Korean terms of endearment and respect

The world has been catching the Hallyu fever with K-pop, K-dramas, and more! The romantic fantasy-like plots of K-dramas have us swooning over the beautiful male leads and more often than not give us the second-lead syndrome. With each K-drama, our desire to have a Korean partner and call them cute names goes through the roof. Here we have compiled a list of Korean terms of endearment, you know, just in case!
1. Aein – “Darling”/ “Sweetheart” 
“Aein” is the English equivalent of calling your dear one ‘sweetheart’ or ‘darling’. It is a gender-neutral term that can be used to address both men and women. 
2. Jagi – “Honey”/”Sweetheart” 
Another gender-neutral term that Korean couples like to utilize is “jagi,” which signifies “honey” or “dear.” Often in K-dramas, you may hear “jagiya” with a “ya” postfix added, especially to call somebody or stand out enough to be noticed in a caring way. 
3. Oppa – A more established sibling to a more youthful lady 
Oppa is probably the most popular term among Korean enthusiasts. “Oppa” is regularly utilized by Korean women to address an older man, be it a sibling, a platonic male companion, a partner/boyfriend, or a spouse. “Oppa” can have a sentimental and romantic notion too. You may experience this Korean expression of charm when a female lead flirts with the male lead. 
4. Nae Sarang – “My love” 
‘Nae Sarang’ is when you want to call your boo ‘My love’ in Korean style!
5. Yeobo – “Dear”/”Honey” (for wedded couples)  
You will most likely see parents of the lead couple referring to each other with the term ‘Yeobo’. This is used only by married couples so wait till the wedding before you call your significant other with it!   
6. Yeojachingu – “Girlfriend” 
Yeojachingu is comprised of two words. ‘Yeoja’ means woman and ‘chingu’ means friend. So, you can introduce your girlfriend as your ‘yeojachingu’ instead.
To allude to a lady as your better half, say “yeojachingu.” If you separate this word into two sections, it’s truly a blend of “yeoja” (“lady”) and “chingu” (“companion”). Straightforward, right? 
7. Namjachingu – “Sweetheart” 
This is the male counterpart of ‘Yeojachingu’. ‘Namja’ means man so your namjachingu is your boyfriend.