Korean abbreviations

212 English translations · Awaiting review

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• 아아aaAn iced AmericanoShort for 아이스 아메리카노, commonly used when ordering at a cafe.
• 아보하abohaContentment in an ordinary dayAn attitude of finding satisfaction in an uneventful, ordinary day rather than showing off exceptional achievements.
• 아자스ajaseuA casual thanksA casual expression of thanks that can also be used dismissively or sarcastically, depending on context.
• 아점ajeomBrunchA meal that serves as both breakfast and lunch.
• 알바albaA part-time jobAn abbreviation of 아르바이트, meaning part-time work.
• 알잘딱깔센aljalt takkalsenHandle it well without being toldAn expression for taking care of something independently, neatly, and with good judgment, without needing detailed instructions.
• 안물안궁anmulangungDidn't ask, not interestedAn expression meaning “I didn't ask and I'm not curious,” used when someone offers an unsolicited story.
• 안습anseupA pitiful situationA situation that feels so unfortunate or pathetic it could bring tears to your eyes.
• ASAPASAPAs soon as possibleThe English abbreviation for “as soon as possible.”
• ASMRASMRASMR videos and sensationsA term for sensory stimulation associated with a calming feeling. It also refers to videos featuring hand movements, soft whispers, or sounds made by everyday objects.
• 아싸assaAn outsider to the groupSomeone who does not mix much with a group, abbreviated from 아웃사이더, meaning “outsider.”
• AX조직AX jojikAn organization built around AI transformationAn organization that changes its workflows and structure to adapt to AI transformation.
• 백꾸baekkkuPersonalizing a bagDecorating a bag to suit your taste with accessories such as key rings or stickers.
• 방콕bangkokStaying inStaying at home or in your room, or a person doing so. This slang use is separate from Bangkok, the city in Thailand.
• 반모banmoLet's speak casuallyAn expression used to suggest that two people switch to informal Korean speech with each other.
• 베프bepeuBest friendA person's closest friend.
• 빚투bittuInvesting with borrowed moneyBorrowing money in order to invest it.
• 복전bokjeonA double majorA university abbreviation of 복수전공, meaning a double major.
• 복세편살boksepyeonsalTake it easy in a complicated worldAn expression encouraging people to live comfortably without getting too caught up in the complications of life.
• 볼꾸bolkkuPersonalizing a penDecorating a ballpoint pen by choosing and attaching decorative parts.
• 본캐bonkaeYour main character or everyday identityThe character a player mainly uses in a game. Outside gaming, it refers to a person's usual identity or main occupation in contrast with an alternate role.
• BTWBTWBy the wayThe English abbreviation used to add a thought or shift the subject: “by the way.”
• 부캐bukaeAn alternate character or personaA character created in addition to a main game character. In everyday life and popular culture, it can mean an alternate identity or side of a person.
• 불금bulgeumA lively Friday nightThe excited atmosphere of enjoying Friday evening at the end of the week.
• 분좋카bunjokaA cafe with a nice atmosphereAn abbreviation of 분위기 좋은 카페, meaning a cafe with a pleasant atmosphere.
• 별다줄byeoldajulPeople abbreviate everythingA mildly critical comment about the sheer number of abbreviations, suggesting that people will shorten just about anything.
• 차박chabakSleeping in your carUsing a car as a place to sleep overnight.
• 책없쾌chaegeopkwaePleasure without responsibilityA situation in which someone enjoys the benefits without taking on responsibility or a burden.
• 케미chemiChemistry between peopleHow well people connect or work together, especially the chemistry between a man and a woman.
• 치맥chimaekFried chicken and beerThe combination of eating chicken and drinking beer together.
• 최애choeaeYour absolute favoriteThe thing or person you like most, often an idol, character, or food.
• 취존chwijonRespecting different tastesAn expression asking people to respect others' preferences instead of criticizing them.
• 취준생chwijunsaengA job seekerSomeone preparing to find a job.
• 단톡dantokA group chatA conversation among several people on KakaoTalk, or the group chat room itself.
• 덕메deongmeA fellow fan friendA friend who shares your fandom activities.
• 덕밍아웃deongmingautRevealing your fandomLetting other people know that you are an enthusiastic fan of something.
• 득근deukgeunGaining muscleA slang expression meaning to gain muscle.
• 등린이deungniniA hiking beginnerSomeone who has just started hiking.
• DIYDIYDo it yourselfThe English abbreviation for making or assembling something yourself.
• DMDMDirect messageA private message sent to a particular person on social media.
• 동방dongbangA university club roomA university abbreviation of 동아리 방, meaning a club room. This usage is separate from the word for “east.”
• 두쫀쿠dujjonkuDubai chewy cookieAn abbreviation of 두바이 쫀득 쿠키, meaning “Dubai chewy cookie.”
• 듀프dupeAn affordable alternativeA lower-priced product that offers performance similar to a high-end branded product.
• 에겐테토egen-tetoThe egen–teto personality memeAn internet meme that borrows the names of estrogen and testosterone to categorize personalities or dating styles.
• 어다행다eodahaengdaIf you're dieting, make it enjoyableAn abbreviation expressing the idea that if you are going to diet anyway, you should do it happily and enjoyably.
• 억텐eoktenForced enthusiasmActing more excited or amused than you really feel to keep the mood up.
• 얼짱eoljjangSomeone with a good-looking faceA person described as having a particularly handsome or pretty face.
• 얼죽아eoljug-aIced drinks, even in freezing weatherShort for 얼어 죽어도 아이스, describing a person or preference that insists on iced drinks no matter how cold it is.
• 엄친아eomchinaThe seemingly perfect person parents compare you toSomeone often held up by parents as a comparison because they do well in school and seem good at everything.
• 엄카eomkaPaying with Mom's cardA mother's payment card, or a card she has given someone to use; also used when someone pays with a parent's card.
• 팬싸fanssaA fan signing eventAn event where a singer, author, or other public figure signs autographs for fans.
• FOMOFOMOFear of missing outAnxiety about missing out on what others are doing, falling behind, or being left out.
• FYIFYIFor your informationThe English abbreviation used when passing along information someone may find useful.
• 개총gaechongStart-of-semester department gatheringAn abbreviation of 개강총회, a gathering at the start of a semester.
• 갠톡gaentokA private KakaoTalk chatA one-on-one conversation on KakaoTalk.
• 감다살gamdasalYour instincts are on pointA compliment for someone's sharp taste or sense of what works in their choices or expression.
• 갑분싸gapbunssaSuddenly awkwardAn expression for a moment when the mood suddenly turns awkward or chilly.
• 갑툭튀gaptwiktwiPopping up out of nowhereAn expression for a person, object, or topic suddenly appearing without warning.
• 가성비gaseongbiValue for moneyHow much performance or satisfaction something provides for its price. It can be described as good or poor value.
• 가심비gasimbiEmotional value for moneyA way of judging a purchase by how satisfying it feels compared with what it costs.
• 갓성비gatseongbiExceptional value for moneyOutstanding performance or quality for the price.
• 극혐geukhyeomExtreme disgustAn emphatic expression of strong disgust or aversion.
• 금사빠geumsappaSomeone who falls in love quicklyAn abbreviation describing a person who falls in love easily or quickly.
• 골린이golliniA golf beginnerSomeone who has just started learning golf.
• 공채gongchaeOpen recruitmentAn abbreviation referring to publicly advertised recruitment.
• 공구gongguA group purchaseBuying something together in a group to get a lower bulk price.
• 공시생gongsisaengA civil service exam candidateSomeone preparing for the civil service exam.
• 군싹gunssakMouthwateringAn expression meaning that a food photo or a description of food is making your mouth water.
• 과방gwabangA department student loungeA shared space where students in a university department study, relax, and spend time together.
• 과잠gwajamA university or department jacketA jacket representing a university or academic department.
• 광클gwangkeulRapid-fire clickingClicking repeatedly at high speed. Early usage referred to fans boosting a search term's ranking; current usage also includes ticket sales and first-come, first-served signups.
• 광탈gwangtalGetting eliminated immediatelyBeing rejected or eliminated almost instantly.
• 경도gyeongdoCops and robbersShort for 경찰과 도둑, a group game in which a team of police chases a team of thieves.
• 행집욕부haengjipyokbuFocus on happiness and let go of wanting moreAn expression of self-encouragement to focus on happiness and set aside excessive desires.
• 학고hakgoAcademic warningAn abbreviation of 학사경고, meaning an academic warning.
• 학식haksikA university student cafeteriaAn abbreviation for a university's student cafeteria.
• 헬린이helliniA gym beginnerSomeone who has just started working out, especially weight training.
• 호캉스hocanceA hotel-based vacationTaking a vacation by staying at and enjoying a hotel.
• 호갱hogaengA customer easy to overchargeA customer seen as inexperienced or naive and therefore easy to take advantage of.
• 홈트home trainingHome workoutsExercising at home with guidance from online videos or a smartphone instead of going to a fitness center.
• 혼밥honbapEating aloneEating a meal by yourself.
• 혼캠honcamSolo campingGoing camping by yourself.
• 혼행honhaengSolo travelTraveling by yourself.
• 혼코노honkonoSolo coin karaokeGoing to a coin-operated karaoke room alone instead of with a group.
• 혼놀honnolEnjoying leisure on your ownSpending leisure time alone, such as playing, watching a performance, or traveling, without arranging to meet other people.
• 혼술honsulDrinking aloneDrinking alcohol by yourself.
• 혼영honyeongGoing to the movies aloneWatching a movie by yourself.
• 핫플hotpleA popular place to goA place that has become popular and attracts frequent visitors.
• 현생hyeonsaengReal-life responsibilities and routinesShort for 현실 생활, referring to everyday real life in contrast with experiences in virtual spaces.
• 현타hyeontaA sudden, deflating reality checkA moment of suddenly returning to reality from a dream or excitement and feeling empty or deflated.
• 현웃hyeonutActually laughing out loudAn expression meaning that something made you laugh in real life, beyond simply typing a laughter marker online.
• 휴덕hyudeokTaking a break from fandomTemporarily pausing fan activities without giving them up entirely.
• 일코ilkoKeeping your fandom hiddenConcealing your fan activities because you feel shy about them or do not want others to know you are an enthusiast.
• 인만추inmanchuPreferring deliberately arranged datesPreferring or actively pursuing romantic meetings set up intentionally, such as blind dates.
• 인싸inssaA socially active member of the groupSomeone who actively mixes with a group, abbreviated from 인사이더, meaning “insider.”
• 입덕ipdeokBecoming a fanBeginning to become a fan of a person or subject.
• 이생망isaengmangThis life is a lost causeAn abbreviation expressing self-deprecating resignation that this life is ruined and the future is unlikely to improve.
• 자컨jakeonIn-house idol contentVideos about idols' daily lives, reality shows, and entertainment produced by the K-pop agency itself.
• 자만추jamanchuPreferring to meet someone naturallyPreferring romantic connections that develop naturally in everyday life rather than through arranged meetings such as blind dates.
• 자소서jasoseoA personal statementAn abbreviation of 자기소개서, meaning a written self-introduction or personal statement.
• 절친jeolchinA close friendAn abbreviation referring to a very close friend.
• 저메추jeomechuDinner recommendations, pleaseA request for suggestions about what to eat for dinner.
• 점메추jeommechuLunch recommendations, pleaseA request for suggestions about what to eat for lunch.
• 정모jeongmoA regular group meetupAn abbreviation for a regularly scheduled gathering, such as a club meetup.
• 직캠jikcamA fan-recorded performance videoShort for 직접 찍은 캠코더 영상, referring to footage someone records themselves at a performance or similar event.
• 직구jikguBuying directly from overseasBuying foreign products directly from an overseas online store and receiving them through international shipping.
• 직관jikgwanWatching live in personWatching a game or performance at the venue in person.
• 지못미jimotmiSorry I couldn't protect youAn expression of regret toward someone or something you could not help or that experienced something unfortunate.
• 짠테크jjantechBuilding savings through small economiesA money-management approach that cuts expenses and steadily saves small amounts to build a larger sum.
• 찐팬jjinfanA devoted fan or loyal customerA true fan. It can also refer to a customer who repeatedly and consistently uses a product or service.
• 중도jungdoThe central university libraryA campus abbreviation of 중앙도서관, meaning the central library.
• 중꺾마jungkkyeokmaA spirit that won't give upA mindset of persisting through difficulties and seeing something through to the end.
• 주린이juriniA beginner stock investorSomeone who has just started investing in stocks.
• 캠린이kaemniniA camping beginnerSomeone who has just started camping.
• 캡꾸kaepkkuDecorating keycapsAdding decorative parts to keyboard keycaps. The cited article describes making keycap key rings.
• 카공족kagongjokPeople who study in cafesPeople who use cafes as places to study.
• 칼퇴kaltoeLeaving work right on timeLeaving work as soon as the scheduled finishing time arrives.
• 케바케kebakeCase by caseAn expression meaning that the answer depends on the situation, abbreviated from the English phrase “case by case.”
• 크더싼keudeossanCheaper on KREAMA label for a product that sells for less on the resale platform KREAM than at its original retail price.
• 깜놀kkamnolThat startled me!An expression meaning that something gave you a sudden surprise.
• 낄끼빠빠kkilkkippappaKnow when to join in and when to step backAn expression telling someone to read the situation and know when to participate and when to leave others to it.
• 꾸안꾸kkuankkuEffortless-looking styleA stylish look that appears natural and does not show how much effort went into it.
• 막콘makconThe final concert dateThe last concert in a run that takes place over several days.
• 만렙mallepThe highest levelThe highest level available in a game, also used to describe top-level ability in another field.
• 만반잘부manbanjalbuNice to meet you—let's get alongAn abbreviation of 만나서 반가워, 잘 부탁해, a greeting used when meeting someone for the first time.
• 만찢남manjjinnamA man who looks straight out of a comicA man described as so good-looking that he seems to have stepped out of a comic book.
• 만찢녀manjjinnyeoA woman who looks straight out of a comicA woman described as so good-looking that she seems to have stepped out of a comic book.
• 마상masangThat hurt my feelingsAn expression meaning that someone's feelings have been hurt.
• 맛저matjeoEnjoy your dinnerShort for 맛있는 저녁 드세요, a greeting offered before dinner.
• 맛점matjeomEnjoy your lunchShort for 맛있는 점심 드세요, a greeting offered around lunchtime.
• 맞팔matpalFollowing each otherA mutual following relationship on Twitter.
• MBTIMBTIA 16-type personality questionnaireA personality questionnaire based on Jung's theory of personality types that sorts people into 16 categories.
• 멘붕menbungBeing mentally overwhelmedA state of shock or confusion in which someone feels overwhelmed and does not know what to do.
• 먹스타그램meokstagramFood posts on social mediaPosting photos of food you have eaten on social media, or a social media account or feed focused mainly on food photos.
• 먹튀meoktwiTaking the benefit and disappearingLeaving without paying for food. It also describes taking a benefit and disappearing without accepting responsibility.
• 밀당mildangRomantic push and pullA subtle psychological back-and-forth in a romantic relationship, likened to pushing and pulling.
• 모쏠mossolSomeone who has never datedA person who has never been in a romantic relationship.
• 먹방mukbangAn eating broadcastA broadcast or video showing someone eating food.
• 무물mumulAsk me anythingA question-and-answer session, including posts or sessions on Instagram or YouTube where an account owner takes and answers questions.
• 문상munsangA cultural gift certificateShort for 문화상품권. This usage is separate from 문상 meaning a condolence visit.
• MZ세대MZ sedaeMillennials and Gen ZA collective Korean label for millennials and Generation Z.
• OMGOMGOh my GodThe English abbreviation used online to express surprise or disbelief.
• OOTDOOTDOutfit of the dayThe English abbreviation for “outfit of the day,” also used as a hashtag when posting photos of what someone is wearing.
• 오살힘osalhimSomething that gets you through todayThe strength to get through the day that comes from looking at favorite photos, videos, or similar content.
• OTTOTTInternet video servicesA service that delivers video content over the internet.
• 오운완ounwanToday's workout: doneShort for 오늘 운동 완료, used to record or show that you have finished your workout for the day.
• 팩폭paekpokA blunt truth that stingsShort for 팩트 폭력, referring to bluntly stated facts that shock or hurt the person hearing them.
• 프사peusaA profile pictureThe profile photo displayed beside someone's name in a smartphone messaging app.
• 폰꾸ponkkuPersonalizing a phoneDecorating a phone to suit your taste with stickers or accessories.
• 빼박ppaebakThere's no denying itA situation where the evidence is so clear that it cannot be denied or explained away.
• PPLPPLProduct placementAn advertising technique that places a product or brand within a movie, drama, or other program.
• 편맥pyeonmaekConvenience-store beerShort for 편의점 맥주, meaning beer from a convenience store. It can also refer to enjoying beer there.
• 라방rabangA livestreamShort for 라이브 방송. The verified article uses it for a live broadcast that introduces and sells products while interacting with viewers.
• 런린이reonniniA running beginnerSomeone who has just started running.
• 사바사sabasaIt depends on the personAn expression meaning that something varies from person to person, patterned after 케바케 with the English word “by.”
• 생파saengpaA birthday partyAn abbreviation of 생일 파티, meaning a birthday party.
• 생선saengseonA birthday presentAn abbreviation of 생일 선물, meaning a birthday present. This use does not mean “fish.”
• 성덕seongdeokA fan whose dream came trueA “successful fan,” especially someone who gets the chance to connect with a favorite celebrity in a special way.
• 선팔seonpalFollowing someone firstFollowing or subscribing to someone first on social media.
• 스불재seubuljaeA problem of your own makingAn expression meaning that someone's own choices or actions have landed them in trouble.
• 스펙seupekA job applicant's credentialsA collection of qualifications used to assess job applicants, such as university, major, education, training, certificates, GPA, and TOEIC score.
• 스세권seusegwonLiving near a StarbucksAn area with a Starbucks location nearby.
• 심쿵simkungA flutter of the heartThe feeling of your heart beating from excitement, attraction, or surprise.
• 심멎simmeotHeart-stoppingAn expression for something so striking or beautiful it seems to stop your heart, also used for surprise or romantic excitement.
• SNSSNSSocial networking servicesOnline services where people connect and share photos, personal updates, and messages.
• 소확행sohwakhaengSmall, certain joysSmall but tangible moments of happiness in everyday life, or an attitude of seeking those moments.
• 소맥somaekSoju mixed with beerA drink made by mixing soju and beer.
• 손절sonjeolCutting losses or cutting tiesSelling a stock at a loss. Online, it also means ending or distancing yourself from a relationship.
• 탈덕taldeokLeaving a fandomStopping being a fan of someone or something you used to like.
• TBTTBTThrowback ThursdayA tag used when sharing old photos or memories on social media. The cited article traces it to posting older photos on Thursdays.
• 팀플teampeulA group projectA university assignment or project meeting carried out by a group of students.
• TMITMIToo much informationUnnecessarily detailed information that someone does not really need to know; short for the English phrase “too much information.”
• 퇴준생toejunsaengPreparing to leave your jobSomeone preparing to quit while still employed at their current workplace.
• 뜨아tteuaA hot AmericanoShort for 뜨거운 아메리카노, commonly used when ordering at a cafe.
• UCCUCCUser-created contentDocuments, photos, videos, and other content that users make themselves and post online.
• 움짤umjjalAn animated imageA moving image file, explained in the verified source as a file with the GIF extension.
• 언팔unfollowUnfollowing someoneCanceling an existing social media follow so that you no longer subscribe to someone's posts.
• 웃참utchamHolding back laughterTrying not to laugh.
• 완내스wannaeseuExactly my tasteAn expression meaning that something is a perfect match for your preferences.
• 월루wolluSlacking off on the clockSomeone who collects a salary without doing their work, or the act of pretending to work while doing something else.
• 워라밸worabaelWork–life balanceBalance between work and personal life, abbreviated from the English phrase “work-life balance.”
• 야자yajaEvening self-studyAn abbreviation of 야간자율학습, meaning evening self-study.
• 열폭yeolpokLashing out from an inferiority complexFeelings of inferiority caused by comparing yourself with others that erupt outwardly.
• 영크크yeongkeukeuYoung and stylishA term describing a youthful, stylish group or atmosphere.
• 영끌yeongkkeulScraping together every resourcePutting together as much money as possible, including borrowing, to make a large purchase, especially a home.
• 요노YONOBuy only what you needAn attitude of buying necessities and cutting back on unnecessary consumption.
• 요린이yoriniA cooking beginnerSomeone who is new to cooking.
• ㄱㄱLet's goA consonant abbreviation of 고고, the Korean rendering of “go go,” used to suggest getting started or to agree to do something together.
• ㄱㄷWait a momentA consonant abbreviation of 기다려, meaning “wait.”
• ㄱㅅThanksA casual way to say thanks, written with the initial consonants of 감사.
• ㄱㅊIt's okayA consonant abbreviation of 괜찮다 or 괜찮아, meaning “it's okay.”
• ㄴㄴNo, noA casual way to say no or express reluctance, using the initial consonants of 노노, a Korean rendering of “no no.”
• ㄷㄷShaking with fear or surpriseA consonant abbreviation of 덜덜, representing trembling from fear, surprise, or nervousness.
• ㄹㅇFor realA consonant abbreviation of 리얼 or 레알, used to emphasize that something is real or true.
• ㅁㅊCrazyA consonant abbreviation of 미친, used to express shock, disbelief, or amazement.
• ㅂㅂBye-byeA casual farewell written with the initial consonants of 바이바이.
• ㅅㄱAcknowledging someone's effortA consonant shorthand for expressions such as 수고했다 or 수고하세요, used to acknowledge someone's work or effort.
• ㅇㄱㄹㅇThis is for realA consonant abbreviation of 이거 레알, used to emphasize that something is true.
• ㅇㄷWhere?A consonant abbreviation of 어디, used to ask where something is.
• ㅇㅇYeahA casual affirmative response formed by repeating the initial consonant of 응.
• ㅇㅈAgreedA consonant abbreviation of 인정, used to agree with someone or acknowledge something as true.
• ㅇㅋOkayA consonant abbreviation of 오케이, used to say that you understand or agree.
• ㅇㅎAha or oh!A consonant rendering of 아하 or 오호, expressing realization or surprise.
• ㅈㄱㄴThe title says it allAn abbreviation meaning that the title already contains everything the post has to say.
• ㅈㅅSorryA casual apology written with the initial consonants of 죄송.
• ㅈㅈI concedeA consonant abbreviation of 지지, the Korean rendering of “GG,” used to concede defeat or give up, especially in games.
• ㅊㅊRecommendedA chat abbreviation used to indicate a recommendation.
• ㅊㅋCongratsA congratulatory expression using the consonants of 추카, a pronunciation-based spelling of 축하.
• ㅋㅋLaughter in textA Korean online expression representing laughter.
• ㅍㅌFactThe word 팩트 written using its initial consonants.
• ㅎㅇHiA casual greeting using the initial consonants of 하이.
• ㅎㅎGentle laughter in textA Korean online expression representing laughter such as “haha.”

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