Learn the coolest Korean slang terms for dating, daily convos, & more!
Whether you’re studying Korean or just want to know what your favorite characters and celebs are saying, you’ll need to learn some Korean slang! In this article, we’ve outlined the most popular slang terms and expressions to expand your vocabulary. Keep reading for the hottest texting, dating, and Gen Z slang to sound like a local!
Common Korean Slang Words
- Daebak (대박) - Awesome, cool, or amazing.
- Bul-geum (불금) - Fiery Friday, similar to “TGIF.”
- Geuk-yeom (극혐) - Extreme disgust.
- Chi-maek (치맥) - Chicken and beer.
- No-jaem (노잼) - Something that is not fun, funny, or interesting.
- Apateu/APT (아파트) - An apartment or the Korean drinking game APT .
- Mildang (밀당) - Push and pull; describes someone who plays games in relationships.
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Section 1 of 8:
Common Korean Slang Words & Phrases
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Daebak (대박) This popular exclamation means “awesome,” “cool,” or “amazing.” It stems from the word “daebangnada” (대박나다), meaning “to be successful,” and can be used to describe anything from food and clothes to music or your mood.
- Example: “I no-rae jin-jja daebak-ida!” (“이 노래 진짜 대박이다!”) / “This song is really awesome!”
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2Bul-geum (불금) This term is like saying “TGIF” in English. It translates to “Fiery Friday,” so Koreans use it to get amped up for the weekend festivities.
- Example: “Bulgeum-e-neun maegju-ga chego-eyo.” (“불금에는 맥주가 최고에요.”) / “Drinking beer is the best on Fiery Friday.”
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3Geuk-yeom (극혐) This slang term is short for “geukanui hyeomo” (극한의 혐오). The word “geukan” (극한) means “limit” or “extreme,” while the word “hyeomo” (혐오) means “hatred,” “disgust,” or “revulsion.” Put together, “geuk-yeom” means extreme disgust.
- Example: “I eumsik geuk-yeom-inde.” (“이 음식 극혐인데.”) / “This food is extremely disgusting.”
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4Chi-maek (치맥) This slang term describes one of the most popular food combos in South Korea… chicken and beer! The word “chi” is short for “chicken,” while the word “maek” is short for “maekju,” which means “beer.”
- Example: “Chimaek meogeuro gal saram?” (“치맥 먹으러 갈 사람?”) / “Anyone want to go for chicken and beer tonight?”
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5Somaek (소맥) Similar to “chi-maek,” this slang term describes the most popular drink combination in Korea… soju and maekju! Koreans will usually combine 3 parts soju to 7 parts maekju (beer) for the perfect ratio.
- Example: “Jeonyeong meokgo somaek meogeuro gaja!” (“"저녁 먹고 소맥 먹으러 가자!”) / “Let’s go have somaek after dinner!”
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6Ppeong (뻥) This slang word means “lie” or “fib.” It’s typically used in playful and joking contexts, such as calling someone out for telling a lie.
- Example: “Minsu-neun ppeong-eul neo-mu ma-ni cheo.” (“민수는 뻥을 너무 많이 쳐.” / “Minsu tells too many lies.”
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7Heol (헐) Think of this term as the Korean version of “OMG” or “WTF.” People use it in response to something shocking, especially over text.
- Example: “Heol, mwoya?” (“헐, 뭐야?”) / “OMG, what is it?”
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8Kkul-jaem (꿀잼) This term is used to describe something that’s fun, funny, or interesting. The term “kkul” means “honey,” while the word “jaem” is short for “jaemiisseoyo” (재미있어요), which means “interesting.”
- Example: “I geim kkul-jaem-inde?” (“이 게임 꿀잼인데?”) / “This game is super fun, right?”
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9No-jaem (노잼) This is the evil twin of “kkul-jaem.” It’s used to describe something that is not fun, funny, or interesting.
- Example: “Pati-ga no-jaem-ira-seo iljig naeot-seo.” (“파티가 노잼이라서 일찍 나왔어.”) / “The party was boring so I left early.”
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10Kkul-tip (꿀팁) When Koreans use the word “kkul,” it means something is really good. So, a “kkul-tip” refers to a really good tip. Use it when referring to golden advice or valuable tips.
- Example: “Myeonjeop kkul-tip-eul al-yeo-julkge.” (“면접 꿀팁을 알려줄게.”) / “I’ll give you some great interview tips.”
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11Eomchina (엄친아) Growing up, did your mom have a friend with the perfect son? Well, Koreans invented the term “eomchina” to describe this guy whom your mom probably always compared you to. It directly translates to “Mom’s friend’s son.” [1] X Research source
- Example: “Neo-neun jinja eomchin-ane. Gongbu-do jal-hago, undong-do jal-hago, waemo-do jo-go…” (“너는 진짜 엄친아네. 공부도 잘하고, 운동도 잘하고, 외모도 좋고…” / “You're really a eomchina! You're good at studying, good at sports, and you have good looks…”
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12Solkkamal (솔까말) When someone starts a sentence with “solkkamal,” it means “honestly speaking” or “to be honest with you.” It’s a way to let someone know you’re not holding back or sugar-coating anything. [2] X Research source
- Example: “Solkkamal, geu yeonghwa jinja jaemiyoepseoseo.” (“솔까말, 그 영화 진짜 재미없었어.”) / “Honestly, that movie was really boring.”
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13Deoreopge (더럽게) While this term directly translates to “dirtily,” it’s used to mean “badly.” You can use it to describe something negatively.
- Example: “Deoreopge bissada.” (“더럽게 비싸다.”) / “It’s disgustingly expensive.”
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14Manleb (만렙) This term translates to “Level 10,000.” When someone is super skilled or gets very good at something, such as online gaming, they’re often called “manleb.”
- Example: “Geunyeoneun peurogreuming manlep-iya.” (“그녀는 프로그래밍 만렙이야.”) / “She’s incredibly skilled at programming.”
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15Kol (콜) This common slang word means “I’m in” or “sure.” Koreans typically use it in response to a dare or bet, but it can also be used for more reckless situations.
- Example: “U-ri chi-kin si-kyeo meo-geulkka?” (“우리 치킨 시켜 먹을까?”) “Kol!” (“콜!”) / “Shall we order chicken?” “Sure!”
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16Matjeom (맛점) Short for the phrase “masinneun jeonyeok” (맛있는 저녁), “matjeom” means “delicious lunch.” If you want to describe a delicious dinner, you can simply shorten the term and say “matjeo” (맛저)!
- Example: “Matjeom ha-se-yo!” (“맛점 하세요!”) / “Have a delicious lunch!”
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17Ajeom (아점) This term is a combination of “achim” (아침), meaning “breakfast,” and “jeomsim” (점심), meaning “lunch.” Put together, you get “ajeom,” which means “brunch!”
- Example: “Ajeom meogeureo gaja!” (“아점 먹으러 가자!”) / “Let’s go eat brunch!”
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18Makjang (막장) This word describes a situation that’s so ridiculous that it can’t get any worse. Think of it like talking about the worst-case scenario…and then having something even more outrageous happen. That’s a makjang!
- Example: “Oneul hara ga wanjeon makjangieosseo.” (“"오늘 하루가 완전 막장이었어.”) / “Today was completely out of control.”
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19Beigeullyeo (베이글녀) This slang word means “cute but glamorous.” It’s typically used to describe a girl with a cute and innocent face, but still has a glamorous or sexy figure.
- Example: “Jeo yeojaneun jinja beigeullyeo-ya.” (저 여자는 진짜 베이글녀야.”) / “That girl is really cute but glamorous.”
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20Jjorep (쪼렙) Think of this word as “newbie” in English. It’s a slightly altered version of the term “jjogeumanhan rebel” (쪼그만한 레벨), which means small or low level. Use it to describe anyone who’s a beginner at something.
- Example: “Ajik jjorebiraseo geimeul jal mothaeyo.” (“아직 쪼렙이라서 게임을 잘 못해요.”) / “I’m still a newbie, so the game isn’t going very well yet.”
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21Men-bung (멘붕) When someone is overwhelmed and at their breaking point, they might experience a men-bung. It’s the shortened version of the term “men-tal bung-goe” (멘탈붕괴), which means mental breakdown.
- Example: “Men-bung geollyeosseo.” (“멘붕 걸렸어.”) / “I’m having a mental breakdown.”
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22Jjang (짱) Koreans usually say this sound effect alone to mean “great” or “amazing.” You can also combine it with other words to create new slang terms, such as “eol-jjang” (얼짱), which means “amazing face.”
- Example: “Neo jinja jjangiya!” (“너 진짜 짱이야!”) / “You’re really the best!”
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23Hwaiting (화이팅) This classic term means “good luck,” “you can do it,” or “stay strong” in Korean. It comes from the English word “fighting,” and is used to express support and encouragement.
- Example: “Siheom jal bwa! Hwaiting!” (“시험 잘 봐! 화이팅!”) / “Do well on your exam! Hwaiting!”
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24Ah-ssa(아싸) Think of this term as saying “yay” or “oh yeah!” in English. You can use it when you’ve overcome a challenge or small hurdle.
- Example: “Ah-ssa, naeil hyuil-iya!” (“아싸, 내일 휴일이야!”) / “Oh yeah, tomorrow is a holiday!”
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25Daetcheu-nono (댓츠노노) This Konglish phrase means “that’s no no.” You can use it anytime you want to disagree with someone or something in a playful manner.
- Example: “Ouri nal jeong-yeok-e matjib gaja!” (“우리 낼 저녁에 맛집 가자!”) “Daetcheu-nono, nan oneul bam-e dareun yakssok isseo.” (“댓츠 노노, 난 오늘 밤에 다른 약속 있어.”) / “Let’s go to a restaurant tomorrow night!” “Daetcheu-nono, I have another date tomorrow.”
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26Gap (갑) This term means “the boss,” and it refers to a person who has a relative advantage or power in a particular group. It can also be used to describe something that’s the best or above the rest.
- Example: “Gapjil-ha-ji ma.” (“갑질하지 마.”) / “Don’t act like a boss.”
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27Hyeonut (현웃) Think of this term as the equivalent of “LOL” (laugh out out) in English. You can use it to describe anything that’s funny, whether you’re watching a video or reading a text.
- Example: “Gae malhaneun geo jinjja hyeonut meomchujil ana.” (“걔 말하는 거 진짜 현웃 멈추질 않아.” / “I can’t stop laughing at what he’s saying.”
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28Ppang teojida (빵 터지다) This slang verb means “to laugh extremely loudly.” The word “ppang” mimics the sound a gun or bomb makes, while the word “teojida” means “to burst.” Put together, it refers to someone who is laughing explosively!
- Example: “Ige ppang teojil manhan sanghwangiya.” (“이게 빵 터질 만한 상황이야.”) / “This is a situation where you would burst out laughing.”
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29Haeng-syo (행쇼) Short for “haengbokasipsio” (행복하십시오), this slang term means “let’s be happy.” You can use it to cheer up someone and make them feel better.
- Example: “Him-nae, haeng-syo!” (“힘내, 행쇼!”) / “Do your best, be happy!”
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30Mwongmi (뭥미) This is an intentional typo of the word “mwoim” (뭐임), which means “what the heck” or “what is this?” Use it whenever you see something you’re unsure of.
- Example: “Neo wae ireoke mwongmi?” (“너 왜 이렇게 뭥미?”) / “What’s up with you?”
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31Real (레알) Frequently used in gaming and online chatting, this term is a quick way to acknowledge that something or someone is legit. You can also say it to agree with someone. [3] X Research source
- Example: “Igeo real mats-i-tta!” (“이거 레알 맛있다!”) / “This is really delicious!”
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32Doljikgu (돌직구) While this term directly translates to “rock fastball,” it refers to saying something directly or behaving in a forward manner. You can use it to describe someone being direct in their words or actions.
- Example: “Geunyeoneun hangsang doljikguro malreul haseo jom museopge nyeukyeojyeo.” (“그녀는 항상 돌직구로 말을 해서 좀 무섭게 느껴져.”) / “She always talks straight to the point, so it feels a little scary.”
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33Honbap (혼밥) This trending slang term refers to eating alone. The word “hon” is short for “honja” (혼자), which means “alone,” and the word “bap” (밥) refers to a meal. [4] X Research source
- Example: “Honbap jom jaju hani?” (혼밥 좀 자주 하니?”) / “Do you eat alone often?”
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34Honsool (혼술) Similar to “honbap,” the term “honsool” means drinking alone. [5] X Research source The term “sool” (술) encompasses all types of alcoholic beverages made in Korea, such as soju or makgeolli.
- Example: “Honsool-eun jom sim-sim-hae.” (“혼술은 좀 심심해.”) / “Drinking alone is a bit lonely.”
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35Eonpeul (언플) This is the shortened form of the word “eonnonpeullei” (언론플레이), which means “media play.” It refers to the act of using the media to create a positive image for a celebrity or corporation.
- Example: “Geu baeu, ibeon seu-kaen-deul ttaemune eonpeul simhage handa.” (“그 배우, 이번 스캔들 때문에 언플 심하게 한다.”) / “That actor is doing a lot of media play because of this scandal.”
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Tips
- Popular language-learning apps like Duolingo and Busuu are great resources to start learning Korean.Thanks
- If you want to improve your Korean, start by learning the alphabet (Hangul) and then practice as much as possible. You can also watch YouTube videos or take language classes to nail your pronunciation!Thanks
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References
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- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/10-useful-korean-slang-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://creatrip.com/en/blog/11594
- ↑ https://creatrip.com/en/blog/11594
- ↑ https://creatrip.com/en/blog/11594
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://keia.org/the-peninsula/ten-useful-korean-dating-terms/
- ↑ https://www.beelinelanguage.com/netflix-and-chill-in-korean-how-to-say-the-suggestive-phrase-in-korean/
- ↑ https://flexiclasses.com/korean/texting/
- ↑ https://www.foodrepublic.com/1698747/korea-apt-drinking-game-explained/
- ↑ https://speechling.com/blog/top-20-korean-slang-words-to-speak-like-a-native/
- ↑ https://creatrip.com/en/blog/9713
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