i miss you in korean
How to Say "I Miss You" in Korean (보고 싶어): Casual, Polite & Romantic
보고 싶어
bogo sipeo
Quick answer
The most natural way to say 'I miss you' in Korean is 보고 싶어 (bogo sipeo) casually or 보고 싶어요 (bogo sipeoyo) politely — it literally means 'I want to see you.'
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| casual | 보고 싶어 | bogo sipeo | The everyday 'I miss you' between close friends, family, or partners — the standard form you'll hear in K-dramas. Works both as a statement and as a text. |
| polite | 보고 싶어요 | bogo sipeoyo | Polite form — appropriate with someone slightly older, a pen pal, or anyone you address with -요. Friendly but respectful. |
| really miss you | 너무 보고 싶어 | neomu bogo sipeo | 너무 (neomu, so/really) adds genuine intensity — this is the line that appears in almost every K-drama long-distance or reunion scene. |
| formal/written | 보고 싶습니다 | bogo sipseumnida | Rarely spoken aloud — better suited to a heartfelt letter, song lyrics, or formal speech. In everyday conversation it can sound theatrical. |
How it changes by relationship
나 너 보고 싶어.
Na neo bogo sipeo.
to a close friend: 나 (na, I) + 너 (neo, you) makes the subject explicit — Koreans often drop subject pronouns, so including both adds emotional emphasis.
너무 보고 싶어, 빨리 와.
Neomu bogo sipeo, ppalli wa.
to a romantic partner: 빨리 와 (come quickly) is a classic K-drama line from a longing partner — the combination of missing someone and urgently calling them back is a core romantic trope.
보고 싶어요.
Bogo sipeoyo.
to a parent or family (polite): Natural and warm without being overly formal — how many young Koreans would say it to a parent they respect but are also close to.
보고 싶다 ㅠㅠ
bogo sipda ㅠㅠ
in a text message: The declarative -다 ending reads like talking to yourself — heartfelt and a little vulnerable. ㅠㅠ represents streaming tears and is the near-universal texting companion for this phrase.
Examples
오빠, 보고 싶어.
Oppa, bogo sipeo.
Oppa, I miss you.
많이 보고 싶었어.
Mani bogo sipesseo.
I missed you so much.
보고 싶어요, 언제 와요?
Bogo sipeoyo, eonje wayo?
I miss you, when are you coming?
Usage note
보고 싶어 literally means 'I want to see you' — not 'I miss you' in the abstract nostalgic sense. This distinction matters: Koreans use it when they want to physically be with someone right now, not when reminiscing about a time long past. That's why it carries such urgency and warmth in K-dramas — it's not just sentiment, it's a longing for presence. For more abstract or general nostalgia, Koreans might say 생각나 (saenggangnna, I keep thinking of you) instead.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "I miss you" here?
FAQ
Is 보고 싶어 romantic?
It can be, but it's freely used between close friends and family too. Context and tone determine whether it's romantic — K-dramas make it sound intensely romantic, but saying it to your best friend is equally natural.
How do I say 'I missed you' in past tense?
보고 싶었어 (bogo sipeo-sseo) casually or 보고 싶었어요 (bogo sipeo-sseoyo) politely. Adding 많이 (mani, a lot) — 많이 보고 싶었어 — makes it feel even warmer.
What's 보고파?
보고파 (bogopa) is a cuter, slightly old-fashioned way to say 'I miss you' — you'll hear it in classic songs or from older drama characters. Same meaning, different verb ending; it sounds sweeter and a bit more poetic.
How do I say 'I miss you' formally to a teacher or elder?
보고 싶습니다 (bogo sipseumnida) is the most formal option, but it can sound dramatic in speech. In practice, many Koreans would express the sentiment through actions rather than words in formal relationships.
Can I use 보고 싶어 for missing a place or thing?
Yes — 그 곳이 보고 싶어 (I miss that place) or 한국 음식이 보고 싶어 (I miss Korean food) are both natural. The 'want to see/experience again' meaning extends beyond people.
What's the difference between 보고 싶어 and 생각나?
보고 싶어 expresses a longing to see or be with someone. 생각나 (saenggangnna, you came to mind / I'm thinking of you) is softer and works for general fond thoughts, even about someone who has passed.