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LIST: Common Korean slang words every K-drama addict should know

By Cara Emmeline Garcia

If you're a K-drama addict, you've most likely picked up a few words here and there watching your favorite oppas so much so you could already carry a conversation or two.

Photo by Kseniya Petukhova / Unsplash


The best part about K-dramas is that most of the words they use are repetitive which makes it easy for viewers to understand the context of each word.

Here, we list down a few phrases every K-drama fan should know. Who knows? The next time you'll be watching a K-drama the subtitles are already turned off.



“Unni / Oppa / Noona / Hyung”


Let's get this straight, “unni” is what a female calls an older female while “oppa” is what a female calls an older male. On the other hand, “noona” is what a male calls an older female and “hyung” is what a male calls an older male.

“Gajima”




The perfect word when you want to say, “don't go.”


“Saranghae”




Probably the most common and most popular word known by every K-drama addict, “saranghae” simply means “I love you.”


“Jo-ahae”




If “I love you” seems a bit hasty, you can always go for “Jo-ahae” which means “I like you.”

“Gwaenchana”




Ask your significant other if they're okay by asking, “gwaenchana” which means, “are you okay?”

“Mi-ahn-hae”




“Mi-ahn-hae” or “I'm sorry” is very appropriate for times when you did something very wrong.

“Dae-bak”




You know that feeling when something utterly amazing happened to you? Just utter the words, “daebak” which translates to “awesome,” “cool,” or “jackpot.”

“Aigo”




“Aigo” is something to say while sighing in Korean. Kinda like "geez," “oh my,” “aw man” or when one wants to sigh but can't.

If that's not enough, you can also try learning a few Korean words with the help of Korean pop group BTS.

They recently launched a web series titled “Learn Korean with BTS” to help fans teach themselves Korean.

The group will host 30 lessons on the social media app WeVerse that started last March 24.

K-pop group BTS launches lessons to help fans learn Korean

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