26 Korean Slang Words Explained in English

Korean slang is used in everyday conversations. However, it’s much more informal than the traditional language so you need to be careful. While it can help you connect with your peers, it’s important to understand when to use Korean slang and when to stick to the more formal counterparts. To help you better understand your options and how to pronounce some pretty fun words, we’ve put together a list of the 26 most common Korean slang words explained in English.

Common Korean Slang Words and Phrases

Korean slang can be used to describe how you feel about a person or your excitement about an upcoming event. Each piece of Korean slang is often derived from a shortened version of a traditional word, but they still need to be used strategically. Whether you’re giving a warm Korean greeting or learning how to write an email in Korean, using the right terms are essential. To help you gain a bit of variety in your language skills, consider some of the most common Korean slang used today.

맛점 (Mat-jeom) — Delicious lunch

The first Korean slang word on our list may seem a bit weird, but it’s as straightforward as it sounds. It’s a shortened version of the word 맛있는 저녁 (masinneun jeonyeok), which means the same thing.

치맥 (Chi-maek) — Chicken and beer

This Korean slang phrase is a bit weird, as it means ‘chicken and beer.’ However, since chicken and beer is one of the most popular food combinations ordered in South Korea, it makes sense that there’s Korean slang for it.

밀당 (Mildang) — Push and pull

This Korean slang phrase is often used as a way to describe someone who can’t make up their decision in a relationship. It’s similar to describing someone who ‘plays games’ with their partner and quickly goes from hot to cold.

댓츠노노 (Daetcheu-nono) — That’s no, no

When you want to disagree with someone and use Korean slang to do so, you can say 댓츠노노. It basically just means, ‘no,’ but said in a more playful manner—kind of like they use on a sitcom.

아싸 (Ah-ssa) — Yay!, Oh yeah!

This is a Korean slang word that can be used enthusiastically to say, ‘oh yeah!’ or ‘yay.’ Sometimes, it can also be used sarcastically.

솔까말 (Solkkamal) — To speak openly/honestly

This Korean slang is a way to say, ‘TBH’ or ‘to be honest.’ It’s short for 솔직히 까놓고 말해서 (soljiki kkanogo malhaeseo), which translates to ‘to be honest with you.’

극혐 (Geuk-yeom) — Extreme disgust

This Korean slang is short for 극한의 혐오 (geukanui hyeomo), which means ‘limit or extreme hatred, disgust, or revulsion. The shortened version carries the same meaning, it’s just easier to say in conversation.

대박 (Dae-bak) — Awesome, cool, or amazing

Want to learn how to say cool in Korean slang? This is one of the most common Korean slang words that’s used by natives. It describes anything that’s awesome, cool, or amazing—from food and music to your mood or a new pair of shoes. It can also be used in place of the English equivalent, ‘jackpot!’

짱 (Jjang) — Amazing, best, or cool

Another option for how to say cool in Korean slang is the word 짱. It’s also used to say ‘amazing,’ or ‘best.’ You can also combine this word with others to create new Korean slang words, like 얼짱 (eol-jjang) or ‘amazing face.’

현웃 (Hyeonut) — LOL

This Korean slang word is equivalent to the English saying, ‘laugh out loud.’ It’s the shortened version of 현실에서 웃음 (hyeonsireseo useum), which directly translates to ‘laughter in real life.’ It’s also commonly used as Korean text slang.

꿀잼 (Kkul-jaem) — Fun, funny, or interesting

Whenever you want to describe something that is either fun, funny, or just plain interesting, you can use this Korean slang word. It’s short for 재미있어요 (jaemi-isseoyo), which directly translates to ‘interesting,’ but the shortened slang is more versatile.

노잼 (No-jaem) — Not fun, not funny, or uninteresting

On the contrary, if you want to talk about something that is not fun, not funny, or uninteresting, you can use the counterpart of the above Korean slang—노잼.

차도남 (Chadonam) — Cold, city man

This word is used to describe a type of person who is usually very arrogant and full of himself. It can also be used to describe someone who is abrasive or unpleasant to be around.

엄친아 (Eom-china) — Someone who is good at everything

Have you ever met someone who just seems to be a natural at everything they do? Someone who seems like they’re perfect. In Korean, that’s called 엄친아 (eom-china). This is shortened from the Korean word 엄마친구의 딸 (eommachinguui ttal), which means ‘my mom’s friend’s daughter.’

멘붕 (Men-bung) — Mental breakdown

When someone is overwhelmed and at their breaking point, they may experience what we know was a mental breakdown. In Korean, this is 멘탈붕괴 (men-tal bung-goe), but in Korean slang it’s shortened to simply 멘붕 (men-bung).

헐 (Heol) — OMG or WTF

This Korean slang word is often used as a response to something that’s a bit shocking. It’s often used in replace of the English, ‘OMG’ or ‘WTF.” This is another word that’s used as Korean text slang.

콜 (Kol) — I’m in! Sure!

This is a common Korean slang word used among individuals about to do something a bit reckless. It’s often used as a response to a dare or a bet but can also be used for more trivial pursuits.

막장 (Mak-jang) — Ridiculous situation

This is a Korean slang word that’s often used to describe a situation that’s so ridiculous it couldn’t get any worse. It’s kind of like describing the worst-case scenario… and then having something even more outrageous happening.

만렙 (Man-leb) — Level 10,000

Some Koreans can be pretty dedicated to learning a skill. When someone gets to be really good at something, such as in online gaming, they’re often called 만렙, or ‘level 10,000.’

베이글녀 (beigeullyeo) — Cute, but glamorous

If you’re looking for how to say cute in Korean slang, here’s one option. This phrase is often used to describe a girl with a cute face who looks innocent but still has a more glamorous or sexy figure.

Korean Slang Words and Phrases to Describe Relationships

There are also several Korean slang words and phrases that can be used to describe people in relationships. These can get a bit tricky as they change depending on gender and formality. To help you solidify your understanding of Korean slang, download [Tandem](https://go.tandem.net/LZFP) and practice with a native speaker today. Until then, work on your pronunciation and practice the following.

베프 (Beh-peuh) — BFF

If you want to talk about your best friend, you can use this Korean slang word. It’s used to describe someone who you are very close with, but still have a platonic relationship.

심쿵 (Simkung) — Big crush/heartthrob

If you have a crush on someone, you can use the Korean slang word 심쿵. Technically speaking, this is a derivative of two words for ‘heart’ and ‘thud,’ which is similar to the throbbing noise that a heartbeat makes.

남사친 (Nam-sa-chin) — A man who is just a friend

When you want to describe a man who’s just your friend and nothing more, you can use this Korean slang phrase. Directly translated, it means ‘man-person-friend.” You can also use the opposite 여사친 (yeo-sa-chin) to describe a girl who is just a friend.

남친 (Nam-chin) — Boyfriend

When you’re talking about your boyfriend in Korean slang, you can use this word. It’s short for 남자 친구 (nam-ja chin-goo), which directly translates to ‘boyfriend’ in Korean.

여친 (Yeo-chin) — Girlfriend

If you want to talk about your girlfriend, you can use this. It’s short for 여자 친구 (yeo-ja chin-goo), which directly translates to ‘girlfriend’ in Korean.

모쏠 (Mo-ssol) — Someone who has never been in a relationship

Now, if you want to talk about someone who is extremely single, or never been in a relationship you can use this Korean slang. It’s short for 모태 솔로 (mo-tae-sollo), which means ‘solo since being in mother’s womb.’ It seems a bit harsh, but is a very common Korean slang phrase.

Practicing your Korean alphabet is the first step towards fluency, but if you really want to sound like a native learning some of these Korean slang words can go a long way. To help you use them in the right context, download Tandem and match with a native speaker today. With millions of members across the world, you’re sure to find someone who can help you gain confidence when speaking Korean both formally and informally.

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