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When watching Korean dramas, you might be confused by the variety of ways couples address each other: Yeobo, Jagiya, Oppa, and sometimes even just their names. These titles are not merely pet names; they are crucial codes of conduct that reflect the deepest level of affection and intimacy in Korean relationship culture.

This guide will clearly distinguish the actual usage and nuance of the titles used between lovers and married couples, helping K-Content viewers accurately grasp the depth of the relationships.

1. Titles Emphasizing Intimacy and Equality: ‘Jagiya’ and Using Names

These titles showcase the high level of intimacy and the equal footing of the relationship, transcending age difference.

• Jagiya (Sweetheart / Darling):
  • Usage: It is the most common term of endearment used not only by dating couples but also after marriage.
  • Meaning: It is used in very intimate and affectionate relationships. Maintaining this title after marriage is an action that demonstrates the closeness of the marital relationship.
• Using First Names:
  • Usage: Recently, there has been an increase in married couples calling each other by their first names.
  • Meaning: This is a code of conduct that pursues a horizontal relationship beyond age hierarchy, expressing the highest level of intimacy.

2. The Title Used with an Age Gap: ‘Oppa’ (Older Brother)

In Korean society, age difference is often reflected in the titles used, even in romantic and marital relationships.

• Oppa:
  • Usage: When the husband is older than the wife, it is very common for the wife to call her husband ‘Oppa’.
  • Meaning: This is an action that carries on the intimacy from their dating days and is the most common code of conduct for expressing affection in an age-gap relationship.
  • K-Feel Insight: The action of a husband calling his wife ‘Eonni’ (Older Sister) is definitively not used as a common title in Korean society (except in non-traditional pairings). Foreign readers should clearly understand this point.

3. The Most Common and Official Title: ‘Yeobo’

‘Yeobo’ is a title that has symbolized the Korean marital relationship across generations.

• Yeobo (Honey / Dear):
  • Usage: It is the most universally used, official title among married couples.
  • Meaning: It can be comfortably used in public and is a code of conduct that still represents a mutually respectful, official marital relationship.

4. Titles Requiring Caution: ‘Dangsin’ and ‘Mom/Dad’

These two titles carry nuances beyond positive meaning or are used only in specific circumstances.

• The Formal and Cautious Title: ‘Dangsin’ (You)
  • Caution Point: This title is far more often used with a nuance of scorn or reprimand when arguing or emotional.
  • Practical Code of Conduct: It is safer not to use ‘Dangsin’ unless you are in a marital relationship.
• The Title Borrowed from the Child’s Name: ‘OO Mom/Dad’
  • Code of Conduct: Couples with children call each other ‘OO Eomma’ (OO Mom) or ‘OO Appa’ (OO Dad), borrowing the child’s name. This is an action that declares, “We are a community as the parents of one child,” showcasing the family-centric culture.

Now you can accurately distinguish the context of ‘Jagiya’, ‘Yeobo’, and ‘Oppa’ in dramas and enjoy K-Romance with deeper understanding!