Korean Dictionary
How to say "I missed you" in Korean
“I missed you” in Korean is 보고 싶었어요 (pronounced "Bogo sipeoesseoyo").
보고 싶었어요
Bogo sipeoesseoyo
Usage & Context
Literally meaning 'I wanted to see you', this phrase expresses missing someone. Used in both romantic and platonic contexts. The casual form is 보고 싶었어. The present tense 보고 싶어요 means 'I miss you' (right now).
Example Sentence
오랜만이에요. 정말 보고 싶었어요!
It's been a long time. I really missed you!
How to use 보고 싶었어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “I missed you” is 보고 싶었어요, romanized as Bogo sipeoesseoyo.
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 싶었어요.
Pronunciation Guide
보고 (Bogo): "Bo" is like "bow" (as in bow and arrow). "Go" is like "go". 싶었어요 (sipeoesseoyo): "Sip" is like "sip". "Eo" is like "uh" in "up". "Sseo" is a tense, double 's' sound, like "saw" but with a tighter mouth. "Yo" is like "yo" in "yogurt".
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
보고 싶었어
Bogo sipeosseo
Used with close friends, family, or romantic partners.
More Example Sentences
Child greeting parent after a long separation.
엄마, 정말 보고 싶었어요!
Mom, I really missed you!
Romantic partner reuniting after a short absence.
한 달 만인데, 너무 보고 싶었어요!
It's been a month, I missed you so much!
Expressing a platonic missing of someone's presence.
회의에서 얼굴 못 봐서 보고 싶었어요.
I missed seeing your face at the meeting.
Cultural Context
This phrase is deeply versatile. While often associated with romantic longing in K-dramas, it's equally common among friends and family. It literally means 'I wanted to see you,' emphasizing the desire for physical presence. Koreans might use it even after a short absence if they have a close bond, highlighting the warmth and affection in their relationship. It's a very heartfelt expression.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 보고 싶었어요 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 싶었어요.
I missed you so much.
정말 보고 싶었어요.
I really missed you.
매일 보고 싶었어요.
I missed you every day.
Related Expressions
그리웠어요
Geuriwosseoyo
I longed for you/it (more emotional longing).
만나고 싶었어요
Mannago sipeosseoyo
I wanted to meet you.
보고 싶어요
Bogo sipeoyo
I miss you (present tense).
기다렸어요
Gidaryeosseoyo
I waited for you (implies missing and anticipation).
More Greetings Words
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