Speak Like a Native Korean: The Ultimate Guide to Trending Korean Slang in 2023

Introduction

The Korean language changes fast! Korean slang terms are added to the language all the time. New slang is added so often that even Koreans have a hard time keeping up. Some terms are only picked up by youth and are most commonly seen online or in schools.

Other slang is adopted by everyone. You will see it appear in TV shows, music, YouTube channels, and books. I will teach you all the popular slang terms and expressions used in Korea today.

By using these expressions, you can impress Koreans with your knowledge of Korean, sound more natural, and make people laugh. Continue below to learn all the new Korean language trends and sound like a native Korean.

Hangeul	Romanized	Meaning
▶️ 꼰대	kkondae	old-timer, close-minded, aged
▶️ 고인물	goinmul	Veteran gamer
▶️ 또라이	ttorai	wierdo, freak
▶️ 깡패	kkangpae	gangster
▶️ 교포	gyopo	A Korean raised abroad
▶️ 초딩	choding	Elementary schooler
▶️ 딸바보	ttalbabo	girl dad, a dummy for their daughter
▶️ 덕후	deokhu	nerd, maniac
▶️ 상남자	sangnamja	a man's man
▶️ 꾸안꾸	kkuankku	dressed up casually
▶️ 쌩얼	ssaengeol	no makeup
▶️ 노안	noan	someone who looks old for their age
▶️ 동안	dongan	someone who looks young for their age
▶️ 티키타카	tikitaka	banter, a flow in conversation
▶️ 모태솔로	motaesolro	single since birth
▶️ 내로남불	naeronambul	If I do it, it’s romance, if others do it, it’s an affair
▶️ 케바케	kebake	case by case
▶️ 사바사	sabasa	person by person
▶️ 눈이 높다	nuni nopda	to have high standards
▶️ 볼매	bolmae	the more you look, the more charm (someone) has
▶️ 이상형	isanghyeong	ideal type
▶️ 동갑	donggap	same age
▶️ 띠동갑	ttidonggap	Chinese zodiac sign twins
▶️ 썸 타다	sseom tada	talking, a fling, meeting casually
▶️ 맛집	matjip	famous restaurant, must visit restaurant, a really good restaurant
▶️ 치맥	chimaek	chicken and beer
▶️ 소맥	somaek	soju and beer
▶️ 발이 넓다	bari neolda	to have a wide social network
▶️ 눈치가 없다	nunchiga eopda	to be slow witted, to have no awareness of one's surroundings
▶️ 눈치가 빠르다	nunchiga ppareuda	to be fast-witted, to have a good sense of one's surroundings
▶️ 길치	gilchi	someone who has no sense of directions
▶️ 돈쭐	donjjul	scolding with money
▶️ 갑통알	gaptongal	looking at my bank account, I should get a part-time job
▶️ 득템	deuktem	an item purchases at a good price
▶️ 할많하않	xxxxx	I have a lot to say but I won’t
▶️ 킹 받네	king batne	I am angry, annoyed
▶️ 감동 받다	gamdong batda	to be touched
▶️ 심쿵하다	simkunghada	for one's heart to skip-a-beat,
▶️ 빵 터지다	ppang teojida	to burst out laughing
▶️ 인생망	insaengmang	my life is ruined
▶️ 갑분싸	gapbunssa	a sudden chill in the atmosphere
▶️ 폼 미쳤다	pom michyeotda	to be on fire, to be crazy good
▶️ 엄살 부리다	eomsal burida	to make a big fuss about something
▶️ 잠수 타다	jamsu tada	to ghost
▶️ 땡땡이치다	ttaengttaengichida	to skip class
▶️ 갓생	gatsaeng	an exemplary and dilligent life
▶️ 너뭐돼	neomwodwae	who do you think you are?
▶️ 어쩔티비	eojjeoltibi	so what?
▶️ 이왜진	iwaejin	Why is it like this?
▶️ 머선 129	meoseon 129	what's wrong?
▶️ 헐	heol	OMG

Popular Korean Slang

Koreans are very creative when it comes to making new Korean slang. Korean slang is usually a combination of English and Korean, an abbreviation of an expression, a new word altogether, or already existing words used in a new way. Read the entirety of this blog to learn all the trending Korean slang and how it was created. Let’s get started!

People

1. 꼰대 (kkondae)

▶️ 꼰대

Have you ever met someone who likes to judge younger people based on what they did back when they were young? They usually start sentences with, ‘When I was your age…’ or ‘Back in my day…’ followed by some negative comparison with today’s generation. A person who does this is called 꼰대.

꼰대 also refers to people who are old-fashioned, close-minded, and unwilling to change with modern times.

Example:

A: 이 새로운 음악 정말 좋아!

i saeroun eumak jongmal joa

I really like this new music.

B: 아니, 이런 음악을 왜 좋아해? 제대로된 음악 좀 들어!

ani iron eumageul wae joahae jedaerodwen eumak jom deuro

Why do you like this kind of music? Listen to proper music!

A: 꼰대 같은 생각이네. 새로운 음악도 가치가 있어.

kkondae gateun saenggagine saeroun eumaktto gachiga isso

Those are close-minded thoughts. New music also has value.

2. 고인물 (goinmul)

▶️ 고인물

Gaming is a big pass-time in Korea and because of this, it has a lot of slang attached to it. One of these slang words is 고인물. 고인 물 is actually an expression in Korean that means ‘stagnant water’. In gaming, this word describes someone who has been playing one game for a long time.

You can think of someone who is a 고인물 as a veteran of a game. They got into the game when it was first becoming popular and have stuck to it for years. They are usually at more advanced levels than other players and are experts in the game.

Example:

A: 진수 씨 롤을 하는거 봤어? 너무 잘해!

jinsu ssi roleul haneungo bwasso nomu jalhae

Have you seen Jinsoo playing League of Legends? He is so good!

B: 응 진수 씨 잘하지. 롤 고인물이야. 열살때부터 롤 했어.

eung jinsu ssi jalhaji rol goinmuriya yolsalttaebuto rol haesso

Yeah, Jinsoo is super good. He is a veteran League of Legends player. He has been playing since he was 10.

3. 또라이 (ttorai)

▶️ 또라이

This slang term is easy and doesn’t have many nuances. It simply means ‘wierdo’ or ‘freak’. This term is pretty common so you will hear it often in Korean media.

Example:

A: 또라이냐?

Ttorainya

Are you a freak?

B: 뭐? 내가 뭐해서 그래?

mwo naega mwohaeso geurae

What? What did I do that you are acting that way.

A: 어제 인중 씨를 때렸잖아!

oje injung ssireul ttaeryotjjana

You hit Injoong last night!

B: 뭐! 난 그런적이 없는데.

mwo! nan geuronjogi omneunde

What! I have never done that.

4. 깡패 (kkangpae)

▶️ 깡패

I love Korean movies and some of my favorite Korean movies have gangsters in them. In the movies, gangsters are called 깡패, a slang term for gangster. Outside of the movies and gangs, Koreans often call people who threaten or use force to get their way 깡패. This term can also be used between friends jokingly.

Example:

A: 내 돈 빨리 내놔!

naedon ppalri naenwa

Give me my money fast!

B: 내일 줄거라고!

naeil julgorago

I said I would give it to you tomorrow!

A: 빨리 안주면 때릴거야.

ppalri anjumyon ddaerilgoya

If you don’t give it to me fast I am going to hit you.

B: 넌 깡패야? 그냥 내일까지 기다려!

non kkangpaeya? geunyang naeilkkaji gidaryo!

Are you a gangster? Just wait until tomorrow!

5. 교포 (gyopo)

▶️ 교포

Koreans who grew up abroad and not in Korea are called 교포.

Example:

A: 미국에서 왔는데 한국말을 어떻게 이렇게 잘하지?

migugeso wanneunde hangungmaleul ottoke iroke jalhaji

You're from America, how are you so good at Korean?

B: 저는 미국에 교포 친구들이 많아서 배웠어요.

joneun miguge gyopo chingudeuri manaso baewossoyo

I have a lot of Korean-American friends, so I learned.

6. 초딩 (choding)

▶️ 초딩

초딩 is a derogatory term for an elementary schooler. It is often used by older kids to look down on elementary school students. This term is most commonly seen online. Depending on the context, this term can also be used to refer to not just elementary school students, but all ages of kids.

Example:

A: 어제 학원에서 누가 싸웠대?

oje hagwoneso nuga ssawotttae?

Someone fought at the academy yesterday.

B: 아 그건 초딩 둘이었어. 무슨 사소한 일 때문에 싸웠대.

a geugon choding duriosso museun sasohan il ttaemune ssawotttae

아 그건 초딩 둘이었어. 무슨 사소한 일 때문에 싸웠대.

7. 딸바보 (ttalbabo)

▶️ 딸바보

This slang term is the combination of the word 딸, 'daughter' and 바보, 'idiot' or 'dummy'. This word describes a father who becomes an idiot in front of his daughter, in other words, a father who loves his daughter so much he would do anything for her, including spoiling her.

Example:

A: 우리 딸이 치킨 먹고 싶대.

uri ttari chikin mokkko sipttae

Our daughter says she wants to eat chicken

B: 지금 밤 11시야. 그냥 내일 먹자고 해!

igeum bam yolhansiya geunyang naeil mokjjago hae

It is 11 p.m. Just tell her to eat it tomorrow.

A: 우리 딸이 너무 예뻐서 거절못해.

uri ttari nomu yepposo gojolmotae

Our daughter is so pretty I can’t refuse.

B: 정신 좀 차려 넌 완전 딸바보 됐어.

jongsin jom charyo non wanjon ttalbabo dwaesso

Come to your senses, you have totally become an idiot for your daughter.

8. 덕후 (doku)

▶️ 덕후

A 덕후 is someone who is absorbed or obsessed with something. They are called a ‘nerd’ or ‘maniac’ in English. This word comes from the Japanese word ‘otaku’, someone obsessed with anime or manga.

Example:

A: 오펜하이머 봤어?

opeunhaimo bwasso

Did you see Oppenheimer?

B: 응! 난 열번이나 봤어.

eung nan yolbonina bwasso

Yah! I have seen it 10 times!

A: 엥? 진짜? 넌 정말 오펜하이머 덕후구나.

eng jinjja non jongmal opeunhaimo dokuguna

Huh? Really? You are really crazy for oppenheimer.

9. 상남자 (sangnamja)

▶️ 상남자

A 상남자 is a manly man. He is the epitome of masculinity. If you have seen 마동석 in any of his movies, then you know what a 상남자 is.

Example:

A: 유명우의 권투 경기를 봤어?

yumyongui gwontu gyonggireul bwasso

Did you see Yoo Myeong Woo’s match?

B: 응 봤어! 유명우 정말 상남자야.

eung bwasso yumyonu jongmal sangnamjaya

Yah I saw it! Yoo  Myeong Woo is such a man’s man.

Looks

10. 꾸안꾸 (kkuankku)

▶️ 꾸안꾸

How would you describe your style? In Korea, 꾸안꾸 style has been trending. This word is an abbreviation for 꾸민 뜻 안 꾸민 뜻, which means dressing up but not dressing up. It refers to a style that appears messy or casual on the surface but is actually carefully put together to create a certain aesthetic.

Example:

준희의 집은 꾸안꾸 스타일로 꾸며져 있어서 아늑하면서도 멋진 느낌이 들어요.

junhie jibeun kkuankku seutailro kkumyojo issoso aneukamyonsodo motjjin neukkimi deuroyo

Joonhee’s house is decorated in a casual style so it is cozy and also cool.

11. 쌩얼 (ssaengol)

▶️ 쌩얼

This term means ‘a face without any makeup’. It is usually used with women. In English, this term means ‘bare face’.

Example:

A: 넌 지금 쌩얼이야?

non jigeum ssaengoriya

Are you bare-faced right now?

B: 어. 그렇게 보여?

o geuroke boyo

Yeah, does it look like it?

A: 어!,, 쌩얼인데도 예뻐서 놀랐어.

o ssaengorindedo yepposo nolrasso

Yeah, even though you are bare-faced, you are pretty so I was surprised.

12. 노안 (noan)

▶️ 노안

When I was in Korea, people often mistook me for being older than I am. I would be called 노안, which means ‘to look old for one's age’. Just like in Western culture, Koreans do not like to be called 노안.

This term is often used jokingly or to tease someone, like in the famous drama Reply 1988 where a lot of the jokes revolve around one of the characters being a 노안.

Example:

A: 몇 살이야?

myot sariya

How old are you?

B: 난 21살이야.

nan seumulhansariya

I am 21 years old.

A: 진짜? 30 후반인줄 알았어!

jinjja samsip hubanninjul arasso

Really? I thought you were in your late 30s!

B: 어, 난 좀 노안이야.

o nan jom noaniya

Yeah, I kind of look old for my age.

13. 동안 (dongan)

▶️ 동안

This is the opposite of the above term. It means ‘to look young for one's age’. If you want to compliment someone, this is a good expression. You’ll make someones day!

Example:

A: 넌 동안이라서 좋겠다.

non donganiraso jokettta

It must be nice to look young for your age.

B: 왜 좋겠어? 내가 술집이나 클럽에 갈때마다 신분증을 달라고 해. 얼마나 귀찮은데!

wae jokesso naega suljjibina keulrobe galttaemada sinbunjjeungeul dalrago hae olmana gwichaneunde

Why is it nice? Every time I go to a bar or the club they ask for my ID. It's so annoying.

Relationships

14. 티키타카 (tikitaka)

▶️ 티키타카

Have you ever met someone and instantly hit it off? Conversation flowed well with no awkward moments? In Korea, people call this phenomenon 티키타카. This slang originated from a Spanish word describing the bustle of a soccer field when the ball is being passed often. It can be translated as ‘a flow in conversation’ or ‘banter’.

Example:

A: 어제 소개팅 했다며? 어땠어?

oje sogaeting haetttamyo

I heard you went on a blind date yesterday. How was it?

B: 정말 잘 됐어! 그는 진짜 잘생겼고 티키타카 잘 맞았어요.

ottaesso jongmal jal dwaesso geuneun jinjja jalsaenggyotkko tikitaka jal majassoyo

It went really well! He is really good-looking and we communicated really well.

15. 모태솔로 (motaesolro)

▶️ 모태솔로

모태솔로 is used to describe someone who has never been in a romantic relationship before. It literally means ‘single since birth’. You might also see the expression written as 모쏠.

Example:

A: 모태솔로에요?

Motaesolroeyo

Have you been alone since birth?

B: 아니요, 전 열 살때 여자 친구가 있었어요.

No, I had a girlfriend when I was 10.

16. 내로남불 (naeronambul)

▶️ 내로남불

This word is an abbreviation for 내가 하면 로맨스 남이 하면 불륜, which means ‘If I do it, it’s romance, if others do it, it’s an affair’. It's used to point out someone’s hypocrisy in their actions or words.

Example:

A:  혜진의 내로남불하는 태도에 정말 짜증나.

hyejine naeronambulhaneun taedoe jongmal jjajeungna

I’m really annoyed by Hye-jin’s hypocritical attitude.

B: 나도, 걔는 자기만 편하게 생각하고 남들을 혹독하게 판단해.

nado gyaeneun jagiman pyonhage saenggakago namdeureul hokttokage pandanhae

Me too, she is only fine with herself and judges others harshly.

17. 케바케 (kebake)

▶️ 케바케

케이스 바이 케이스 is the phrase that this slang term is abbreviated from. It translates to ‘case by case’. This slang term is used in the same situation that you might use the English phrase ‘case by case’.

Example:

A: 내일 여자친구랑 여기 오려고 하거든. 어때?

naeil yojachingurang yogi oryogo hagodeun ottae

I plan to come here with my girlfriend tomorrow. What do you think?

B: 케바케 인거같은데요. 여기 집에서 좀 멀잖아요. 여자친구는 피곤하면 여기 안 오고 싶을 걸.

kebake ingogateundeyo yogi jibeso jom moljanayo yojachinguneun pigonhamyon yogi an ogo sipeul kkol

I think it’ll be case by case. This place is kind of far from home. If she is tired she will not want to come.

18. 사바사 (sabasa)

▶️ 사바사

This slang is similar to the above expression. It is an abbreviation of 사람 바이 사람. This translates to ‘person by person’ and means that a situation can change depending on the person.

Example:

A: 학생 생활 어때? 다들 만족해해?

hakssaengsaenghwal ottae? dadeul manjokaehae

How is student life? Is everyone content?

B: 사바사야. 나는 좋은데 다른 사람들 싫어해.

sabasaya naneun joeunde dareun saramdeul sirohal ssudo isso

It depends on the person. I like it, but other people hate it.

19. 눈이 높다 (nuni noptta)

▶️ 눈이 높다

Do you have really high standards when dating? Do you only like a certain type of person who might be hard to find? If so, Koreans might use this slang term to describe you. It means ‘to have high standards’. It literally means “you have high eyes” which translates to something like, “you look up” when it comes to dating.

Example:

A: 민희 씨 성격이 좋고 진짜 예쁜데 남자친구가 왜 없지?

minhi ssi songkkyogi joko jinjja yeppeunde namjachiguga wae opjji

Minhee has a good personality and is super pretty, why doesn't she have a boyfriend?

B: 눈이 좀 높은 편이래. 그래서 남자친구가 없나봐.

nuni jom nopeun pyonirae geuraeso namjachinguga omnabwa

They say she has high standards. So that must be why she doesn't have a boyfriend.

20. 볼매 (bolmae)

▶️ 볼매

Have you ever found someone more attractive the more time you spent with them? This occurence is described with the slang 볼매. It is an abbreviation for the expression 볼수록 매력이 있다. This means 'the more you look, the more charm (someone) has'. 볼매 is used to describe someone, not a situation.

Example:

A: 넌 어떤 여자가 좋아?

non otton yojaga joa

What kind of girl do you like?

B: 난 볼매가 좋아. 사람에 매력이 제일 중요한 거 같아.

nan bolmaega joa sarame maeryogi jeil jungyohan go gata

I like people who become attractive over time. I think charm is the most important thing in a person.

21. 이상형 (isanghyung)

▶️ 이상형

This slang term is so common in Korea that it is now used as common speech. It means 'ideal type' and is used when talking about romantic relationships. You might hear the question 이상형이 뭐예요? from a Korean friend at some point. It means, 'What is your ideal type?'.

Example:

A: 너의 이상형이 뭐야?

noe isanghyongi mwoya

What is your ideal type?

B: 난 깔끔하고 착한 남자가 좋아.

nan kkalkkeumhago chakan namjaga joa

I like a clean and nice guy.

22. 동갑 (donggap)

▶️ 동갑

As you might know, age is very important in Korea. It determines the level of respect you are expected to show someone. If someone is the same age as you, you are called 동갑. If someone is 동갑 with you, then you can talk comfortably with them and become friends more easily.

Example:

A: 몇살이에요?

Myotssarieyo

How old are you?

B: 난 21살이에요.

nan seumulhansarieyo

I am 21 years old.

A: 진짜? 나도 21살이에요!

jinjja nado seumulhansarieyo

Really? I am also 21 years old!

B: 우리는 동갑이네요!

urineun donggabineyo

We are the same age!

23. 띠동갑 (ttidonggap)

▶️ 띠동갑

Korea is very close in proximity to China and as a result, has adapted some cultural traditions from China. In China, every year is the year of one of the 12 zodiac signs represented by an animal. Every 12 years the animals repeat.

I was born in 1998, so my Chinese zodiac sign is a tiger. Those born in 2010 and 1986 are also tigers. They are 띠동갑 with me because we share the same zodiac sign but we're not born the same year.

Example:

A: 몇 살이에요?

myot sarieyo

How old are you?

B: 32살 이에요.

soreundu sarieyo

32 years old.

A: 와! 우리 띠동갑이네요! 저는 20살이에요.

wa uri ttidonggabineyo joneun seumusarieyo

Wow! We have the same Chinese zodiac sign! I am 20 years old.

24. 썸 타다 (ssom tada)

▶️ 썸 타다

썸 타다 is the step in a relationship before dating. You might be talking to this person regularly, flirting, and even have told the person you have an interest in them but you are not yet dating officially. 썸 is short for ‘something’, so you can remember this expression by thinking of it as meaning ‘there’s something there’.

Example:

A: 남자 친구가 있어?

namja chinguga isso

Do you have a boyfriend?

B: 없지만 썸 타는 사람은 있어.

opjjiman ssom taneun sarameun isso

I don’t have one but I have someone I’m talking to.

A: 오~ 좋겠다!

o jokettta

Oh~ That must be nice!

Drinking, Partying

25. 맛집 (matjjip)

▶️ 맛집

What is your favorite restaurant? Would you recommend it to others? If so you might consider your favorite joint a 맛집. 맛 is 'flavor' or 'taste' and 집 means 'house'. Restaurants are commonly referred to as 집. So a 맛집 is a delicious restaurant.

Example:

A: 이 근처에 아는 맛집이 있어?

i geunchoe aneun matjjibi isso

Are there any good restaurants in this neighborhood that you know about?

B: 흠… 내가 네이버에 찾아볼게. 여기 맛집이 많을 거 같은데…

heum naega neiboe chachabolge yogi matjjipi maneul kko gateunde

Hmm… I’ll search on Naver. It seems like there would be a lot of good restaurants here…

26. 치맥 (chimaek)

▶️ 치맥

치맥 is the popular combination of 치킨 and 맥주, 'chicken and beer'. Chicken and beer is a power combo in Korea and so it has its own slang term.

Example:

A: 오늘 뭐 먹을까?

oneul mwo mogeulkka

What should we eat today?

B: 난 치맥 땡겨. 어때?

nan chimaek ttaenggyo ottae

I am craving chicken and beer. How about it?

A: 좋아! 저녁에 가자.

joa jonyoge gaja

I like it! Let's go in the evening.

27. 소맥 (somaek)

▶️ 소맥

소맥 is the combination of soju and beer. Koreans like to mix the two and drink it. They can get pretty creative in the ways they mix the two.

Example:

A: 아 너무 더워 죽겠어!

a nomu dowo jukkkesso

Ah, it is so hot I feel like I am going to die.

B: 그니까! 시원한 거 먹고 싶다.

geunikka siwonhan go mokkko siptta

I know! I want to eat something refreshing.

A: 소맥 먹을까?

somaek mogeulkka

Should we have soju and beer?

B: 좋아!

Joa

Good!

Personal Qualities

28. 발이 넓다 (bari noltta)

▶️ 발이 넓다

This expression literally translates to ‘to have wide feet’, but what it really means is to have a wide social circle, or to have a lot of acquaintances or even a big network in business.

Example:

A: 난 진희랑 어디 가도 진희를 아는 사람이 있어.

nan jinhirang odi gado jinhireul aneun sarami isso

Wherever I go with Jinhee there is someone who knows Jinhee.

B: 와우! 진희 발이 넓은 거 같아.

wau jinhi bari nolbeun go gata

Wow! Jinhee must have a wide social circle.

29. 눈치가 없다 (nunchiga optta)

▶️ 눈치가 없다

눈치 is an important thing to have in Korean culture. It is the concept of being aware of your surroundings and the people around you. There are many situations in which you can demonstrate 눈치. Let's say you are talking with a friend and someone is struggling to carry something behind your friend.

If you notice this person struggling and offer to help, you might say 눈치가 있다, 'You have nunchi'. If you don't notice and don't help, someone might say 눈치가 없다, 'You have no nunchi'. 눈치가 없다 can also be used to describe someone who is not good at reading social cues.

Example:

A: 준이 정말 눈치가 없다.

juni jongmal nunchiga optta

Joonie really is slow-witted.

B: 왜? 뭐했어?

wae mwohaesso

Why? What did he do?

A: 난 어제 열번이나 일요일에 같이 카페에 가면 재밌겠다고 했는데도 준이가 일요일에 pc방에 가자고 했어.

nan oje yolbonina iryoire gachi kkapee gamyon jaemigett tttago haenneundedo juniga iryoire pessibange gajago haesso

Yesterday I said more than 10 times ‘ It would be fun if we went to a cafe on Sunday’ but Joonie said ‘let’s go to the PC room on Sunday’.

B: 와 심하게 눈치가 없네!

wa simhage nunchiga omne

Wow! He seriously has no wit.

30. 눈치가 빠르다 (nunchiga ppareuda)

▶️ 눈치가 빠르다

If you use this expression to describe someone, it means that their 눈치 is really fast or in other words, they have really good 눈치. Some who who has really fast 눈치 would notice the person struggling behind their friend really fast and act accordingly.

Or if their girlfriend drops a hint that she wants to go to a cafe on Sunday, then they would ask their girlfriend to go to a cafe the first time she drops a hint.

Example:

A: 요즘 나한테 좀 냉담한 것 같아. 무슨 일있어?

yojeum nahante jom naengdamhan got gata museun irisso

You have been a little cold to me recently. Is something the matter?

B: 미안해, 눈치가 빠르네. 요즘 일하느라 바빠서 그런 거야. 앞으로 안그럴게.

mianhae nunchiga ppareune yojeum ilhaneura bappaso geuron goya apeuro angeurolge

I’m sorry, you picked up on that fast. I have been really busy with work lately so i have been that way. I won’t do that in the future.

31. 길치 (gilchi)

▶️ 길치

Without a GPS I am totally lost. Even if you drop me in an area I have been to many times before, I will still not know how to navigate around the area. My lack of navigation skills marks me as 길치. Someone who is 길치 has a really bad sense of direction and has a hard time getting around without navigation.

길 means ‘road’ in Korean and 치 comes from the word 치매 which means ‘amnesia’ in Korean. So when Koreans say 길치 they are humorously implying that someone is so bad with directions, it is as if they have ‘road amnesia’.

Example:

A: 어제 엄마랑 산책 갔어.

oje ommarang sanchaek gasso

I went on a walk with my mom yesterday.

B: 그래? 나는 길치라서 산책하면 항상 길을 잃어버려.

geurae naneun gilchiraso sanchaekamyon hangsang gireul iroboryo

Really? I have a poor sense of direction so if I go on a walk I always get lost.

Shopping,  Money

32. 돈쭐 (donjjul)

▶️ 돈쭐

돈쭐 is short for 돈으로 혼쭐을 낸다, which means ‘scolding with money’. It is usually used ironically and means that you are going to give someone or something your money very willingly, almost throwing it at them. The meme below encompasses the feeling of 돈쭐.

Example:

A: 오 방탄 새 앨범이 나왔네?

o bangtan sae aelbomi nawanne

Oh, BTS’s new album came out?

B: 돈 쭐 내줘야 겠다.

donjjul naejwoya gettta

I am going to have to throw my money at them.

33. 갑통알 (gaptongal)

▶️ 갑통알

Have you ever looked at your bank account, saw the balance, and immediately thought, maybe I should pick up a side job? If so, you have experienced the perfect situation to use the slang 갑통알. This slang is an abbreviation of 갑자기 통장을 보니 알바 해야겠다, which means, ‘looking at my bank account, I should get a part-time job’.

Example:

A: 내일 월급 들어오는 날이지?

naeil wolgeup deurooneun nariji

We get paid tomorrow, right?

B: 내일이야? 아 다행이다! 오늘 인줄 알아서 통장을 봤는데 완전 갑통알 이었어.

naeiriya a dahaengida oneul injul araso tongjangeul bwanneunde wanjon gaptongal iosso

It’s tomorrow? Oh, thank God! I thought it was today so I looked at my bank account and thought, I need to get a part-time job.

34. 득템 (deuktem)

▶️ 득템

득템 is an item that was bought at a really good price. It was bought at such a good deal that it was almost free.

Example:

A: 이거 얼마였는지 맞춰봐.

igo olmayonneunji machwobwa

Guess how much this was.

B: 흠… 2만원?

heum imanwon

Hmmm… 20 dollars?

A: 아니, 난 만원에 샀어.

ani nan manwonae sasseo

No, I bought it for 10 dollars.

B: 와 정말 득템이야!

wa jongmal deuktemiya

Wow You it really was a good deal.

Talking, thinking

35. 할많하않 (halmanhaan)

▶️ 할많하않

When you are in a situation where you want to say a lot but feel like you can’t or are discouraged by someone then you can use this slang 할많하않. This is the abreviation of 할 말은 많지만 하지 않겠다. It means, “I have a lot to say but I won’t”. It is usually used when talking to a difficult person or in a situation where you feel uncomfortable.

Example:

A: 민주랑 헤어졌다매? 왜 헤어졌어?

minjurang heojyotttamae wae heojosso

I heard you broke up with Minjoo? Why did you break up?

B: 응 헤어졌어. 난 매일매일 진짜 화나고 답답해서 헤어졌어.

eung heojosso nan maeilmaeil jinjja hwanago dapttapaeso heojosso

Yeah, we broke up. I was angry and frustrated every day so we broke up.

A: 어땠길래 그러냐?

ottaetkkilrae geuronya

How bad was it that you were like that?

B: 할많하않할게

Halmanhaanhalkke

I have so much to say but I won’t.

Emotions, Feelings

36. 킹 받네 (king banne)

▶️ 킹 받네

This expression is an upgraded version of the expression 열받다 which means ‘to get angry”. 킹 means ‘king’ in Korean and is put in front of some Korean slang to emphasize the size of something. 킹 받네 is then a more emphasized version of 열받다. This expression can be used in situations where you are actually angry, but it is most commonly used jokingly.

Example:

A: 너 뭐해?

no mohair

What are you doing?

B: 왜 알고 싶어?

wae algo sipo

Why do you want to know?

A: 아 킹 받네. 그러지말고 빨리 대답해봐!

a king banne geurojimalgo ppalri daedapaebwa

Ah, I'm getting angry. Don’t be like that and hurry up and answer.

37. 감동 받다 (gamdong battta)

▶️ 감동 받다

Imagine its your birthday and your friend gives you a really meaningful gift. As your eyes start to well up with tears you say 감동 받아. This expression is a way to say ‘I am touched’ in Korean. It is used very often and can be sincere or sarcastic depending on the context.

Example:

A:너가 편지를 써줬다고?

neoga pyonjireul ssojwotttago

You wrote me a letter?

B: 응, 읽어봐.

eung ilgobwa

Yeah, give it a read.

A: 와 감동 받아서 눈물이 나.

wa gamdong badaso nunmuri na

Wow, Im so touch that i’m tearing up.

38. 심쿵하다 (simkunghada)

▶️ 심쿵하다

Have you ever had your heart race when seeing someone attractive? Koreans use this word to describe the feeling you get when you see someone attractive or something astonishing. It comes from the words 심장, ‘heart’ and 쿵쾅쿵쾅, ‘the sound of a beating heart’.

Example:

A: 어제 민수와 대화하면서 심쿵하더라.

oje minsuwa daehwahamyonso simkunghadora

Yesterday as I was talking with Minsoo my heart fluttered.

B: 진짜? 아마 민수에게 끌렸나봐.

jinjja ama minsuege kkeulryonnabwa

Really? You must be attracted to Minsoo.

39. 빵 터지다 (ppang tojida)

▶️ 빵 터지다

This expression means ‘to crack up laughing’ or ‘to laugh out loud’. It is stronger than 웃기다, ‘to laugh’ and is used only when a person burst out laughing.

Example:

A: 어제 SNL 코리아 새로나온 거 봤어?

oje esseuenel koria saeronaon go bwasso

Did you see the new SNL Korea yesterday?

B: 응, 빵 터졌어. SNL 코리아 작가들은 진짜 천재들이야.

eung ppang tojosso esseuenel koria jakkkadeureun jinjja chonjaedeuliya

Yah, I cracked up laughing. SNL Korea Writers are really geniuses.

Condition, Situation

40. 인생망 (insaengmang)

▶️ 인생망

인생망 is short for 인생 망했다, which means ‘my life is ruined’. 인생망 is usually used in humorous situations when joking about the state of your life.

Example:

A: 어제 차가 갑자기 고장났어...

oje chaga gapjjagi gojangnasso

Yesterday my car broke down all of a sudden.

B: 진짜? 그럼 내일 여자친구랑 부산에 못가겠네, 인생망이다.

jinjja geurom naeil yojachingurang busane motkkagenne insaengmangida

Really? Then you won't be able to go with your girlfriend to Busan tomorrow. Your life is ruined.

41. 갑분싸 (gapppunssa)

▶️ 갑분싸

Imagine you are talking in a group and then someone says something that does not match the conversation or atmosphere. Everyone goes quiet and awkwardness ensues. This situation is described with the slang 갑분싸.

It stands for 갑자기 분위기가 싸해지는 상황, Which means ‘a sudden chill in the atmosphere’. It is used humorously and would be inappropriate to use in serious situations.

Example:

A: 주말에 뭐했어?

jumare mwohaesso

What did you do this weekend?

B: 난 친구랑 자전거 타고 맛있는 거 먹었어.

nan chingurang jajongo tago madinneun go mogosso

I rode bikes with a friend and ate some delicious food.

C: 내 할머니의 장례식에 갔어…

nae halmonie jangnyesige gasso

I went to my grandma’s funeral

A: 아…

a

Ah…

B: 갑분싸…

Gapppunssa

This is awkward…

Behavior

42. 폼 미쳤다 (pom michottta)

▶️ 폼 미쳤다

Picture you are at a soccer game watching Son Heung Min play. You are blown away by his performance. How can someone be so good at soccer? You might then say to your friend, 흥민이 폼 미쳤다. This expression 폼 미쳤다 is used when someone is crazy good at something. It is similar to the expression, ‘on fire’.

Example:

A: 오늘 토튼햄 경기를 봤어?

oneul toteunhaem gyonggireul bwasso

Did you see the tottenham game today?

B: 응! 손흥민이 폼 미쳤다!

eung sonheungmini pom michottta

Yah! Son Heung Min was on fire!

A: 그니까! 3골이나 넣었어!

geunikka segorina noosso

I know! He made 3 goals!

https://media1.giphy.com/media/l2QE9op0KQxZC4esw/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e47ngtwfonnpsxcq6jyxlrbly0kptanwukldduhpi5s&ep=v1_gifs_related&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

43. 엄살 부리다 (omsal burida)

▶️ 엄살 부리다

This expression means to exaggerate pain or hardship or to make a big fuss about something little. For example, in soccer it is common for players to make a big fuss about being touched to get a foul against the other team.

Example:

A: 너의 제일 좋아하는 축구 선수 누구야?

noe jeil joahaneun chukkku sonsu nuguya

Who is your favorite soccer player?

B: 난 네이마르 좋아해.

nan neimareu joahae

I like Neymar.

A: 네이마르? 왜? 게임동안 자꾸 엄살 부리잖아. 난 축구에 엄살 부리는 거 너무 싫어.

neimareu wae kkeimdongan jakku omsal burijana nan chukkkue omsal burineun go nomu siro

Neymar? Why? He makes a big fuss about nothing during the game. I hate making big fusses in soccer games.

44. 잠수 타다 (jamsu tada)

▶️ 잠수 타다

This expression means 'to ghost' someone. It is a popular expression in English as well. If someone cuts off all communications with you for a long time or forever, that is described as ‘ghosting’ or in Korean, 잠수 타다.

Example:

A: 민수랑 연락이 돼?

minsurang yolragi dwae

Have you been in contact with Minwoo?

B: 아니, 너 연락이 안돼?

ani no yolragi andwae

No, I also can't get in contact with him.

A: 뭐지? 큰일 없겠지?

mwoji keuniropkketjji

What the? Nothing is wrong right?

B: 아니야. 그냥 우리를 잠수 타고 있나봐. 걔는 가끔 그래.

aniya geunyang urireul jamsu tago innabwa gyaeneun gakkeum geurae

No. He is just ghosting us. He does that sometimes.

45. 땡땡이치다 (ttaengttaengichida)

▶️ 땡땡이치다

As a student 땡땡이치다 was what I did when I was tired and didn't feel like studying. It means, 'to skip class'.

Example:

A: 나랑 땡땡이칠래?

narang ttaengttaengichilrae

Do you want to skip class with me?

B: 안돼. 혼날거야.

andwae honnalgoya

No we can't. We will get in trouble.

A: 괜찮아. 혼나도 안죽어. 우리 좀 살자.

gwaenchana honnado anjugo uri jom salja

It's ok. Even if we get on trouble we won't die. Let's live a little.

46. 갓생 (gatsaeng)

▶️ 갓생

This term is a concept that has become popular is Korea recently. 갓생 is the combination of 갓, 'god' and 생, 'life'. Put together the word means, 'living an exemplary and diligent life'.

Recently exercise has become very popular in Korea and with it, other self-improvement activities. 갓생 describes this concept of improving yourself to live your best life. When someone seems to be living a diligent life, setting goals and working to complete them everyday, Korean say they are living a 갓생.

Example:

A: 민지 씨에 대해 들었어? 20 킬로나 빠졌대!

minji ssie daehae deurosso isip kilrona ppajotttae

Did you hear about Minji? She lost 29 kilos!

A: 엥? 진짜?

eng jinjja

What? Really?

B: 응 매일 운동하기 위해 아침 4시에 일어났대. 그리고 하루에 7백 칼로리 밖에 안 먹었대. 그래서 20 킬로나 빠졌어.

eung maeil undonghagi wihae achim nesie ironatttae geurigo harue chilbaek kalrori bakke an mogotttae geuraeso isip kilrona ppajosso

Yah they say she woke up everyday at 4am to exercise. And she only ate 700 calories a day. So she lost 20 kilos.

A: 와우! 진짜 갓생을 살고 있네.

wau jinjja gatssaengeul salgo inne

Wow! She is really living a diligent life.

Misc.

47. 너뭐돼 (nomwodwae)

▶️ 너뭐돼

This expression is used as a dig and is popular among friends. It is an abbreviation of the expression 너가 뭐라도 돼? It means ‘Who do you think you are’. This might sound mean, but among friends, it is all in good fun. You can use this expression when a friend is saying something weird or frustrating.

It can be used in a variety of situations so listen for it in conversation to get a better understanding of its nuances. This expression became popular after a popular Korean YouTube video used it. Check out the origin of this slang in this video.

Example:

A: 나 밥 먹고있는데, 조용히 좀 해줄래?

na bap mokkkoinneunde joyonghi jom haejulrae

I am eating, do you want to be quite?

B: 너 뭐 돼?

no mwo dwae

Who do you think you are?

48. 어쩔티비 (ojjoltibi)

▶️ 어쩔티비

There is no clear origin of the slang 어쩔티비, but some say it is the abbreviation of the phrase, ‘어쩌라고 티비나봐’. This means ‘What do you want me to do about it, just watch TV or something’. However, 어쩔티비 is just the funnier version of 어쩌라고, which means, ‘What do you want me to do about it’ or ‘So what?’.

If you really want to elevate this expression, remove 티비 and add on any home appliance. For example, 어쩔냉장고 or 어쩔세탁기. This might seem stupid, but I promise this slang expression gets a laugh every time. Check out this Youtube video to see the origin of this slang.

Example:

A: 난 어제 재밌는 영화 너무 보고 싶었는 데 요즘 넷플릭스에 재밌는 거 진짜 없는 거 같아.

nan oje jaeminneun yonghwa nomu bogo siponneun de yojeum netpeulriksseue jaeminneun go jinjja omneun go gata

Yesterday I really wanted to watch a fun movie but recently there has not been anything fun on Netflix.

B: ….어쩔티비

Ojjoltibi

So what?

A: 야!

Ya

Hey!

49. 이왜진 (iwaejin)

▶️ 이왜진

This is another abbreviated term. It stand for 이게 왜 진짜, which means 'really why is is it like this?'. Koreans use this when something doesn't go the way it is expected to. Depending on how you say it, you can exude a lot of frustration with this term.

Example:

A: 이왜진?

Iwaejin

Why is it like this?

B: 왜?

Wae

Why?

A: 아니 난 어제 분명히 과제를 냈는데 교수님이 안받으셨대.

ani nan oje bunmyonghi gwajereul naenneunde gyosunimi anbadasyotttae

Yesterday I clearly turned in my assignment but my professor says he didn't get it.

B: 엥? 진짜? 빨리 교실에 가서 교수님이랑 얘기해봐.

eng jinjja ppalri gyosire gaso gyosunimirang yaegihaebwa

What? Really? Hurry up and go to the classroom and talk with the professor.

50. 머선 129 (moson iligo)

▶️ 머선 129

In Korean the numbers 129 are said as 일이구. The pronunciation of these numbers together sounds similar to the expression 일이고. Together 머선 129 sounds like 무슨 일이고, which means ‘what’s up?’ or ‘what’s going on?’. This slang is written and not said. You might see it in text messages, on tv shows or on comments online.

Example:

A: 하늘아~ 자고 있어?

haneura jago isso

Hanseul are you sleeping?

B: 왜? 머선 129?

Wae moson iligo

Why? What's going on?

A: 그냥 심심해서 연락하는 거야.

geunyang simsimhaeso yolrakaneun goya

I am just bored so I am contacting you.

51. 헐 (hol)

▶️ 헐

This is an exclamation of surprise or shock. It can be translated as 'omg'. It is used in text and also in speech.

Example:

A: 준호와 희수는 헤어졌어!

junhowa hisuneun heojojeosso

Joonho and heesoo broke up!

B: 헐! 진짜?

Hol jinjja

Omg! Really?

What to watch to keep up with Korean slang

You now know many popular slang terms, but new slang is introduced to Korea every day. To keep up with current trendy slang and expressions, I recommend that you consume as much Korean media as you can.

Youtube videos are popular entertainment in Korea right now. YouTubers often create new slang terms and use existing slang in their videos constantly. Many YouTube channels have English and Korean subtitles, so you can follow along as you watch. If you are looking for channel recommendations, here are some of my favorite channels to learn slang from.

• 피식대학 (Psick Univ)
• AOMGOFFICIAL - 미노이의 요리조리 (Meenoi’s Yorizori)
• 차린건 쥐뿔도 없지만
• 뽐뽐뽐  (bbombbobbom)
• 내 이름은 카더가든 (My name is Car the Garden)
  

Entertainment programs are also a great way to learn new slang. These programs are called 예능 프로그램 (yeneung peurogeuraem) and cover everything from talk shows to reality programs to comedy skits. These programs are great for learning slang because they use everyday language in their programs and even include Korean subtitles.

Some of my favorite entertainment programs that I watch to learn Korean slang include:

• 유퀴즈 온 더 블럭 (You quiz on the block)
• 금쪽같은 내 새끼
• SNL Korea
• 나는 솔로 (I am solo)
• 신서유기 (New Journey to the West)
  

Besides YouTube channels and entertainment programs, K-dramas and K-pop are also a good way to keep up with Korean slang. Watch or listen to your favorite type of Korean media often and you will be able to pick up and retain trending slang.

Tips to Use and Remember Slang

Even if you study Korean slang and watch Korean media often, it might be challenging to retain slang that you hear if you are not using it often. Here are a few tips for learning Korean slang.

When watching your favorite Korean media, listen for words that you don’t understand and you hear repeated often. Write these words down and look them up. If it is hard to find the definition for the word, it is likely because the word is a fairly new slang term. Try looking the word up in Korean or asking Korean friends for an explanation.

Slang is often hard to understand because of the nuance it carries. Ask your friend to use it in an example sentence or situation. If you still have a hard time finding the word online or understanding the explanation from a friend, try to seek help elsewhere. The website Hilokal is a great place to find people to answer your questions about slang or even use slang with.

Hilokal is a website that allows you to talk with Koreans online. You can enter chat rooms with native Koreans to ask questions and practice slang terms. Everything is live chatting so it is also a great way to practice your Korean pronunciation and make Korean friends.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned dozens of new Korean slang terms, go practice them! Listen for them in Korean media and use them with friends. These trendy terms will make talking in Korean more fun and certainly impress your friends. Thank you for reading this whole blog. Check out some of our other blogs below! 다시 만날 때 까지... (Until we meet again…)