The Fusion of Languages: Popular English-Driven Korean Words

안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo!)

Welcome back to our Korean learning blog.

Today, we’re diving into the world of Korean words influenced by English!

Language is a living, evolving entity that constantly adapts and transforms. One fascinating example of this evolution is the blend of English and Korean, often referred to as “Konglish.” This hybrid language reflects the cultural exchange and globalization of modern society. In this blog post, we’ll explore some popular English-derived Korean words that have seamlessly integrated into everyday Korean conversations.

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There are many Korean words derived from English, and you’ll encounter them frequently.
If you can distinguish our unique pronunciation, you’ll be able to spot even more Konglish terms.

For instance, we don’t have the “F,” “V,” “Z,” or “R” sounds, so they usually change to “P,” “B,” “J,” and “L.”.

Keep this in mind, and it will be easier to identify Konglish words.

🐾Let’s get started😸🐾

1. TMI (티엠아이) (Too Much Information)

Meaning: Too Much Information
Usage: Borrowed from English, TMI is used similarly in Korean to indicate when someone is sharing too much personal or unnecessary information. It’s used more causally in Korean.

너 그거 너무 TMI 야! Hey that’s too much TMI!

2. 플러팅 Flirting

Meaning: Flirting, to flirt
Usage:

플러팅 하지마! Don’t flirt with me
걔 나한테 플러팅 많이 해 He does a lot of flirting to me

3. 화이팅/파이팅 Fighting

Meaning: Cheer up! Hang in there! I’m rooting for you!
Usage: “화이팅” is a popular cheer of encouragement, similar to “You can do it!” or “Go for it!” in English. Despite its literal translation as “fighting,” it’s used to motivate others to tackle challenges with determination.

오늘 시험이야? 화이팅 해! Do you have an exam today? Good luck!

4. 셀카 Self-ca

Meaning: Selfie
Usage: This term is a shortened form of “셀프 카메라” (self-camera), showcasing the fusion of English and Korean in digital culture.

우리 셀카 찍자~ Let’s take a selfie~
나는 셀카 찍는 거 안 좋아해 I don’t like taking selfies.

5. 리모컨 Remote Control

Meaning: Remote Control
Usage:

리모컨 어디있어? Where’s the remote control?
리모컨 주세요 Please give me the remote control.

6. 원룸 One-Room

Meaning : A studio Apartment
Usage:

나는 원룸에 살아. I live in a studio apartment.
내 원룸은 월세가 500이야. My studio apartment rent is 500 (thousand won).

7. 사이다 Cider

Meaning : sprite
Usage: In Korea, “사이다” refers to lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up, rather than the alcoholic beverage known as cider in English-speaking countries.

사이다가 좋아 콜라가 좋아? Do you like sprite or coke?

* “사이다” it’s also used as slang. When someone says “완전 사이다야~”, they mean that something is refreshing or satisfying, much like how a cold drink can be refreshing. This expression is often used to describe a situation, comment, or action that feels particularly relieving or gratifying.

8. 스킨쉽 Skinship

Meaning : physical affection
Usage:

커플들은 스킨쉽을 많이 해요. Couples show a lot of physical affection.
나는 스킨쉽이 싫어 I don’t like physical affection.

9. 스타일/타입 type

Meaning : style, type
Usage:

너는 내 타입/스타일이야 You are my type
BTS가 완전 내 스타일이야. BTS is totally my style.

10. 콘센트 concentric plug

Meaning : Electrical outlet
Usage:

콘센트 어디있지? Where’s the outlet?
콘센트에 충전기를 꽂아. Plug the charger into the outlet.

Keep exploring, and you’ll discover the fascinating blend of languages in everyday Korean conversation.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Start incorporating these phrases into your conversations with friends or practice alone in front of a mirror to gain confidence. Pay close attention to pronunciation and intonation, as they are essential in mastering Korean. Use audio resources to help you get the sounds just right.

Keep exploring and enjoy the fascinating journey of learning Korean!