Learning a new language is an exciting journey, especially when you dive into its colloquial and slang terms. For those learning Korean, understanding Gen Z slang is essential to fully grasp modern conversations, especially in social media, pop culture, and daily interactions among young people. Korean Gen Z slang is vibrant, dynamic, and often reflects the evolving cultural landscape. This article will introduce you to the top 10 Korean Gen Z slang terms you need to know, helping you to sound more like a native speaker and understand contemporary Korean culture better.
1. 대박 (Daebak)
One of the most common and versatile slang terms is 대박. This word is an exclamation that can be translated to “awesome,” “great,” or “amazing.” It’s used to express excitement or surprise. For example, if you see a stunning performance or hear good news, you might say, “대박이다!” (Daebak-ida!) meaning “That’s amazing!”
Example Sentences:
– “그 영화 진짜 대박이었어!” (Geu yeonghwa jinjja daebak-ieoss-eo!)
– Translation: “That movie was really amazing!”
– “네가 이겼다고? 대박!” (Nega igyeossdago? Daebak!)
– Translation: “You won? Awesome!”
2. 갑 (Gap)
The term 갑 originates from the Korean alphabet where 갑 (Gap) represents the first letter, implying superiority or excellence. In slang, it means “the best” or “top.” It’s often used to describe someone who is exceptionally good at something.
Example Sentences:
– “그 선수는 정말 갑이야.” (Geu seonsuneun jeongmal gapiya.)
– Translation: “That athlete is really the best.”
– “이 식당은 맛집 갑이야!” (I sikdang-eun matjip gapiya!)
– Translation: “This restaurant is the best food place!”
3. 만렙 (Manleb)
A term borrowed from gaming culture, 만렙 refers to “max level” or someone who has reached the highest level of skill in something. Originally used to describe gamers who have maxed out their characters, it’s now used more broadly to describe anyone highly skilled.
Example Sentences:
– “그녀의 춤 실력은 만렙이야.” (Geunyeoui chum silyeok-eun manleb-iya.)
– Translation: “Her dancing skills are max level.”
– “요리 만렙이네!” (Yori manleb-ine!)
– Translation: “You’re a cooking master!”
4. 케미 (Kemi)
Derived from the English word “chemistry,” 케미 is used to describe the interaction and compatibility between people, often in the context of friendships, relationships, or even between actors in a drama.
Example Sentences:
– “그 두 사람 케미가 정말 좋다.” (Geu du saram kemi-ga jeongmal jota.)
– Translation: “Those two have really good chemistry.”
– “우리는 케미가 잘 맞아.” (Urineun kemi-ga jal maja.)
– Translation: “We have great chemistry.”
5. 핵노잼 (Haeknojaem)
A combination of the words 핵 (haek), meaning “nuclear” or “super,” and 노잼 (nojaem), meaning “no fun,” this term is used to describe something extremely boring or uninteresting.
Example Sentences:
– “그 영화는 진짜 핵노잼이었어.” (Geu yeonghwa-neun jinjja haeknojaem-ieoss-eo.)
– Translation: “That movie was super boring.”
– “이번 파티는 핵노잼이야.” (Ibeon pati-neun haeknojaem-iya.)
– Translation: “This party is super boring.”
6. 꿀잼 (Kkuljaem)
The opposite of 핵노잼, 꿀잼 combines 꿀 (kkul), meaning “honey,” with 잼 (jaem), meaning “fun.” It describes something as being really fun or enjoyable, like saying “sweet fun.”
Example Sentences:
– “그 드라마는 진짜 꿀잼이야!” (Geu deurama-neun jinjja kkuljaem-iya!)
– Translation: “That drama is really fun!”
– “이 게임 꿀잼이네!” (I geim kkuljaem-ine!)
– Translation: “This game is so fun!”
7. 인싸 (Inssa)
Derived from the English word “insider,” 인싸 refers to someone who is socially active, popular, and well-connected. It’s the opposite of 아싸 (assa), which refers to an outsider or someone who is socially isolated.
Example Sentences:
– “그녀는 학교에서 완전 인싸야.” (Geunyeoneun hakgyo-eseo wanjeon inssa-ya.)
– Translation: “She is totally an insider at school.”
– “인싸라서 친구가 많아.” (Inssaraseo chingu-ga mana.)
– Translation: “Because he’s an insider, he has many friends.”
8. 빵 터지다 (Bbang teojida)
The phrase 빵 터지다 literally translates to “bread burst,” but in slang, it means to burst out laughing. It’s used when something is extremely funny, causing you to laugh out loud.
Example Sentences:
– “그 농담에 빵 터졌어!” (Geu nongdam-e bbang teojyeosseo!)
– Translation: “I burst out laughing at that joke!”
– “너무 웃겨서 빵 터졌어.” (Neomu utgyeoseo bbang teojyeosseo.)
– Translation: “It was so funny that I burst out laughing.”
9. 뇌섹남/녀 (Noesaeknam/yeo)
This term is a combination of 뇌 (noe), meaning “brain,” 섹 (saek) from “sexy,” and 남/녀 (nam/yeo) meaning “man/woman.” 뇌섹남 or 뇌섹녀 refers to someone who is attractive because of their intelligence, essentially calling them a “brainy sexy man/woman.”
Example Sentences:
– “그는 진짜 뇌섹남이야.” (Geuneun jinjja noesaeknam-iya.)
– Translation: “He is really a brainy sexy man.”
– “그녀는 뇌섹녀라서 더 매력적이야.” (Geunyeoneun noesaeknyeoraseo deo maeryeokjeog-iya.)
– Translation: “She is more attractive because she is a brainy sexy woman.”
10. 존맛탱 (Jonmattaeng)
An abbreviation of 존맛탱구리 (jonmattaengguri), 존맛탱 is a very informal and strong way of saying that something is extremely delicious. 존 (jon) is a slang intensifier, 맛 (mat) means “taste,” and 탱 (taeng) is just an added emphasis.
Example Sentences:
– “이 피자 진짜 존맛탱이야!” (I pija jinjja jonmattaeng-iya!)
– Translation: “This pizza is really super delicious!”
– “그 식당의 음식은 항상 존맛탱이야.” (Geu sikdang-ui eumsik-eun hangsang jonmattaeng-iya.)
– Translation: “The food at that restaurant is always super delicious.”
Conclusion
Understanding Korean Gen Z slang can significantly enhance your language skills and help you connect better with native speakers. These terms not only allow you to sound more like a local but also give you insights into the culture and social dynamics of contemporary Korea. Remember that slang can evolve quickly, so staying updated by engaging with Korean media and social interactions is key. Whether you’re watching K-dramas, scrolling through social media, or chatting with friends, these top 10 Korean Gen Z slang terms will help you navigate modern Korean conversations with ease and confidence. Happy learning!
