Korean slang words that will make you sound like a native
So, how many of you wants to speak Korean fluently? Some of you might have been learning Korean for a while and it’s about time you start wondering how to speak Korean like a native speaker. Right? Well, if you have stumbled across this article, it means you are searching for a way.
As we all are native speakers of our own languages, we speak so naturally without even thinking about “the science” of the particular language. What are those words that native speakers use but never learned from language textbooks? No, not swear words (at least not what I’m talking about right now :P)! Slang words are some informal words that are widely used conversationally (colloquial). Just like an Australian would say “saw a roo in the arvo!(I saw a kangaroo in the afternoon)” You will not see that in your English textbook.
Korean slang words are often used in Korean daily conversations, especially among the younger generation, like teenagers. Some slang words are just abbreviations of certain phrases. Let’s take a look at some Korean slang words that are commonly used in Korea nowadays. Adding some of these words into your conversation will make you sound like a Korean and I assure you that your Korean friends will be impressed!
- 짱 (jjang)— awesome, the best
“빅뱅이 짱이야” (bigbang-ee jjang-ee-ya)>> Big Bang is awesome!
“짱 맛있어!” (jjang mat-siss-o)>> It’s super delicious!
“얼 짱” (eol-jjang) is the abbreviation of “얼굴 짱” (eol-gul jjang)means a pretty/ beautiful face.
2. 대박 (dae-bak) — great, awesome, cool
When you hear that EXO is listed in the book of the Guinness World Records, you can say “우와 대박!”(oo-wa dae-bak)>> Wow! Cool!
3. 불금 (bul-geum) — TGIF
불금 is the shortened form of 불타는 금요일 (bul-ta-neun geum-yo-il). It literally means “burning Friday”.
4. 헐 (heul)— OMG
You can use 헐 when you’re surprised, or in the situation when you feel speechless.
When your friend tells you he/she just spent 300 dollars on Girls’ Generation merchandise, you can say “헐…”
5. 멘붕 (men-bung)— mental breakdown
멘붕 is the abbreviation of 멘탈 붕괴 (men-tal boong-gwi, mental breakdown).
When you accidentally deleted all photos from your last summer trip without backing them up. That’s a 멘붕 moment there.
