20 Korean Words And Phrases That Every K-Drama Fan Should Know

If you’re an avid K-drama watcher (or K-popper), you have most likely picked up on a lot of Korean words and lingo, and can maybe even carry a conversation or two. The best part about K-dramas is that there are a lot of words that are repetitive, especially when dealing with the theme of love.

Here are just 20 Korean phrases and words that any K-drama fan should know! Sooner or later, you might not even need any subtitles. Wouldn’t that be grand?!

1. Unni/Oppa/Noona/Hyung

Unni  / 언니: what a female calls an older female
Oppa /오빠: what a female calls an older male
Noona / 누나: what a male calls an older female
Hyung / 형: what a male calls an older male

You may or may not be blood-related to address someone using these terms. These words are often used to show closeness and are also considered endearing.

2. Ga-ji-ma 

Ga-ji-ma / 가지마: don’t go

3. Sa-rang-hae

Sa-rang-hae / 사랑해: I love you

4. Yak-sohk-hae

Yak-sohk-hae / 약속해: Promise me

5. Jo-ah-hae

Jo-ah-hae / 좋아해: I like you

The confession that makes your heart ache.

6. Bae-go-pah?

Bae-go-pah? / 배고파? : Are you hungry?

7. Heng-bok-hae

Heng-bok-hae / 행복해: I’m happy

8. Bo-go-ship-puh

Bo-go-ship-puh / 보고싶어 : I miss you

9. Jal-ja

Jal-ja / 잘자 : Sleep well

10. Geok-jeong-ha-ji-ma

Geok-jung-ha-ji-ma / 걱정하지마 : Don’t worry

11. Gwen-cha-na?

Gwen-cha-na? / 괜찮아? : Are you ok?

12. Nam-ja-chin-goo / Yeo-jah-chin-goo

Nam-ja-chin-goo /  남자친구 : boyfriend
Yu-jah-chin-goo / 여자친구 :  girlfriend

13. Wae-geu-rae?

Wae-geu-rae? / 왜그래 : What’s wrong?

14. Sunbae/Hoobae

Sunbae / 선배 : a respectful term used to call someone who was working at a work establishment, or attending an educational institute before you — can also be addressed as “senior.”
Hoobae / 후배 : a term used to call someone who started working at your company or going to your school after you — can also be called “junior.”

15. Kyul-hon-hae-jo

Kyul-hon-hae-jo / 결혼해줘 : will you marry me?

16. Sam-gak-kwan-gae

Sam-gak-kwan-gae / 삼각관계 : love triangle

17. Jjak-sa-rang

Jjak-sa-rang / 짝사랑 : crush or one-sided love

18. Mi-ahn-hae

Mi-ahn-hae / 미안해 : I’m sorry

19. Hae-uh-ji-ja

Hae-uh-ji-ja / 헤어지자 : let’s break up

20. Jae-bal

Jae-bal / 제발 : please (desperate, not polite)

Hey Soompiers, which of these words did you know already? Let me know in the comments below!

binahearts is a Soompi writer who can be most often seen singing her heart out at karaoke, walking her dog, or indulging in dessert. Her current obsessions include Song Joong Ki, BTOB, and BIGBANG. Make sure you follow binahearts on Instagram as she journeys through her latest Korean crazes!