How to say "I miss you" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "I miss you" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
보고 싶어
bogo sipeo
Literally: I want to see you.
When to use it
Korean expresses missing someone as wanting to SEE them. The same phrase covers I miss you and I want to see you.
Polite form
- 보고 싶어요bogo sipeoyoUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 많이 보고 싶었어mani bogo sipeosseo= I missed you a lotPast tense - for when you finally meet again.
- 그리워geuriwo= I long for itFor places, times and people who are gone. Heavier and more literary.
In a sentence
- 엄마가 보고 싶어.eommaga bogo sipeo.I miss my mom.
- 한국 음식이 그리워.hanguk eumsigi geuriwo.I miss Korean food.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
feelings