🎵 K-Culture B1

최애

choeae

One's favorite (bias) member/person

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What it means

최애 (choeae) is fandom slang for one's absolute favorite. 최 means most/best and 애 is short for 애정 (love/affection). Originally from idol fan culture, now used broadly.

Nuance & when to use

In idol groups, 최애 = your No. 1 bias (the member you like most). Also used broadly: 최애 영화 (favorite film), 최애 음식 (favorite food). Very common in fan communities.

⚠ Common mistake

Confusing 최애 (most favorite, personal attachment) with 최고 (best in quality). 최고 is about excellence; 최애 is about personal preference and affection.

Example sentences

제 최애 멤버는 리더예요. Je choeae membeoneun rideoyeyo. My favorite (bias) member is the leader.
최애 드라마를 세 번이나 다시 봤어요. Choeae deuramareul se beonina dasi bwasseoyo. I rewatched my favorite drama three times.
요즘 최애 카페가 생겼어요. Yojeum choeae kapega saenggyeosseoyo. I recently found my favorite café.
팬덤에서 최애가 생기면 진짜 빠져들어요. Paendeomeseo choeaega saenggi myeon jinjja ppajyedeuroyo. When you get a bias in a fandom, you really fall in deep.

See also

최고 애정 팬 덕질 입덕
References Naver Korean Dictionary ↗ 국립국어원 표준국어대사전 ↗ Wikipedia ↗
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More B1 lessons

빨리빨리 ppalli ppalli Hurry hurry / The fast-paced Korean work ethic 남사친 namsachin male friend (not a boyfriend) 내 말 들어요 nae mal deureyo Listen to me / Hear me out
← 참다 추억 →

FAQ

When is this used?

In idol groups, 최애 = your No. 1 bias (the member you like most). Also used broadly: 최애 영화 (favorite film), 최애 음식 (favorite food). Very common in fan communities.

What's a common mistake?

Confusing 최애 (most favorite, personal attachment) with 최고 (best in quality). 최고 is about excellence; 최애 is about personal preference and affection.

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