Fans don’t need to know Korean to enjoy K-pop, but it’s worth learning! Before we start our list of word every K-pop fan should know, let’s look back at some facts.
Korean Pop Culture has become immensely popular around the globe in the last decade, and that’s the reason many fans have become interested in learning the Korean language as well.
K-pop bands such as BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, and Red Velvet have gained huge international popularity. Fans travel from overseas just to see them in concert and during world tours.
K-pop is characterized by mixing Western music genres on top of its traditional Korean music roots. The most popular singles come with their own choreography, including a key dance move, that fans can learn at home.
The most well-known Korean dance move is from PSY’s “Gangnam Style.” As of 2020, the music video has almost 4 billion views on YouTube and is one of the most watched YouTube videos of all time. In fact, it was the first-ever video on YouTube to reach over 1 billion views!
As K-pop continues to grow, more and more fans want to learn the language in order to connect further with both the music and the artists who sing the songs. As such, check out some of the easiest Korean words below which you can learn immediately!
1) Annyeonghaseyo
“Annyeonghaseyo” (안녕하세요) means “Hello” in Korean.
This is the most common greeting in Korea and actually means “Are you at peace?” You can also use the short form, “Annyeong” (안녕), for more casual conversation as it means both “Hi” and “Goodbye.”
2) Saranghaeyo
“Saranghaeyo” (사랑해요) means “I love you” in Korean.
It may be an expression of love for most couples in Korea, but this word is often used to express fans’ feelings of love to their bias as well. As such, this is typically a Korean word fans learn almost immediately.
3) Gamsahamnida
“Gamsahamnida” (감사합니다) means “Thank you” in Korean.
This is the most common way to say “Thank you.” There are also various other ways of saying thank you, including “Gomapseumnida” (고맙습니다) and “Gomawoyo” (고마워요).
4) Eotteokhae
“Eotteokhae“ (어떡해) means “What to do?” in Korean.
This Korean phrase is used for a moment in panic or when you don’t know what to do.
5) Chingu
“Chingu” (친구) means “Friend” in Korean.
This is a very common Korean word. However, adding on the words man and woman in front change the meaning! “Namjachingu” (남자친구) means “boyfriend” and “Yeojachingu” (여자친구) means “girlfriend.”
6) Mianhaeyo
“Mianhaeyo” (미안해요) means “Sorry“ in Korean.
This is often used to say “Sorry.” If you are in a situation and have to apologize to someone older or if you’re in a public occasion, it would be better to say “Joesonghamnida” (죄송합니다).
7) Jinjja
“Jinjja” (진짜) means “Really“ in Korean.
It can be used in most situations to say “Really” in Korean. But can be used as a statement, but it can also be used as a question such as “Really?” It can also take on the meaning of both “Very” and “For real.”
7) Daebak
“Daebak” (대박) means “Wow“ in Korean.
The word originally meant something similar to “jackpot,” but it was adapted to express amazement or happiness over a situation or circumstance. For example, it carries the connotation of “amazing,” “awesome,” or “cool.” You can also use it sarcastically, however!
7) Fighting/Hwaiting
“Fighting” (화이팅) means “Good Luck!” and “You can do it!” in Korean.
This is a phrase used for encouragement, as well as to cheer someone. This is the easiest way we can encourage our idols and let them know that we are rooting for them. It can be spelled as “Fighting” (파이팅) or “Hwaiting” (화이팅), but is most commonly spelled/said as “Hwaiting” in Korean.
It’s always fun to learn more words and phrases in Korean by watching K-dramas or listening to K-pop. However, if you want to learn even more Korean, check out websites like 90 Day Korean, Duolingo, Coursera, Korea Society, and more.
What other words do you think K-pop fans should know? What would you have added to the list? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1!
Polina has been recognized as an Honorary Korean Travel Ambassador since 2013. She always makes an effort to share the many aspects of Korea throughout the world and to express her affection for Korea. She graduated with two qualifications: Organizer of Tourism and Leisure and Management of Hotel and Restaurant.
Media: As Credited
Featured Image: Source Music