Korean Word & Slang Meanings

What Korean words actually mean — with real examples, who says them to whom, common mistakes, and a quick quiz to check you got it.

• What Does 애교 (Aegyo) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 애교 (aegyo) means — acting cute in Korean culture — with 애교 부리다, K-pop aegyo, bbuing bbuing, and when it's expected.

• What Does 아이고 (Aigoo) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 아이고 (aigoo) means in Korean — the sigh of pain, sympathy, exasperation, and endearment — with examples and a quiz.

• What Does 아줌마 (Ajumma) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 아줌마 (ajumma) means in Korean, why it can offend, what to say instead (이모, 저기요), and the cultural image behind the word.

• What Does 아저씨 (Ajusshi) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 아저씨 (ajusshi) means in Korean — 'mister' or middle-aged man — when it's fine, when it distances, and what to say instead.

• What Does 올킬 (All-Kill) Mean in K-pop?

  Learn what 'all-kill' (올킬) means in K-pop — topping every major music chart at once — and the difference between a Perfect All-Kill and a regular one.

• How to Say No in Korean (아니요/아니)

  Learn how to say 'no' in Korean — 아니요 (polite) and 아니 (casual) — plus how Korean 'no' answers work differently than English on negative questions.

• What Does 안주 (Anju) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 안주 (anju) means — the food eaten alongside alcohol in Korea — from fried chicken to dried squid, and why drinking without it feels wrong.

• What Does 안녕 (Annyeong) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 안녕 (annyeong) means — the casual Korean hi that also means bye — who you can say it to, and how it relates to 안녕하세요.

• What Does 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) means, its literal meaning 'are you at peace?', when to bow, and how it differs from casual 안녕.

• What Does 반찬 (Banchan) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 반찬 (banchan) means — the shared side dishes at every Korean meal — including kimchi, refills, and dining etiquette around them.

• Why Do Koreans Ask 밥 먹었어? (Did You Eat?)

  밥 먹었어? (bap meogeosseo) means 'did you eat?' — but it's really a Korean greeting meaning 'how are you?'. Learn the culture and how to answer.

• How Do You Say Baskin-Robbins in Korean?

  Learn how to say Baskin-Robbins in Korean — 배스킨라빈스 — one of the longest brand-name transformations, plus its beloved nickname 배라.

• How Do You Say Bus and Taxi in Korean?

  Learn how to say bus (버스) and taxi (택시) in Korean, and why each word's final consonant sound needs an extra vowel that English doesn't have.

• What Does 보고싶다 (Bogo Sipda) Mean? 'I Miss You' Explained

  Learn what 보고싶다 means — literally 'want to see,' actually 'I miss you' — the politeness levels, and how it's used in Korean texts and lyrics.

• What Does 보라해 (Borahae) Mean?

  Learn what 보라해 (borahae) means — BTS leader V's invented phrase blending 'purple' and 'I love you' — and why purple became BTS/ARMY's signature color.

• How Do You Say Burger King in Korean?

  Learn how to say Burger King in Korean — 버거킹 (beogeoking) — and why 'burger' loses its 'r' sound quality but 'king' stays remarkably close to English.

• What Does 치맥 (Chimaek) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 치맥 (chimaek) means — Korea's beloved fried chicken and beer combo — and why it's become a cultural phenomenon of its own.

• What Does 친구 (Chingu) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 친구 (chingu) means in Korean — and why, unlike English 'friend,' it technically only applies to people the exact same age as you.

• What Does 최애 (Choi-ae) Mean? K-pop Bias Explained

  Learn what 최애 (choi-ae) means — your favorite/bias in K-pop fandom — plus 차애 (second favorite) and how bias culture actually works.

• How Do You Say Coca-Cola in Korean?

  Learn how to say Coca-Cola in Korean — 코카콜라 (kokakolla) — one of the closest matches to English pronunciation of any major loanword, and why.

• What Does 컴백 (Comeback) Mean in K-pop?

  Learn what 'comeback' (컴백) means in K-pop — releasing new music, not necessarily returning after time away — and how it differs from a debut.

• 6 Ways to Say Congratulations in Korean

  From formal 축하드립니다 to a casual 축하해, here are 6 ways to say congratulations in Korean, organized by formality and occasion.

• What Does 대박 (Daebak) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 대박 (daebak) means in Korean — from 'jackpot' to 'awesome' to shocked 'no way' — with real examples and a quiz.

• What Does 동생 (Dongsaeng) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 동생 (dongsaeng) means in Korean, why you don't call someone 'dongsaeng' to their face, and how 남동생 and 여동생 differ.

• How Much in Korean? (얼마예요) Explained

  Learn how to ask 'how much' in Korean with 얼마예요, plus how to understand the price you're given using Sino-Korean numbers.

• What Do 엄마 and 아빠 Mean? Mom and Dad in Korean

  Learn 엄마 (mom) and 아빠 (dad) in Korean, the more formal 어머니/아버지, and why kids (and grown adults) keep using the cute versions for life.

• What Does 언니 (Unnie) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 언니 (unnie) means in Korean, who can say it, why women say it to shop staff, and how it differs from 누나 (noona).

• What Does 어서 오세요 (Eoseo Oseyo) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 어서 오세요 (eoseo oseyo) means — the 'welcome!' you hear entering every Korean shop — and whether you're supposed to reply.

• What Does 어떡해 (Eottoke) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 어떡해 (eottoke) means in Korean — 'oh no, what do I do?!' — how it differs from 어떻게, and why K-dramas say it constantly.

• The 으 Sound in Korean, Explained

  Learn how to pronounce 으 (eu) — the distinctively Korean vowel sound with no real English equivalent — plus why it shows up constantly in grammar.

• What Does 갑분싸 (Gapbunssa) Mean?

  Learn what 갑분싸 (gapbunssa) means — Korean slang for a sudden awkward silence — where the word comes from and how to use it.

• 5 Ways to Say Good Luck in Korean

  From formal 행운을 빕니다 to the iconic 화이팅, here are 5 ways to say good luck in Korean, organized by formality and situation.

• 6 Ways to Say Good Morning in Korean

  From formal 안녕히 주무셨어요? to casual 굿모닝, here are 6 ways to say good morning in Korean, organized by how polite or casual each one sounds.

• How to Say Good Night in Korean

  Learn how to say good night in Korean — 잘 자요 (polite) and 잘 자 (casual) — plus the sweet-dreams variant 좋은 꿈 꿔.

• 10 Ways to Say Goodbye in Korean

  Korean goodbye depends on who's leaving — 안녕히 가세요 vs 안녕히 계세요 — plus casual, phone, and see-you-later versions. 10 phrases, organized by situation.

• What Does 괜찮아 (Gwaenchana) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 괜찮아 (gwaenchana) means in Korean — 'I'm okay', 'it's okay', 'no thanks', and 'are you okay?' — one word, four jobs.

• How to Say Happy Birthday in Korean

  Learn how to say Happy Birthday in Korean — 생일 축하해요/축하합니다 — at every politeness level, plus the birthday seaweed soup tradition.

• What Does 헐 (Heol) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 헐 (heol) means in Korean — the speechless 'what…', 'OMG' reaction — how it differs from 대박, and when to use it.

• What Does 화이팅 (Hwaiting / Fighting) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 화이팅/파이팅 (hwaiting, 'fighting!') means in Korean — the all-purpose cheer of encouragement — where it came from and how to use it.

• What Does 형 (Hyung) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 형 (hyung) means in Korean, who can say it, how it differs from 오빠 (oppa), and the common mistakes learners make.

• What Does 형님 (Hyungnim) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 형님 (hyungnim) means — the extra-respectful version of 형 — including its workplace and 'gangster boss' K-drama usage.

• 8 Ways to Say "I Love You" in Korean

  사랑해 isn't the only way to express love in Korean — from a formal 사랑합니다 to a lighter 좋아해, here are 8 phrases organized by depth and formality.

• 5 Ways to Say I Miss You in Korean

  From the everyday 보고 싶어요 to the deep, poetic 그리워요, here are 5 ways to say I miss you in Korean, organized by how polite or intense each one sounds.

• How Do You Say IKEA in Korean?

  Learn how to say IKEA in Korean — 이케아 (ikea) — one of the simplest, most direct loanword matches, and a good final example for the Konglish rules.

• What Does 잘 먹겠습니다 (Jal Meokgetseumnida) Mean?

  Learn what 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokgetseumnida) means — 'I will eat well' — when to say it, and its after-meal partner 잘 먹었습니다.

• What Does 제발 (Jebal) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 제발 (jebal) means in Korean — the pleading 'please' — and why it's different from adding 주세요 to a polite request.

• What Does 저기요 (Jeogiyo) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 저기요 (jeogiyo) means — the all-purpose Korean 'excuse me' for calling staff and strangers — plus 여기요 and restaurant culture.

• What Does 진짜 (Jinjja) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 진짜 (jinjja) means in Korean — 'really?', 'real', and the intensifier 'so/seriously' — with examples, register notes, and a quiz.

• What Does 짱 (Jjang) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 짱 (jjang) means — Korean slang for 'the best' — plus the finger-heart-like 짱 hand gesture and how it combines with other words.

• What Does 죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida) means — the formal Korean apology — how it differs from 미안해, and when 'excuse me' uses it too.

• What Does 존맛탱 (Jonmattaeng / JMT) Mean?

  Learn what 존맛탱 (jonmattaeng, often abbreviated JMT) means — Korean internet slang for extremely delicious food — and when it's okay to use.

• What Does 감사합니다 (Kamsahamnida) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 감사합니다 (kamsahamnida) means and how to choose between 감사합니다, 고마워요, and 고마워 — Korean's three levels of thank you.

• How Do You Say KFC in Korean?

  Learn how to say KFC in Korean — 케이에프씨 (keieopeussi) — read letter by letter, and why that's a completely different pattern from McDonald's or Starbucks.

• What Does ㅋㅋㅋ Mean in Korean?

  Learn what ㅋㅋㅋ means in Korean texting — the 'hahaha' of Korean chat — how it differs from ㅎㅎ, and why the number of ㅋ matters.

• What Does 꿀잼/노잼 Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 꿀잼 (kkuljaem, 'super fun') and 노잼 (nojaem, 'boring') mean — Korean slang built from 재미 (fun), with real examples.

• Korean Colors: 빨간색, 파란색 and the ㅎ Trick

  Korean color words come in two forms — noun (빨간색) and adjective (빨갛다) — with an irregular ㅎ hiding in the middle. The full color list, explained.

• Korean Days of the Week (and the Planets Inside Them)

  The seven Korean days of the week — 월요일 to 일요일 — with the element/planet system behind each name that makes them easy to remember.

• Korean Months and Dates: Number + 월, With Two Traps

  Korean months are just Sino-Korean number + 월 — except June (유월) and October (시월), which drop a consonant. Months, dates, and how to say them all.

• Korean Numbers 1 to 10: Both Systems Side by Side

  The full Korean 1-10 counting chart in both native Korean and Sino-Korean numbers, with pronunciation and when to use each — a practical drill page.

• What Does 막내 (Maknae) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 막내 (maknae) means in Korean — the youngest of a family, team, or K-pop group — plus 'golden maknae' and how the role works in Korean culture.

• How Do You Say McDonald's in Korean?

  Learn how to say McDonald's in Korean — 맥도날드 (maekdonaldeu) — and exactly why the pronunciation differs from English, sound by sound.

• What Does 멘붕 (Menbung) Mean?

  Learn what 멘붕 (menbung) means — Korean slang for a total mental breakdown or shock — with real examples of how it's used casually.

• What Does 미안해 (Mianhae) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 미안해 (mianhae) means — the casual Korean sorry — plus 미안해요, 진짜 미안해, and why K-drama apologies hit differently.

• What Does 미친 (Michin) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 미친 (michin) means — literally 'crazy' — and how Korean slang uses it as both an insult and an excited compliment, plus 미치겠다.

• What Does 먹방 (Mukbang) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 먹방 (mukbang) means — Korea's eating-broadcast phenomenon — where the word comes from and why it became a global YouTube genre.

• What Does 누나 (Noona) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 누나 (noona) means in Korean, who can say it, the 'noona romance' nuance, and how it differs from 언니 (unnie).

• What Does 어머 (Omo) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 어머 (omo) means in Korean — the 'oh my!' of surprise — who says it, 어머나 vs 어머, and how it differs from 헐 and 아이고.

• What Does 오빠 (Oppa) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 오빠 (oppa) means in Korean, who can use it, when to say it, common mistakes, and how it differs from 형, 언니, and 누나.

• How Do You Say Pizza Hut in Korean?

  Learn how to say Pizza Hut in Korean — 피자헛 (pijaheot) — and why 'pizza' itself is one of the most naturally-adapted loanwords in the language.

• 편하다 (Pyeonhada): One Word for "Convenient" AND "Comfortable"

  편하다 covers both 'convenient' and 'comfortable' in English — plus a third meaning about relationships being easy and relaxed. All three uses, explained.

• What Does 삼겹살 (Samgyeopsal) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal) means — Korea's beloved grilled pork belly — how it's eaten, wrapped in lettuce, and why it's a social dish.

• What Does 사랑해 (Saranghae) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 사랑해 (saranghae) means, the difference between 사랑해, 사랑해요, and 사랑합니다, and how K-pop uses 'saranghae' with fans.

• 6 Ways to Say See You Later in Korean

  From formal 다음에 또 뵐게요 to casual 이따 봐, here are 6 ways to say see you later in Korean, organized by formality and timing.

• What Does 셀카 (Selca) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 셀카 (selca) means — Korean's own contraction for 'selfie' — how it differs slightly in usage, plus 셀스타그램 and related terms.

• What Does 심쿵 (Simkung) Mean?

  Learn what 심쿵 (simkung) means — Korean slang for a heart-skipping moment of attraction or cuteness — with real examples from K-drama and K-pop fandom.

• What Is 소주 (Soju)? Korea's Signature Spirit, Explained

  Learn what soju (소주) is — Korea's iconic clear spirit — its typical ABV, the green bottle, and the drinking etiquette that goes with it.

• How Do You Say Starbucks in Korean?

  Learn how to say Starbucks in Korean — 스타벅스 (seutabeokseu) — and why English's two syllables become four in Korean.

• How Do You Say Subway (the Sandwich Chain) in Korean?

  Learn how to say Subway (the sandwich restaurant) in Korean — 서브웨이 (seobeuwei) — and how it stays distinct from 지하철, the native word for subway trains.

• What Does 수고했어 (Sugohaesseo) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 수고했어 (sugohaesseo) means — 'you worked hard / good job' — the levels 수고하셨습니다 and 수고하세요, and why English can't quite translate it.

• What Does 선배 (Sunbae) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 선배 (sunbae) means in Korean, how it differs from 후배 (hoobae), when to add 님, and why the word matters at school and work.

• 10 Ways to Say Thank You in Korean

  From formal 감사합니다 to casual 고마워, here are 10 ways to say thank you in Korean, organized by how polite or casual each one sounds.

• How Koreans Use "TMI" (Too Much Information)

  Learn how Koreans use TMI — borrowed directly from English 'too much information' — and how its everyday use differs slightly from English.

• Why Do Koreans Say 우리 (Our) Instead of 'My'?

  Learn why Koreans say 우리 (our) where English says 'my' — 'our wife,' 'our mom,' 'our country' — and what it reveals about Korean group identity.

• 왜 and 뭐: Korean's Most Useful Question Words

  Learn 왜 (wae, 'why') and 뭐 (mwo, 'what') — two of the most common Korean question words — with real conversational examples and tone notes.

• 6 Ways to Say You're Welcome in Korean

  From formal 천만에요 to a casual 아니야, here are 6 ways to say you're welcome (or no problem) in Korean, organized by how polite or casual each one sounds.