Korean Slang (List & Examples)

Korean slang is a fascinating aspect of the language that adds color and flair to everyday conversations. As a more informal form of communication, it allows Koreans to connect on a deeper level and express themselves with a sense of familiarity and fun.

If you’re learning Korean or planning to visit Korea, understanding Korean slang is crucial. It not only helps you decode informal conversations but also allows you to engage with locals in a more natural and authentic way.

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Korean slang and explore a variety of common words and expressions you’re likely to encounter. From trendy modern slang to cute and cool phrases, we’ll cover it all.

Key Takeaways:

• Korean slang is an informal form of language used in everyday conversations.
• Understanding Korean slang helps you connect with locals and express yourself in a more authentic way.
• In this article, we’ll explore common Korean slang words, phrases, and expressions.
• We’ll cover various categories of Korean slang, including relationships, modern slang, cute expressions, and cool phrases.
• By incorporating Korean slang into your language learning journey, you can build deeper connections and sound more like a local.

Common Korean Slang Words and Phrases

Korean slang is a dynamic and expressive form of language that adds flair to everyday conversations. In this section, we’ll explore some commonly used Korean slang words and phrases that can help you sound more like a local. These slang expressions are often used to describe feelings about a person or convey excitement about an event.

Common Korean Slang Words

Here are a few examples of Korean slang words:

• Pali pali – This phrase means “hurry up” and is often used to encourage someone to do something quickly.
• Saranghae – While this phrase translates to “I love you” in Korean, it is commonly used among friends to express affection in a casual way.
• Dae – This slang word is derived from the Korean word “daebak,” which means “awesome” or “amazing.” It is often used to describe something impressive or exciting.
• Aigoo – This exclamation is used to express frustration, surprise, or annoyance. It is similar to saying “oh my gosh” or “oh no” in English.

Common Korean Slang Phrases

Here are a few examples of Korean slang phrases:

1. Jjinja? – This phrase translates to “really?” or “seriously?” and is commonly used to express disbelief or surprise.
2. Molla – Meaning “I don’t know,” this phrase is often used as a response when someone asks a question and you’re unsure of the answer.
3. Gwiyeowo – This phrase is used to describe something or someone as “cute” or “adorable.”
4. Saeppalgan – Literally meaning “red ginseng,” this phrase is often used to describe someone who is hardworking and passionate.

Learning these common Korean slang words and phrases can enhance your language skills and help you connect with Korean speakers on a more casual level. Incorporate them into your conversations to add a touch of authenticity and cultural understanding.

Korean Slang Words and Phrases to Describe Relationships

In addition to everyday conversations, Korean slang also includes words and phrases specifically used to describe relationships. These expressions add a unique touch and help convey emotions in a more informal way. Here are some examples:

• 몰카 (Molka): Referring to someone who secretly takes pictures or records videos without consent, it is derived from the words “몰래 카메라” (mollae camera) meaning “secret camera”. This term is often used to describe individuals who invade privacy by capturing intimate or compromising moments.
• 썸타다 (Sseomtada): This phrase is used to describe a situation where two people have a romantic or flirtatious relationship, but are not yet in an official relationship. It can be translated as “to have some (interest) in each other” or “to be in a ‘some’ relationship”.
• 혼코노 (Honkono): A combination of the words “혼자” (honja), meaning “alone”, and “코트” (koteu), short for “커플” (keopeul) which means “couple”. This term is used to describe individuals who enjoy doing couple activities even when they are single.
• 문파 (Munpa): Derived from the words “문제 아파트” (munje apateu), which means “problematic apartment”, this slang is used to describe a toxic relationship or an unstable romantic partner. It refers to someone who brings constant drama and complications into the relationship.

Understanding these Korean slang phrases not only enhances your language skills but also allows you to connect with native Korean speakers on a deeper level. Incorporate these expressions into your conversations to sound more natural and show your understanding of Korean culture.

Note: The image illustrates the diversity and complexity of Korean slang words and expressions used to describe relationships.

Modern Korean Slang

Modern Korean slang reflects the latest trends in popular language expressions. Keeping up with modern Korean slang can help you sound current and connected to the local culture. Here are some trendy Korean slang words and phrases that you should know:

• Daebak – This slang term is used to express excitement or astonishment. It can be translated as “awesome” or “amazing.”
• Chungmuro – Referring to the main street in the Korean cinema district, this slang word is used to describe someone who is fashionable or stylish.
• Ulzzang – Literally meaning “best face,” this term is used to describe someone who has attractive facial features and is popular on social media.
• Kimchi slap – This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is being mocked or criticized harshly.

If you want to stay fluent in Korean and connect with native speakers, understanding modern Korean slang is essential. Incorporating these trendy expressions into your conversations will make you sound like a local. Check out the table below for more examples of modern Korean slang.

By familiarizing yourself with modern Korean slang, you can enhance your language skills and better understand contemporary Korean culture. Next, let’s explore some cute Korean slang words used to describe adorable things.

Cute Korean Slang Words

In Korean culture, cuteness holds great significance, and there are specific words and expressions to describe something as cute. Whether it’s an adorable puppy or a charming gesture, cute Korean slang words capture the essence of endearment. Here are some examples:

• Aegyo (애교) – refers to acts of cuteness intended to charm others.
• Mong (몽) – a term used to describe someone who is cute while asleep.
• Kyeopta (귀엽다) – means “to be cute” and can be used to describe any lovable person or thing.
• Saranghae (사랑해) – means “I love you” and is often used to express affection towards something cute.
• Mochi (모찌) – originally a Japanese term, it refers to someone cute and squishy.

Cute Korean slang words add a touch of playfulness to everyday conversations and can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Incorporating these endearing expressions into your Korean vocabulary will enhance your ability to connect with native speakers and deepen your understanding of Korean culture.

Cool Korean Words

Korean language is not only known for its polite and formal expressions but also for its cool and trendy slang. These words add personality and style to casual conversations. Here are some examples of cool Korean words:

1. 꿀잼 (kkul-jaem)

This phrase is a combination of two words: 꿀 (kkul), which means “honey,” and 재미있어 (jaemi-isseo), which means “fun.” 꿀잼 is used to describe something or someone as “super fun” or “hilarious.”

2. 대박 (dae-bak)

대박 is an exclamation used to express excitement and astonishment. It can be translated as “awesome,” “amazing,” or “incredible.” It is commonly used when something impressive or unexpected happens.

3. 뒷북 (dwit-buk)

뒷북 is used to describe someone who is slow to react or fails to catch up with the latest trends or information. It literally means “back beat” and refers to someone who is behind or out of sync with the current situation.

4. 불금 (bul-geum)

불금 is a combination of the words 불타는 (bulta-neun), which means “burning,” and 금요일 (geum-yoil), which means “Friday.” It refers to the excitement and anticipation people feel for the weekend, particularly Friday night, when they can relax and have a good time.

5. 사랑꾼 (sa-rang-kkun)

사랑꾼 is used to describe someone who is a “player” or a “charmer” when it comes to romantic relationships. It refers to someone who is skilled at pursuing and attracting love interests.

These are just a few examples of the cool Korean words you might come across in casual conversations with native speakers. Incorporating these words into your Korean language learning journey can make your conversations more engaging and relatable.

Conclusion

Korean slang is a vibrant part of everyday conversations in Korea. It offers a unique and informal way to connect with Korean speakers and express yourself more authentically. By incorporating Korean slang into your language learning journey, you can sound like a local and build deeper connections with native Koreans.

Throughout this article, we explored various aspects of Korean slang, including a list of common words and phrases, slang to describe relationships, modern and trendy slang, as well as cute and cool expressions. Understanding these popular slang terms will not only help you communicate more effectively but also immerse yourself in Korean culture.

Whether you are a language learner, traveler, or simply curious about Korean culture, diving into the world of Korean slang can be an exciting and enriching experience. It allows you to tap into the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the language, giving you a deeper appreciation for its nuances.

So, don’t hesitate to embrace Korean slang and incorporate it into your conversations. Not only will it make you feel more confident in your language skills, but it will also provide a gateway to connect with Koreans on a deeper level. Start exploring Korean slang today and unlock a whole new realm of expression!