Let’s Explore Korean Texting Culture: How to Text Like a Korean!
Let’s dive into Korean Texting culture!
1. Use of ㅋㅋ, ㅋ, ㅎㅎ, and ㅎ
ㅋㅋㅋㅋ (Laughter with nuanced meanings depending on the length!)
ㅋ / ㅋㅋ: Can feel chic, dry, or even sarcastic depending on the context. I don’t recommend using it often! ㅋㅋㅋ/ ㅋㅋㅋㅋ: The most neutral and casual form of laughter, similar to “Haha.” Safe and widely used in most contexts! ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ: intense laughter, like “LOL” or “LMAO.”
ㅎㅎㅎ (Soft, warm laughter)
ㅎ: Often used when feeling awkward or unsure. 알겠어ㅎ” (Okay…) Don’t recommend using it either ..!! ㅎㅎ/ ㅎㅎㅎ: A softer or more polite version of laughter, often used to lighten the mood. This is what I use most often—it seems kind and friendly, haha! ㅎㅎㅎㅎㅎ: Smiley smiley happy face
2. Variations in Endings
Adding “ㅇ” Batchim for a Cute or Softer Tone
가요 → 가용 먹어요 → 먹어용
Adding “ㅁ” Batchim for a Shorter, Cooler Tone
가요 -> 감 먹어요 -> 먹음
This is how I text with my brother :
밥 먹음? ㅇㅇ 밥 먹음. 집 임? ㄴㄴ 집 아님.
Variations of “YES” in Korean :
네 : The standard and polite way to say “yes.” 넹 : Sounds cute 넵 : Sounds firm 네넹: Sounds cuter 넵넵!! : Sounds firm firm (What I use most often with my boss, I use this or ‘넵’ in a business setting.)
응 : The standard casual way to say “yes,” commonly used with friends. 웅 : Sounds cute 앙: Sounds way too cute 엉: cooler or more nonchalant vibe 우웅: what I use the most, very cute 웅웅웅: yes, yes, yes in a playful and affectionate way.
3. Abbreviations (줄임말)
ㅇㅇ: 응 (“yes”) ㅇㅋ: 오키 (“okay”) ㄴㄴ: 아니 (“no”) ㄱㄱ : 고고 (“go, go” or “let’s go”) ㅂㅂ: 바이바이 (“bye-bye”) ㄳ ㄳ: 감사 감사 (“thank you, thank you”) ㄱㅊ : 괜찮아 (“it’s okay”) ㅅㄱ: 수고 (“great job” or “good work”, also used to mean “Bye” )
4. Others
…: Often used for dramatic effect, hesitation, or to create a casual tone.
– 알겠어… (“Okay…”) – 미안해 … (“I’m sorry ….”)
~: Adds a friendly or lighthearted vibe.
고마워~ 고마워 ~~ 고마워 ~~~ (Most friendly!)
ㅠㅠ (crying) ^^ (smiling)
ㅇㅂㅇ / ㅇㅅㅇ / O.O: Represents cute faces! (I use them sometimes, but not many people use them frequently ㅎㅎㅎ)
