yeobo meaning
Yeobo Meaning: What Does 여보 Mean in Korean?
여보
yeobo · /jʌ.bo/
Quick answer
Yeobo (여보) is the classic Korean term of endearment for a spouse — like 'honey' or 'dear' — and it's used primarily by married couples.
Literal vs natural meaning
Literal meaning
Historically from 여기 보오 (yeogi boo), meaning 'look here' — now a fixed term of endearment for spouses.
Natural English meaning
Honey, dear, darling — used between married couples or sometimes established long-term partners.
Cultural nuance
In K-dramas, a character calling their spouse yeobo instantly sets the domestic scene — it's the sound of a married home. It's warmer and more settled than jagiya, and there's something enduring about it. Older generations use it more than younger Koreans, who often stick with jagiya even after marriage. When you hear yeobo in a drama, expect the couple to be either happily domestic or in the middle of a marital conflict.
Who can say it?
Both husbands and wives use yeobo toward each other. It's specifically for spouses or long-term partners — not for friends, family in any other configuration, or early-stage dating.
Is it rude or cringe?
Using yeobo with someone who isn't your long-term partner or spouse will sound strange — it carries a heavy 'we're settled and married' connotation. With a genuine partner it's sweet and comfortable.
Examples
여보, 밥 다 됐어.
Yeobo, bap da dwaesseo.
Honey, the food is ready.
여보, 이리 와봐.
Yeobo, iri wabwa.
Dear, come over here.
여보, 나 오늘 좀 늦을 것 같아.
Yeobo, na oneul jom neujeul geot gata.
Honey, I think I'll be a bit late today.
How to reply
응, 알겠어.
Eung, algesseo.
A spouse responding naturally:
왜, 무슨 일이야?
Wae, museun ir-iya?
Playful reply:
Similar Korean words
jagiya
Jagiya is the dating-couple version of yeobo — younger, less formal, used before or instead of yeobo after marriage.
saranghae
Saranghae is what couples pair with yeobo in tender moments.
eomma
After children arrive, many Korean spouses switch from yeobo to calling each other 'mom' or 'dad' — a cultural note.
Common mistakes
- Using yeobo with a dating partner you've only been with for a short time — it implies a very settled, committed relationship.
- Thinking yeobo and jagiya are the same — yeobo leans married/long-term; jagiya is more common for dating couples.
- Forgetting that modern Korean couples may use jagiya even after marriage and may not use yeobo at all.
Mini quiz
What does yeobo usually mean?
FAQ
What's the difference between yeobo and jagiya?
Yeobo is more traditional and associated with married couples; jagiya is the modern, casual term used between dating couples and sometimes married ones too. Both mean roughly 'honey' or 'babe.'
Is yeobo old-fashioned?
A bit, yes. Younger Korean couples tend to use jagiya or other pet names. Yeobo shows up in dramas a lot because the domestic-couple setting calls for it.
Can a girlfriend call her boyfriend yeobo?
Technically possible, but it's unusual — yeobo implies marriage-level commitment. Dating couples are more likely to use jagiya.