The Art of Saying 'I Miss You' in Korean

Missing someone in Korean isn’t just about the words - it’s about the weight behind them. Here’s how to say it right.

The Basics: 보고 싶어 (bogo sip-eo)

The go-to phrase for 'I miss you' in Korean. Literally means 'I want to see you.' Simple, direct, and works in most situations.

/poɡo ɕipʰʌ/

“I miss you”

Casual, spoken to friends or peers. Add '-요' (bogo sip-eo-yo) for politeness.

Pro tip: Use 보고 싶다 (bogo sip-da) in writing or to sound more neutral.

More poetic. Implies longing for something or someone *absent*. Common in songs, letters, or deep convos.

/kɯɾiwʌ/

“I long for you”

Often used for people, places, or even past moments. Deeper than 보고 싶어.

Example: '서울이 그리워' (Seoul-i geu-ri-wo) = 'I miss Seoul.'

Dramatic? Yes. Effective? Also yes. Translates to 'I can’t live without you.' Straight out of a K-drama.

/niɡa ʌpsin mot sʰaɾa/

“I can’t live without you”

Hyper-romantic. Best reserved for serious relationships or memes.

Means 'I’m bored,' but often implies 'I miss hanging out with you.' Lighthearted, friend-zone vibes.

Pair it with a meme or GIF for maximum effect. More slang? Check out Korean Slang Only the Cool Kids Know.

Short for 보고 싶어. Used in texts or online. Lazy? Efficient? You decide.

Warning: Don’t use this with elders or in formal settings. Save it for your BFF.

'널 생각하면… 아프다' (neol saeng-gak-ha-myeon… a-peu-da) = 'Thinking of you… hurts.' (BTS vibes.)
'하루가 멀다 하고' (ha-ru-ga meol-da ha-go) = 'Not a day goes by...' (Classic drama cliffhanger.)

For more romantic phrases, see Korean Love Confessions.

Korean is big on hierarchy and setting. Use 보고 싶어요 with coworkers, 그리워 with your grandma, and 니가 없인 못 살아… sparingly.