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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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 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 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.

• 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 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.