The Wonderful World of Korean Slang: Speak Like a Native
Learning Korean isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about culture, personality, and how people actually speak. One of the clearest markers of fluency is the ability to use slang naturally. Korean slang is colorful, playful, and constantly evolving, reflecting trends, humor, and social norms. Whether you’re texting friends, watching K-dramas, or listening to K-pop, knowing slang will make your Korean sound authentic and lively. In this guide, we’ll cover must-know slang, categorize it for easier learning, and give tips to use it correctly.
Categories of Korean Slang
1. Emotions & Reactions
| Korean | Romanization | English Meaning | Example Sentence (Korean) | Pronunciation | Example Sentence (English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 대박 | Daebak | Awesome, amazing | 이 수업은 대박! | i sueob-eun daebak | This class is awesome! |
| 갑분싸 | Gapbunsya | Sudden awkward moment | 갑분싸 되버렸네 | gapbunssa doebeoryeonne | It suddenly got awkward |
| 솔까말 | Solkkamal | To speak openly, frankly | 솔까말 너 정말 짜증나 | solkkamal neo jeongmal jjajeungna | Honestly, you are really annoying |
| 킹받네 | Kingbadne | Frustrating, annoying (playful) | 이 상황 진짜 킹받네 | i sanghwang jinjja kingbadne | This situation is so frustrating |
2. Relationships & Social Life
| Korean | Romanization | English Meaning | Example Sentence (Korean) | Pronunciation | Example Sentence (English) |
| 밀당 | Mildang | Playing games (in relationships) | 난 밀당하는 게 싫어 | nan mildanghaneun ge silh-eo | I hate playing games |
| 남사친 | Namsachin | A guy who is “just a friend” | 아 그냥 남사친이야 | a geunyang namsachin-iya | Oh, he’s just a friend |
| 엄친아 | Eomchina | Someone who is good at everything | 걔는 완전 엄친아야 | gyaeneun wanjeon eomchin-aya | He must be so good at everything! |
| 사바사 | Sabasa | “Depends on the person/situation” | 사바사라서 사람마다 달라 | sabasaseo sarammada dalla | It depends on the person |
3. Konglish & Trendy Words
| Korean | Romanization | English Meaning | Example Sentence (Korean) | Pronunciation | Example Sentence (English) |
| 댓츠노노 | Daetcheunono | That’s a no | 버거 먹을래? 댓츠노노 | beogeo meogeullae? daetcheunono | Would you like a burger? That’s a no |
| TMI | TMI | Too much information | 그 얘기 TMI야 | geu yaegi TMI-ya | That story is TMI |
| 어쩔티비 | Eojjeol TV | “Whatever” | 어쩔티비, 내 마음이야 | eojjeol TV, nae maeumiya | Whatever, it’s my choice |
4. Food & Everyday Life
| Korean | Romanization | English Meaning | Example Sentence (Korean) | Pronunciation | Example Sentence (English) |
| 존맛 | Jonmat | Super delicious | 이 떡볶이 존맛! | i tteokbokki jonmat | This tteokbokki is super delicious |
| 취저 | Chwijuh | Hits your heart, favorite thing | 이 노래 진짜 취저야 | i norae jinjja chwijuh-ya | This song really hits my heart |
5. Gaming & Pop Culture
| Korean | Romanization | English Meaning | Example Sentence (Korean) | Pronunciation | Example Sentence (English) |
| 만렙 | Mallep | Level 10,000, master of something | 넌 정말 수학에 있어서는 만렙이다 | neon jeongmal suhag-e iss-eoseoneun manleb-ida | You are really good at math |
| 존버 | Jonbeo | Endure until the end, hold out | 시험 기간 동안 존버했다 | siheom gigan dongan jonbeohaetda | I held out until the exams were over |
Tips for Using Korean Slang Correctly
- Context is key – Use slang in casual conversations, not in formal or professional settings.
- Listen and mimic – Watch K-dramas, variety shows, or K-pop performances to hear natural usage.
- Practice with gestures – Many slang expressions are paired with facial expressions or hand gestures.
- Avoid overusing – Using too much slang at once can sound unnatural. Introduce a few words at a time.
- Check trends – Some slang is fleeting; stay updated on current usage.
Fun Cultural Insights
- 엄친아 (Eomchina) originated from parents comparing children’s achievements.
- 만렙 (Mallep) shows the influence of gaming culture in everyday speech.
- Konglish words like TMI, 댓츠노노, and 어쩔티비 reflect Korea’s creative integration of English into casual conversation.
- Texting culture often shortens words and phrases, so knowing slang helps you read messages naturally.
FAQ: Korean Slang
Q: What is Korean slang?
A: Korean slang consists of informal words and expressions used in casual conversation, often reflecting humor, trends, or pop culture.
Q: How do I learn Korean slang quickly?
A: Watch K-dramas, listen to K-pop, text Korean friends, and practice using a few words daily.
Q: Can I use slang in formal situations?
A: No, slang is casual. Use standard Korean in professional or polite settings.
Q: Does slang change often?
A: Yes, some slang words become outdated, and new expressions appear frequently, so staying updated is important.
Start Speaking Like a Native
Ready to sound like a native Korean speaker? Practice using these words in conversations, texting, or lessons. At LanguageBird, our one-to-one online lessons with native-level instructors help you learn not just grammar, but the slang, humor, and natural expressions that make your Korean authentic. Try using 3–5 new slang words in your next lesson and impress your instructor with your conversational skills!
