Just like other languages, there are numerous ways to say “baby” in Korean. Whether you’re speaking to a young child, want to use the word to your spouse or significant other, or you’re an expecting mother or father, “baby” in Korean can take on many forms depending on the context.
Read on to find out how to say “baby” in Korean, complete with example sentences and usage tips.
1. 아기 (agi) – The Standard Word for Baby in Korean
The most common word for “baby” in Korean is 아기 (agi). This is a general term used to refer to a baby, typically an infant or a very young child. You can use 아기 in most situations, especially when referring to children.
When To Use It
아기 (agi) is a neutral, polite way to refer to babies and is widely used by everyone. Whether you’re in a formal setting or just hanging out with friends, 아기 is always appropriate.
This is also the version you should use when you’re writing the word “baby”.
아기 can sometimes even be used to refer to pets in Korean; basically anything cute and small can be referred to as baby. If you own a dog or cat, don’t be surprised if someone asks you, “아기 이름이 뭐예요?” (agi ireumi mweoyaeyo?; “what is your baby [pet]’s name?”) “아기가 몇 살이에요?” (agiga myeot saliaeyo?; “how old is your baby [pet]?”)
Example Sentences
- 이 아기는 정말 귀엽다. (I agineun jeongmal gwiyeopda.)
Translation: This baby is really cute. - 아기가 울고 있어요. (Agiga ulgo isseoyo.)
Translation: The baby is crying. - 내 친구는 아기를 낳았어요. (Nae chinguneun agireul naasseoyo.)
Translation: My friend gave birth to a baby.
2. 애기 (aegi) – A Cute Way of Saying “Baby”
애기 (aegi) is a slight variation of 아기 that’s often used in an affectionate, cute way. It’s more commonly used in spoken Korean, and you’ll often hear it from mothers, fathers, grandparents and caretakers when referring to their babies.
When To Use It
애기 (aegi) is often used in a familial context and emphasizes tenderness and cuteness. Parents frequently use this term when speaking to their children.
It’s also a term of endearment that can be used between couples, though using the word can be quite divisive amongst Koreans! Many will only use the term to refer specifically to babies. It can also be used with pets as a term of endearment; 우리 애기 (uri aegi) is often used as a way of praising your pet in Korea.
Example Sentences
- 애기가 졸려 보여요. (Aegiga jollyeo boyeoyo.)
Translation: The baby looks sleepy. - 우리 애기가 벌써 한 살이에요! (Uri aegiga beolsseo han sarieyo!)
Translation: Our baby is already one year old! - 애기야, 안녕! (Aegiya, annyeong!)
Translation: Hello, baby!
Is It 아기 (agi) or 애기 (aegi)?
아기 (agi) is the standard, formal version of “baby” in Korean, whereas 애기 (aegi) is more of a cute, colloquial term of endearment for a baby.
애기 is frequently used in spoken Korean, but not in written Korean. Make sure you use 아기 (agi), not 애기 (aegi), when writing. Whilst the latter is used often in casual conversations, it’s not standard Korean.
3. 아가 (aga) – Often Used by Older Generations
아가 (aga) is another way of saying baby in Korean. This is often used by older generations when addressing a baby directly. It’s a cute, colloquial version of the standard 아기 (agi).
When To Use It
While 아가 (aga) is still understood and sometimes used in modern Korean, it carries a slightly older or more traditional tone. You’ll likely encounter this word in literature, period dramas, or when older people are speaking.
Example Sentences
- 아가, 우리 놀자. (Aga, uri nolja.)
Translation: Baby, let’s play. - 아가, 이리 와. (Aga, iri wa.)
Translation: Baby, come here.
4. 베이비 (beibi) – Borrowed from English
Korean also adopts the English word “baby,” but it’s pronounced the way it’s written in Korean: 베이비 (beibi). This term is mostly used between couples or when speaking in a playful or affectionate way. You might also hear it in K-pop songs or dramas.
When To Use It
베이비 (beibi) is not commonly used when referring to actual infants; instead, it’s often heard between romantic partners. Its use is heavily influenced by Western culture and media, making it trendy and modern in tone.
Example Sentences
- 베이비, 사랑해! (Beibi, saranghae!)
Translation: Baby, I love you! - 내 베이비는 최고야. (Nae beibineun choegoya.)
Translation: My baby is the best. - 베이비야, 같이 가자. (Beibiya, gachi gaja.)
Translation: Baby, let’s go together.
5. 귀염둥이 (gwiyeomdungi) – “Cutie” or “Adorable Baby”
귀염둥이 (gwiyeomdungi) is not a direct translation of “baby,” but it’s often used as a term of endearment for babies and toddlers. The word comes from 귀엽다 (gwiyeopda), meaning “to be cute,” and it essentially means “cutie” or “adorable one.”
When To Use It
You can use 귀염둥이 for babies, young children, or even romantic partners, as it’s a versatile term of affection. It’s more casual and playful, often used to highlight how adorable someone is.
Example Sentences
- 우리 귀염둥이가 웃고 있어요! (Uri gwiyeomdungiga utgo isseoyo!)
Translation: Our little cutie is smiling! - 이 귀염둥이는 정말 사랑스러워요. (I gwiyeomdungineun jeongmal sarangseureowoyo.)
Translation: This little cutie is really lovable. - 너 정말 귀염둥이야! (Neo jeongmal gwiyeomdungiya!)
Translation: You’re such a cutie!
6. 아이 (ai) – Another Term for Child or Baby
While 아이 (ai) typically means “child” rather than “baby,” it’s often used to refer to both younger children and infants. 아이 is a broad term, covering ages from newborns to young children.
When To Use It
아이 (ai) is used in both formal and informal situations. It is gender neutral, making it versatile when referring to children.
Sometimes, 아이 is shortened to 애 (ae) and used between close relatives and friends in spoken Korean to refer to a child or baby.
Example Sentences
- 그 아이는 정말 예뻐요. (Geu aineun jeongmal yeppeoyo.)
Translation: That child is really pretty. - 아이들이 놀고 있어요. (Aideuri nolgo isseoyo.)
Translation: The children are playing. - 내 아이가 지금 자고 있어요. (Nae aega jigeum jago isseoyo.)
Translation: My child is sleeping right now. - 우리 애가 많이 컸어. (Uri aega mani keosseo.)
Translation: Our baby’s all grown up. (Using the shortened 애 version)
7. 여보 (yeobo) – A Term of Endearment Between Couples
Although 여보 (yeobo) doesn’t directly translate to “baby,” it’s worth mentioning because it’s a term of affection used between spouses, which can sometimes carry the same emotional weight as calling someone “baby” in English.
When To Use It
여보 (yeobo) is mainly used by married couples in Korea. It is a term of endearment that implies a strong bond and love between partners.
Example Sentences
- 여보, 오늘 저녁 뭐 먹을래? (Yeobo, oneul jeonyeok mwo meogeullae?)
Translation: Honey, what do you want for dinner tonight? - 여보, 사랑해. (Yeobo, saranghae.)
Translation: Honey, I love you.
How Do You Say “My Baby” In Korean?
This depends on who you’re referring to.
If you’re referring to a baby, “내 아기” (nae agi) or “내 애기” (nae aegi) work well and quite literally translate to “my baby”. You can also say “우리 아기” (uri agi) or “우리 애기” (uri aegi) – 우리 (uri) means “we” or “our” and is often used even if you mean “my”.
If you’re talking about a spouse or partner, “내 사랑” (nae sarang) is more common. This translates to “my love”.
How Do You Say “Baby Girl” In Korean?
If you want to use “baby girl” with your boyfriend or girlfriend, unfortunately this English phrase doesn’t really translate well into Korean. We would suggest you use 자기 (jagi), which means darling, or 여보 (yeobo), which is closer to honey or baby.
Can You Refer To A Baby As 새끼 (saekki)?
No, it’s not usually okay to use 새끼 (saekki) when referring to a human baby. This is because in Korean, 새끼 (saekki) literally means “offspring” or “young” when referring to animals, such as puppies, kittens, or baby birds.
However, when used to refer to people, especially in modern contexts, it can be highly offensive or derogatory. It’s often used as part of insults like “개새끼” (gaesaekki), which translates to “son of a bitch” in English.
That being said, you might hear grandparents and parents refer to their child or grandchildren as 새끼. In this context, it’s used as a term of endearment. It’s not generally used outside of family, however, as it’s usually seen as offensive.
Practice Using Baby In Korean
Learning how to say “baby” in Korean opens up new ways to express love, affection, and care. From the standard 아기 (agi) to the cute 귀염둥이 (gwiyeomdungi) and even the trendy 베이비 (beibi), there are multiple ways to convey warmth and tenderness in Korean. Whether you’re addressing an infant, a romantic partner, or just want to sound cute, each term carries its unique nuances.
By using these words in the right context, you can enrich your Korean vocabulary and express yourself more naturally. Happy learning!