I Miss You: Expressing Longing in the Korean Language

As the world continues to globalize, language learning has become increasingly important. According to the Modern Language Association, the number of Americans studying Korean has increased by over 10% in the past decade. This surge in interest is due in part to the growing popularity of Korean pop culture, such as K-pop and Korean dramas.

If you're one of the many people who have fallen in love with Korean culture, you may have found yourself wanting to express your longing for someone in Korean. The phrase "I miss you" is a common expression of affection and longing in Korean, and there are several different ways to say it.

Korean Phrase	English Translation
보고 싶어 (bogo sip-eo)	I miss you (informal)
보고 싶습니다 (bogo sip-seum-ni-da)	I miss you (formal)
그리워요 (geuri-wo-yo)	I miss you (informal, used with friends)
그리워합니다 (geuri-wo-ham-ni-da)	I miss you (formal, used with superiors)

In addition to these common phrases, there are also a number of other ways to express your longing for someone in Korean. For example, you can say "I miss your smile" (미소가 보고 싶어, misoga bogo sip-eo) or "I miss your voice" (목소리가 보고 싶어, mogsoriga bogo sip-eo).

Useful Tips for Expressing "I Miss You" in Korean

Use the correct level of formality. The Korean language has a complex system of formality, so it's important to use the correct level of formality when expressing your feelings. If you're speaking to a close friend, you can use the informal phrase "bogo sip-eo." However, if you're speaking to a superior or someone you don't know well, you should use the formal phrase "bogo sip-seum-ni-da."

Be specific about what you miss. Don't just say "I miss you." Instead, be specific about what you miss about the person. For example, you can say "I miss your smile" or "I miss your voice."

Use body language. Body language can be a powerful way to express your feelings. When you're telling someone you miss them, make sure to make eye contact and smile. You can also reach out and touch their hand or arm.

Don't be afraid to cry. It's okay to cry when you're expressing your feelings. In fact, crying can be a sign of how much you care about someone.

Success Stories

A young woman wrote a letter to her boyfriend who was serving in the military. In the letter, she expressed how much she missed him and how she couldn't wait to see him again.

A man wrote a poem for his wife on their wedding anniversary. In the poem, he expressed how much he missed her when they were apart and how lucky he was to have her in his life.

A group of friends organized a surprise party for their friend who had moved away. At the party, they told their friend how much they missed him and how they were so happy to see him again.

I Miss You: Expressing Longing in the Korean Language