Today, we’ll be learning how to say “baby” in Korean. Previously, we already covered the topic of Korean family terms. Although “baby” wasn’t one of them, of course, babies are born into families every single day. So shouldn’t we all know how to say it in Korean?
Alternatively, “baby” is also a common term of endearment and even a way to describe someone. Many boyfriends and girlfriends like to call each other baby. Or someone might act cutesy or childish, just like a baby.
Therefore, there are a few reasons why you might want to learn the Korean word for “baby.” And today, we shall finally learn it together!
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Different ways to use the word “baby” in Korean
Now, as we already glossed over, there are numerous different Korean words to say this noun. It all depends on context!
Official translation for “baby” in Korean
The first word for “baby” is 아기 (agi). This is also considered the official word for baby. Thus, it may be one that’ll be first to pop up when you search for “baby” in dictionaries, for example. It is also applicable to use in many cases. You can use it whenever you are talking about infants, including baby animals. However, it is not a term of endearment.
Informal way to say “baby” in Korean
The second word for “baby” is 애기 (aegi). This is a cutesy way of saying 아기 (agi) and is also considered to be rather informal. It can be used when referring to infants – including baby animals – when you want to be cute.
However, this can also be used as a term for endearment with your loved ones. In that case, its meaning may also be “sweetheart” rather than “baby.”
Cute way to say “baby” in Korean
The third word for baby is 아가 (aga). This is another one that is commonly used, although it is not the official word, so you might have heard this used in K-Dramas. It is also used in a more affectionate way and to refer to the infant in an adorable way, although it’s not quite as cutesy as 애기 (aegi). If you have a child or children, this is what you can call them.
It can also be used with people, such as daughters-in-law, to show affection. If it’s someone close to you in terms of age, you may prefer to use the word 애기 (aegi) instead when you wish to show affection.
“Baby” in Korean as an endearment
The fourth word for “baby” is 베이비 (beibi). With how it is pronounced (be-i-bi), it’s definitely easy to remember. This is the Konglish way to say “baby” in the Korean language. You can use this to refer to babies, as well as a term of endearment.
However, a more popular word of endearment for “baby” in Korean that you might hear is 자기 (jagi).
Below is a list of Korean words related to the topic “baby,” which you may find useful to learn.
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Baby animal | 새끼 (saekki) |
| Baby food | 유아식 (yuasik) |
| Baby-sitter | 베이비 시터 (beibi siteo) |
| Bedtime | 취침 시간 (chwichim sigan) |
| Buggy, pram | 유모차 (yumocha) |
| Cradlesong, lullaby | 자장가 (jajangga) |
| Crib | 아기 침대 (agi chimdae) |
| Diaper, nappy | 기저귀 (gijeogwi) |
| Dummy | 고무 젖꼭지 (gomu jeotkkokji) |
| Infant | 유아 (yua) |
| Powdered milk formula | 분유 (bunyu) |
Sample sentences
Finally, here are some sentence examples to get you started with using this new vocabulary with their translation in English. Take note of the proper grammar used for these sentences.
와, 정말 귀여운 아기네요! (wa, jeongmal gwiyeoun agineyo!)
Wow, what a cute baby!
넌 정말 귀여워, 마치 아기 같아. (neon jeongmal gwiyeowo, machi agi gata.)
You’re so cute, just like a baby.
Sample dialogue
A: 우리가 아기를 위해 무엇을 사야 해? (uriga agireul wihae mueoseul saya hae?)
What do we need to buy for a baby?
B: 음… 우선 유모차, 아기 침대, 그리고 고무 젖꼭지 몇 개 사야 해. 그리고 물론 기저귀도 사야 하지! (eum… useon yumocha, agi chimdae, geurigo gomu jeotkkokji myeot gae saya hae. geurigo mullon gijeogwido saya haji!)
Hm… We need to buy a pram, a crib, and some dummies, to start with. And, of course, we need to buy diapers, too!
Wrap Up
Regardless of the languages you speak, whether it’s Japanese, German, English, etc., learning Korean words such as “baby” is quite easy! We hope that with this lesson, you’re ready to talk about baby-related matters and use cutesy terms on a loved one and get a few ideas about Korean culture too.
How about learning some more terms of endearment next? Then go check out our article on Korean terms of endearment and impress your Korean friends!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it 😊. Infact I only knew 아기 but thanks for the tips
I’m glad that our article has been helpful to you, Sammy! If you want to know more about the Korean language and culture, you can also check our blog and visit our YouTube channel for articles and videos with great Korean content.