🇰🇷 112 Korean Expressions Every Foreigner Should Know
Already know basic Korean? This guide teaches real Korean expressions, slang, emotions, workplace language, dating vocabulary and Korean culture phrases that Koreans actually use every day. Perfect for intermediate Korean learners, expats, exchange students, digital nomads and travelers in Korea.
1. 눈치
Meaning: Reading the room
Example: 눈치 좀 챙겨.
Translation: Read the room.
2. 정
Meaning: Emotional bond
Example: 한국 사람들은 정이 많아요.
Translation: Koreans are affectionate.
3. 빨리빨리
Meaning: Hurry hurry culture
Example: 한국은 빨리빨리 문화가 있어요.
4. 어떡해
Meaning: What do I do?
Example: 지갑 잃어버렸어. 어떡해?
5. 대박
Meaning: Amazing, jackpot
Example: 대박이다!
6. 헐
Meaning: OMG
Example: 헐 진짜?
7. 진짜?
Meaning: Really?
8. 아무튼
Meaning: Anyway
9. 그냥
Meaning: Just because
10. 왠지
Meaning: For some reason
11. 솔직히
Meaning: Honestly
12. 막상
Meaning: When it comes to it
13. 괜찮아
Meaning: It's okay
14. 당연하지
Meaning: Of course
15. 어차피
Meaning: Anyway
16. 아직도
Meaning: Still
17. 갑자기
Meaning: Suddenly
18. 설마
Meaning: No way
19. 제발
Meaning: Please
20. 하필
Meaning: Of all times
21. 이따가
Meaning: Later
22. 아무거나
Meaning: Anything
23. 잠깐만
Meaning: Wait a moment
24. 어쩔 수 없다
Meaning: Can't be helped
25. 뻔하다
Meaning: Obvious
26. 짜증나
Meaning: Annoying
27. 억울해
Meaning: Unfair
28. 서운해
Meaning: Hurt feelings
29. 뿌듯해
Meaning: Proud and satisfied
30. 그립다
Meaning: Miss someone
31. 설레다
Meaning: Heart fluttering
32. 심심하다
Meaning: Bored
33. 귀찮다
Meaning: Can't be bothered
34. 속상해
Meaning: Upset
35. 민망하다
Meaning: Embarrassed
36. 어색하다
Meaning: Awkward
37. 황당하다
Meaning: Ridiculous
38. 답답하다
Meaning: Frustrated
39. 한심하다
Meaning: Pathetic
40. 두근두근
Meaning: Heart pounding
41. 갓벽
Meaning: Perfect
42. 현타
Meaning: Reality check
43. 인싸
Meaning: Popular person
44. 아싸
Meaning: Outsider
45. 킹받다
Meaning: Extremely annoying
46. 꿀잼
Meaning: Super fun
47. 노잼
Meaning: Not fun
48. 갑분싸
Meaning: Awkward atmosphere
49. TMI
Meaning: Too Much Information
50. 셀카
Meaning: Selfie
51. 먹방
Meaning: Eating broadcast
52. 후기
Meaning: Review
53. 공감
Meaning: Relatable
54. 취향존중
Meaning: Respect preferences
55. 극공감
Meaning: Extremely relatable
56. 쪽팔리다
Meaning: Embarrassing
57. 야근
Meaning: Overtime work
58. 칼퇴
Meaning: Leave work on time
59. 점심약속
Meaning: Lunch appointment
60. 보고하다
Meaning: Report to superior
61. 회식
Meaning: Company dinner
62. 선배
Meaning: Senior
63. 후배
Meaning: Junior
64. 동기
Meaning: Classmate of same year
65. 납기
Meaning: Deadline
66. 빈자리
Meaning: Empty seat
67. 포장해 주세요
Meaning: Please pack it to go
68. 서비스
Meaning: Free extra item
69. 덤
Meaning: Bonus item
70. 시식
Meaning: Food tasting
71. 단골
Meaning: Regular customer
72. 배달
Meaning: Delivery
73. 눈도장 찍다
Meaning: Make your presence known
74. 맛집
Meaning: Famous restaurant
75. 곱빼기
Meaning: Double portion
76. 리필
Meaning: Refill
77. 안주
Meaning: Food eaten with alcohol
78. 모임
Meaning: Gathering
79. 동창
Meaning: Schoolmate
80. 오빠
Meaning: Older male (for females)
81. 언니
Meaning: Older female (for females)
82. 누나
Meaning: Older female (for males)
83. 형
Meaning: Older male (for males)
84. 친한 친구
Meaning: Close friend
85. 베프
Meaning: Best friend
86. 남사친
Meaning: Male friend
87. 여사친
Meaning: Female friend
88. 소개팅
Meaning: Blind date
89. 밀당
Meaning: Push and pull
90. 썸
Meaning: Romantic situation
91. 샘나다
Meaning: Feel jealous
92. 토라지다
Meaning: Sulk
93. 눈치껏
Meaning: Act appropriately
94. 알아서 해
Meaning: Figure it out yourself
95. 눈치 보다
Meaning: Watch others for cues
96. 빈말
Meaning: Empty compliment
97. 체면
Meaning: Reputation, face
98. 정 들다
Meaning: Become attached
99. 한풀이
Meaning: Vent frustration
100. 끈기
Meaning: Persistence
101. 눈물 버튼
Meaning: Tear trigger
102. 손이 크다
Meaning: Generous with food
103. 고수
Meaning: Expert
104. 술자리
Meaning: Drinking gathering
105. 건배
Meaning: Cheers
106. 원샷
Meaning: Bottoms up
107. 뒤처지다
Meaning: Fall behind
108. 눈에 밟히다
Meaning: Can't get out of one's mind
109. 삐치다
Meaning: Sulk
110. 존댓말
Meaning: Honorific speech
111. 반말
Meaning: Casual speech
112. 한 잔 해요
Meaning: Let's have a drink
🎲 Daily Korean Expression
📝 Quick Korean Quiz
What does "대박" mean?
Learn Real Korean, Not Just Textbook Korean
Many Korean learners know grammar but struggle with real conversations. Expressions like 눈치, 정, 대박, 썸, 공감, 갑분싸, 현타 and 밀당 appear constantly in Korean dramas, YouTube videos, social media posts and everyday conversations.
Korean Culture Through Language
Words such as 정, 체면, 눈치 and 끈기 reveal important aspects of Korean culture. Understanding these expressions will help you communicate naturally with Korean friends, coworkers and locals.
Study Korean Every Day
Try learning 5–10 expressions each day. Review them regularly and use them in conversations. Consistent exposure is one of the fastest ways to improve Korean listening and speaking skills.
