Korean remains, for me at least, a tongue twisting language of rough and tough syllabic monotones that simultaneously combine with soothing utterances that calm the soul. With that in mind you can imagine some of the odd words that I’ve come across that just make me smile. In fact you don’t have to imagine because I’m going to tell you all about my top 10 favorite Korean Words!
Aegyo (Korean: 애교)
This is a cute display of affection which is often expressed through a baby voice or cutesy baby facial expression or gesture. It literally means behaving in a coquette-ish way and way too many K-pop idols both male and female act this way. Ha!
Babo (Korean:바보)
This is a great word and means “stupid” or “foolish”. Use it freely when your friend does something really dumb. Think of the rabbit from Trix cereal and you get the idea.
Daebak (Korean: 대박)
Daebak is Korean for Jackpot! You can use this expression when something impresses you. It’s like another word for “cool” or “awesome”!
Dongsaeng (Korean: 동생)
This is a Korean word describing a close relationship to a friend or family member. It can refer to both males and females.
Hul (Korean: 헐)
Slang word that means something similar to oh my god or “WTF” sort of like ack or argh that no one really says ha! Used usually when you’re embarrassed or do something silly.
Jincha (Korean: 진짜)
Basically it means “seriously” or “really” used when complete exasperation is called for!
Mollahyo (Korean: 몰라요)
This means “I don’t know”.
Oppa (Korean: 오빠 )
Meaning “older brother,” oppa is a term used by girls when speaking to guys. “Oppa” is also loosely used to flirt and show affection for an older guy not related to a girl. Never, ever insult a girl’s oppa… don’t.
Otoke (Korean: 어떻게 )
This means like “what to do?” or “how to do?” when things are looking desperate or you’re confused.
Saranghe (Korean: 사랑해 )
This means “I love you” and it’s quite lovely to say, right?
So there you have it! What are your top ten favorite Korean words? You know you have them! Tell us all about it in the comments below! Inquiring minds want to know!
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Chincha will forever be my Korean word! I love how animated it feels as you say it, as if you already know what it means even as a non-Korean word. Oppa would have to be my least favorite Korean word on account of how whiny sounding it is…
This is an interesting list of favorites. I wouldn’t say “babo” is one of mine. I am forever telling children to STOP calling each other that one. My favorites are definitely the words/phrases that are just super adorable or translated so interestingly like wedgy in Korean is a phrase that means “my butt ate my pants”. Hilarious!
I use all these pretty regularly! Someone actually called me out yesterday for saying “Jinja?!” to some dweeb who elbowed me really hard at Incheon airport. He was so shocked I knew this word! I will definitely share this on The Toronto Seoulcialite’s Facebook page for other expats in Korea to read!
Thanks for the share! Why would he call you out for using it correctly?
I use a lot of these words often, mixed in with my english…especially 어떻게 and 바보 (usually when referring to husband), but I have to say that 애교 drives me absolutely insane. Maybe it’s the feminist in me, but every time I hear some girl talking to her boyfriend like that (or even worse – an ajumma to her husband), I want to slit my wrists. GAHHHH!!!!!
Haha the baby act does get grating doesn’t it!
While still a very basic learner, I surprisingly know all of your Top 10 words. My favorites would probably be more food related like Kimbop and Dalk Galbi and Kimchi Jiggae. Then there’s the all time favorite that if pronounced well, makes Koreans think you can speak Korean well – Annyeonghaseyo (hello). I also like Ya! (hey you!)Its a fast way to attract my dog’s attention. It also makes my students laugh. Keu-nyang (just because) is also a go to when explaining English grammar haha
I swear if you say hello it’s like you’re the second coming of esl jesus!
One of my favorite words has always been “mulgogi” (fish), which literally is “water” + “meat”. It nicely captures the way I too look at the world: as a wondrous place full of edible creatures. Haha!
Water meat! I love it!
I didn’t know alot of these!!! This is a fun series to teach Korean vocabulary. I think babo is my favorite because it sounds funny and has a hilarious meaning!
Babo will have a special place in my heart as well!