boyfriend in korean
How to Say "Boyfriend" in Korean (남자친구 / 오빠): What Koreans Actually Say
남자친구
namjachingu
Quick answer
The literal word for boyfriend in Korean is 남자친구 (namjachingu), but in practice many Korean women call their boyfriend 오빠 (oppa) and couples call each other 자기 (jagi, babe).
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| standard / neutral | 남자친구 | namjachingu | The dictionary term — used when talking about someone's boyfriend to a third party. |
| informal / affectionate address | 오빠 | oppa | Many Korean women call their (older) boyfriend 오빠 directly — it doubles as a term of address. |
| couple nickname | 자기 / 자기야 | jagi / jagiya | Gender-neutral 'babe / honey' — used by both partners to address each other. |
| cute shorthand | 남친 | namchin | Abbreviated slang for 남자친구 — used in texts and casual conversation. |
How it changes by relationship
남자친구가 생겼어!
Namjachinguga saenggyeosseo!
talking about him to others: I got a boyfriend! — 생기다 (saengida) means 'to come to have.'
오빠, 어디야?
Oppa, eodiya?
calling him directly (female speaker, he's older): Very natural if he's older — it's both affectionate and respectful.
자기야, 밥 먹었어?
Jagiya, bap meogeosseo?
couple pet name: Did you eat, babe? — the most common affectionate check-in in Korean relationships.
우리 남친 완전 잘생겼어.
Uri namchin wanjeon jalsaenggyeosseo.
in slang / texting: My boyfriend is so handsome — 우리 남친 is the colloquial possessive.
Examples
제 남자친구 소개할게요.
Je namjachingu sogaehalgeyo.
Let me introduce my boyfriend.
남친이 꽃을 사줬어.
Namchini kkot-eul sajwosseo.
My boyfriend bought me flowers.
자기야, 보고 싶어.
Jagiya, bogo sipeo.
Babe, I miss you.
Usage note
Unlike English, Korean couples rarely use each other's names when talking directly — they switch to 오빠, 자기야, or 여보 (yeobo, honey, used after marriage). Using someone's actual name in direct address can actually feel cold or distant between Korean partners.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "boyfriend" here?
FAQ
Can I call my Korean boyfriend 오빠 if he's younger than me?
No — 오빠 only applies if he's older than you. If he's younger, you can call him by his name or use 자기 (jagi) as a gender-neutral 'babe.'
What's the difference between 남자친구 and 남친?
남친 is just the shortened slang version of 남자친구 — same meaning, more casual, common in texting.
How do I say 'my boyfriend' in Korean?
우리 남자친구 (uri namjachingu) or 제 남자친구 (je namjachingu). Koreans often use 우리 (uri, 'our') affectionately even when talking about their own partner.