💬 Korean Internet Language and Abbreviations (줄임말)
⚡ Korean Internet Slang & Abbreviations: 101 Guide (with Pronunciation & Examples)
📑 Table of Contents (tap)
1) Why learn internet slang?
- Understand comments, memes, and DMs in real time.
- Text like a native peer group (tone matters online!).
- Spot register and context—what’s casual vs. polite.
2) Types of abbreviations
- Initial-based: first consonants/syllables (e.g., ㅇㅋ for “오케이”, ㄱㄱ for “go go”).
- Sound-based: typed sounds/emotions (e.g., ㅋㅋㅋ, ㅎㅎㅎ, ㅠㅠ/ㅜㅜ).
- Blends/short forms: mixed or clipped (e.g., 사바사 = 사람 by 사람 “case by case”).
- Number-based: digits for speed/wordplay (e.g., 8282 = “빨리빨리”, hurry up).
3) Common internet abbreviations & origins
3-A) Initial-based (자음만 쓰기)
| Abbrev. | Full Korean · RR | Meaning | Register | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ㄱㄱ | 가자 · gaja | Let’s go / go go | Casual | 지금 ㄱㄱ? (Go now?) |
| ㅇㅋ | 오케이 · okei | OK / got it | Casual | ㅇㅋ 내일 봐. (OK, see you tmr.) |
| ㅊㅋ | 축하해 · chukahae | Congrats! | Casual | 합격 ㅊㅋ! (Congrats on passing!) |
| ㄴㄴ | 노노 · no-no | Nope | Casual | 오늘은 ㄴㄴ. (Not today.) |
| ㅁㄹ | 몰라 · molla | dunno / idk | Casual | 그건 ㅁㄹ;; (Not sure about that…) |
| ㅂㅂ | 빠이빠이 · bbai-bbai | bye-bye | Casual | 나간다 ㅂㅂ (I’m off, bye) |
| ㅇㅇ | 응응 · eung-eung | yeah / yup | Very casual | ㅇㅇ 맞아. (Yep, right.) |
| ㅊㅊ | 추천 · chucheon | recommend | Casual | 이 맛집 ㅊㅊ (Recommend this place) |
Tip: Use these with peers. With seniors/teachers, switch to full polite forms (예: 네, 알겠습니다).
3-B) Sound-based (소리·감정 표현)
| Form | Origin | Meaning | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ㅋㅋㅋ | 크크크 (keu-keu) | lol / chuckle | playful, teasing | 그건 좀 웃기네 ㅋㅋ |
| ㅎㅎㅎ | 하하하 (ha-ha) | soft laugh | warm, friendly | 수고했어ㅎㅎ (Nice work, hehe) |
| ㅠㅠ / ㅜㅜ | crying eyes | cry/sad | dramatic, cute | 비 와서 취소ㅠㅠ |
| ㄷㄷ | 덜덜 | shiver (scared/awed) | wary, impressed | 실물 ㄷㄷ (you look amazing/omg) |
3-C) Blends & number-based
| Form | Full Korean · RR | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 사바사 | 사람 by 사람 | case by case | 취향은 사바사지. (Taste is case by case.) |
| 8282 | 빨리빨리 · ppalli-ppalli | hurry up | 문서 8282 부탁! (Please hurry with the file!) |
| 덕질 | ‘덕후’+동사화 | to stan/fangirl/fanboy | 주말에 콘서트 덕질함. (I stanned all weekend.) |
4) Common mistakes & fixes
- Using consonant-only with seniors/teachers → Switch to full polite forms (예: 네, 확인했습니다).
- Overusing ㅋㅋ in serious chats → Try ㅎㅎ or none; keep tone appropriate.
- Misreading ㄷㄷ as only “scared” → It can be “in awe” too; check context.
- Copy-pasting slang into emails/LinkedIn → Avoid in formal/public profiles.
5) Mini practice
Decode → Write the full line
- ㅇㅋ 내일 ㄱㄱ → 오케이, 내일 가자.
- 합격 ㅊㅋ!! → 합격 축하해!!
- 오늘은 ㄴㄴ → 오늘은 노노(안 돼/안 가).
Encode → Turn into chat style
- 추천해 줘 → ㅊㅊ
- 너무 웃겨 → ㅋㅋㅋㅋ
- 나 몰라 → ㅁㄹ
6) 🔗 Don’t stop here: Level-up picks
All links stay on learningkr.com (no template redirects or tracking params).
8) Learn with me
- Chat-style Korean: abbreviations, tone, and polite alternatives
- “Professional but friendly” texting for work
- Reusable phrase decks + weekly mini challenges
⚠️ Some internet slang can be blunt or profane; this guide avoids those. When unsure, use polite full sentences—especially with people you don’t know well.
9) 🗓️ Update & transparency
Last updated: 2025-09-01 (KST)
This article will be continuously revised and improved based on learner needs. Until I'm 100% satisfied.
이 글은 학습자 피드백에 따라 계속 수정·보완됩니다. 완전히 만족할 때까지 꾸준히 업데이트해요.
Labels: Korean slang, Internet slang, Korean texting, Korean abbreviations, Korean culture
10) 💬 Stay connected
Bookmark this post, share it with a friend learning Korean, and drop a comment with slang you’ve seen—let’s decode it together!
