How to Say “I Miss You” in Korean: 보고 싶어 (bogo sipeo)
“Bogo sipeo” literally means “I want to see you” — the standard way to say “I miss you” in Korean.
“Bogo sipeo” literally means “I want to see you” — the standard way to say “I miss you” in Korean.
보고 싶어 (bogo sipeo) — I miss you
How it feels and when to use it
“Bogo sipda” = “to see” + “to want.” The same pattern (verb stem + 고 싶다) builds any “I want to ___,” so this phrase teaches a key grammar point too.
Politeness levels
- 보고 싶어 (bogo sipeo) — Casual (반말): with close friends and people younger than you
- 보고 싶어요 (bogo sipeoyo) — Polite (해요체): the safe everyday level for most people
- 보고 싶습니다 (bogo sipseumnida) — Formal (합쇼체): in business, announcements, and to elders
Real examples from native Korean
Here’s how native speakers actually use 보고 싶어 in real Korean:
- 되게 써보고 싶었는데 — I've always wanted to try it out
- 정말, 많이 보고 싶었어요 — I missed you so much.Really. (Applause)
- 나 보고 싶었어요?(네!) — Did you miss me?(Yeah!)
A common mistake to avoid
Don’t confuse it with “bogo sipda” for objects — For people it means “miss you.” For a movie or show, “bogo sipda” means “want to watch it.” Same words, context tells you which.
Related expressions
- 사랑해 (saranghae) — I love you
- 잘 지내 (jal jinae) — take care / be well
Want to hear 보고 싶어 spoken by real Koreans? Search it on Langle and watch it across dozens of real video clips.
Frequently asked questions
- What does “보고 싶어” mean in Korean?
- “Bogo sipeo” literally means “I want to see you” — the standard way to say “I miss you” in Korean. It’s romanized as “bogo sipeo.”
- Is “보고 싶어” formal or casual?
- “보고 싶어” is casual (반말); “보고 싶어요” is polite (해요체); “보고 싶습니다” is formal (합쇼체). Match the level to who you’re talking to.
- How do you pronounce “보고 싶어”?
- It’s pronounced “bogo sipeo.” Don’t confuse it with “bogo sipda” for objects: For people it means “miss you.” For a movie or show, “bogo sipda” means “want to watch it.” Same words, context tells you which.
- When should I use “보고 싶어”?
- “Bogo sipda” = “to see” + “to want.” The same pattern (verb stem + 고 싶다) builds any “I want to ___,” so this phrase teaches a key grammar point too.
- What can I say instead of “보고 싶어”?
- Try “사랑해” (I love you) or “잘 지내” (take care / be well).