Dictionary — Entry No. 1200
고파
gopaeo · verb/expression
고파
gopaeo
[go-PAH-oh]
verb/expressionbeginner
Meaning
Literally ‘I miss’ or ‘I crave,’ this emotional word expresses deep longing for a person, place, or thing. It’s stronger than simple homesickness—it conveys yearning and aching absence. Often used in songs and emotional conversations.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Gopaeo appears constantly in K-pop ballads and emotional lyrics—IVE, TWICE, and BTS have all used variations in their songs. K-drama scenes frequently feature characters saying gopaeo when separated from loved ones. It’s a emotionally charged word that resonates deeply with fans who understand the vulnerability behind it.
Example Sentences
엄마가 고파.
Eommaga gopa.
I miss mom (deep longing)
너를 너무 고파해.
Neoreul neomu gopahae.
I miss you so much (romantic yearning)
집이 고파.
Jibi gopa.
I’m homesick / I crave being home (nostalgia and longing)
⚠️ Don’t use gopaeo when…
Gopaeo is NOT just ‘hungry’—that’s a different meaning (배고파). The emotional sense of craving/missing is distinct. Also, gopaeo can sound overly dramatic if used casually; save it for genuine emotional expression. International fans sometimes confuse this with hunger-related words or use it too lightly, missing the emotional depth.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: My Love from the Star — Do Min-joon says ‘gopaeo’ when thinking of Cheon Song-yi after centuries of separation, expressing the ache of longing
- K-Pop: TWICE — ‘Set Me Free’ — members sing about gopaeo their fans when on hiatus or during long tours away from home
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.