)
만나고 싶어요
Mannago sipeoyo
I want to meet you
보고 싶었어
Bogo sipeosseo
I missed you (past tense, often used upon reunion)
기다려져요
Gidaryeojyeoyo
I'm looking forward to it/you
More Greetings Words
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