Ever questioned how Korean teenagers and younger adults speak to one another? Korean slang is sort of a entire totally different language that makes conversations enjoyable and relatable! These expressions come from social media, Okay-pop, Okay-dramas, and youth tradition. Plus, they modify on a regular basis – identical to English slang does!
At present, we’ll discover 25 must-know Korean slang phrases that’ll aid you sound extra pure when chatting with Korean mates. We’ve organized them into three easy-to-remember classes: emotional expressions and reactions, social and relationship phrases, and look and life-style.
What’s “slang” in Korean language?
Let’s first learn to say “slang” in Korean. There are two foremost methods to consult with slang:
- “속어” (sogeo): On a regular basis informal expressions utilized in casual conversations, particularly amongst mates and folks of the same age
- “은어” (euneo): Particular code phrases or jargon used inside particular teams, creating a way of shared id
Now, let’s see learn how to use every of them!
1. Korean slang for emotional expressions and reactions
These are some phrases you should use to indicate how you’re feeling about one thing or to react to a sure scenario:
대박 (daebak) – Terrific, nice, a giant win
This phrase generally expresses that one thing is a superb win or superb. It’s typically used as an adjective, like “대박이다” (daebak-ida), that means “it’s terrific.”
헐 (heol) – OMG, rattling, oh my god
An off-the-cuff exclamation expressing shock, much like “OMG” or “wow.” Generally utilized in texting. It has no verb type.
멘붕 (menbung) – Psychological breakdown
Shortened from “멘탈붕괴” (psychological bunggoe), which is “psychological breakdown.” Used when feeling overwhelmed or burdened. It may be used with the verb “걸리다” (geollida), which suggests “to get” or “to catch,” as “멘붕걸렸어” (menbung geollyosseo).
깜놀 (kkamnol) – To be shocked, startled
Shortened from “깜짝 놀라다” (kkamjjak nollada), that means “to be immediately shocked”. It’s generally used when startled or shocked, and you’ll use the verb “to be,” as in “깜놀이야” (kkamnol-iya! You startled me).
실화냐 (silhwanya) – For actual? Is that for actual?
It comes from “실화” (silhwa), or “true story,” plus the query ending “-냐” (-nya). It’s comparable in that means to, “Is that this for actual?”
안물안궁 (anmurangung) – I didn’t ask and I don’t care
That is quick for “안 물어봤어 안 궁금해” (an mureobwasseo an gunggeumhae). It’s what you say when somebody tells you one thing you don’t care about. It’s fairly blunt, so use it fastidiously!
콜 (kol) – Certain! I’m in!
A cool technique to say you conform to plans. So, subsequent time a pal is asking you if you wish to go get ice cream, you’ll be able to simply say “콜!”
레알 (actual) – Actual, actually
Straight from the English “actual.” You utilize this while you wish to emphasize one thing that’s tremendous true. It’s one other method of claiming “진짜” (jinjja), which additionally means “actually” in Korean language.
화이팅 (hwaiting) – Preventing! You are able to do it!
That is the last word Korean cheer – like saying “you bought this!” or “go for it!” Excellent for encouraging your folks.
2. Korean slang associated to social and relationship phrases
Right here is a few slang that you should use to explain your relationship with others or phrases associated to social life:
썸 타다 (sseom tada) – “One thing” between two folks
It’s that awkward stage while you’re not courting, however there’s positively one thing happening! At all times used with the verb “타다” (tada, to experience). Subsequent time you wish to say you aren’t but courting somebody, you’ll be able to say: “썸 타고 있어” (sseom tago isseo, We have now one thing happening).
바람둥이 (baramdungi) – Participant
Created from “바람” (baram, wind), plus the ending “-둥이” (-dungi). Similar to the wind comes and goes, this describes somebody who can’t stick to at least one relationship. Use with warning!
붕어빵 (bungeoppang) – Two those that look or act the identical
Named after these fish-shaped pastries you see in all places in Korea. When two folks look tremendous comparable, they’re “붕어빵” (bungeoppang)! It’s typically used to say dad and mom look precisely like their youngsters.
내가 쏠게 (naega ssolge) – I’ll pay/my deal with
Actually means “I’ll shoot!” Bizarre, proper? However “쏘다” (ssoda) has develop into slang for treating others. It’s what you say while you’re providing to pay for everybody.
일차/이차/삼차 (ilcha/icha/samcha) – Stage 1, stage 2, stage 3
These are the totally different rounds of an evening out. First cease? “일차” (ilcha)! Wish to maintain going? That’s “이차” (icha)! Nonetheless not achieved? You go straight to “삼차” (samcha)! It typically follows this sample: a meals stall to drink some alcohol and eat meals, then one other meals stand with extra alcohol, and it finishes with karaoke evening.
3. Korean slang for look and life-style
Phrases about wanting good and residing your finest life:
얼짱 (eoljjang) – A superb-looking particular person
Combines “얼굴” (eolgul, face) with “짱” (jjang, finest). It’s like saying somebody’s face could be very fairly/good-looking! It’s quite common on social media and in youth tradition.
간지 난다 (ganji nanda) – Nice, trendy, superior
From the Japanese “かんじ” (kanji, feeling/sense). It’s what you say when somebody’s fashion is completely on level. It’s at all times used with “나다”(nada, to have) as a verb. For instance, you’ll be able to inform your pal subsequent time: “우아~ 오늘 간지 나네” (ua, oneul ganji nane, Wow, right this moment you look trendy).
쌩얼 (ssaengeol) – Naked face
From “생” (saeng, uncooked), plus “얼굴” (eolgul, face). It’s while you’re rocking that no-makeup look. Tremendous frequent on social media when posting pure selfies!
치맥 (chimaek) – Rooster and beer
The legendary combo of “치킨” (chikin) and “맥주” (maekju). It’s a phrase you have to know for those who go to Korea.
꿀잼/노잼 (kkuljaem/nojaem) – Enjoyable/Not enjoyable
It mixes “꿀” (kkul, honey) or “노” (no) with “재미” (jaemi, enjoyable). One thing tremendous enjoyable? That’s “꿀잼” (kkuljaem) Boring? Undoubtedly “노잼” (nojaem). Used quite a bit in gaming and social media.
꿀팁 (kkultip) – An excellent tip
Combines “꿀” (kkul, honey) with “tip.” For while you’ve bought some severely candy recommendation to share. Use “꿀팁 주다” (kkultip juda) when giving glorious suggestions.
강추 (gangchu) – Strongly really useful
It’s quick for “강력 추천” (gangryeok chucheon). Whenever you actually wish to suggest one thing! It may be used with the verb “하다” (hada, to do) as “강추하다” (gangchuhada, to strongly suggest one thing).
지못미 (jimonmi) – Sorry I couldn’t defend you
Quick for “지켜주지 못해서 미안해” (jikyeojuji mothaeseo mianhae). Used when sharing ugly or not-so-flattering images. It’s like saying “sorry you needed to see this!”
Grasp the Korean language: Greater than slang!
Now you’re prepared to speak like a Korean! Bear in mind, although, that identical to English slang, these phrases are finest used with mates your age. You in all probability wouldn’t use them together with your Korean instructor or your pal’s dad and mom! Additionally, remember the fact that slang adjustments actually quick, so don’t be shocked for those who hear new variations of phrases.
Wish to degree up your Korean much more? Take a look at these On-line Korean classes with native audio system who can assist you employ slang like a professional!
If you happen to’re simply getting began or wish to enhance your abilities, you’ll be able to study Korean on-line with enjoyable and structured classes. Now, time to make use of these phrases, “화이팅” (hwaiting, Good luck)!