‘Oppa’ To ‘Aigoo’: 30 Everyday Korean Words Inspired By K-Dramas (With Meanings)

K-dramas have become a big part of global entertainment, and many viewers pick up Korean words without even realising it. From emotional confessions to everyday conversations, these shows repeat simple phrases that are easy to remember. Being a fan of K-dramas, I started noticing these words while watching my favourite dramas, and over time, they became familiar and fun to use in daily life.

In this article, we will tell you about popular Korean words you must have seen in K-dramas, along with their meanings in English to help you understand dialogues more easily and enjoy the stories even better.

30 Basic Korean Words With Meaning In English  

1. Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)

Hello (polite). Common greeting used when meeting someone for the first time or in formal situations.

2. Annyeong (안녕)

Hi / Bye (informal). Used with friends or people of the same age or younger.

3. Saranghae (사랑해)

I love you. Frequently heard in romantic K-drama moments.

4. Oppa (오빠)

Term used by a younger female to address an older male (older brother or close older male friend). 

5. Gomawo (고마워)

Thanks (informal). Used among friends in casual conversations.

6. Gamsahamnida (감사합니다)

Thank you (formal). Used in polite or professional situations.

7. Mianhae (미안해)

Sorry (informal). Common in emotional or apologetic scenes.

8. Joesonghamnida (죄송합니다)

I’m sorry (formal). Used when showing deep respect or regret.

9. Jinjja? (진짜?)

Really? Expresses surprise or disbelief in conversations.

10. Wae? (왜?)

Why? Often used when questioning someone’s actions.

11. Daebak (대박)

Awesome / Amazing. Used to express excitement or shock.

12. Aigoo (아이고)

Oh dear / Oh no. Shows frustration, pity, or mild disappointment.

13. Gwaenchana? (괜찮아?)

Are you okay? Common in caring or comforting moments.

14. Gwaenchana (괜찮아)

I’m okay / It’s fine. Used to reassure someone.

15. Hwaiting (화이팅)

Fighting / Good luck. A phrase used to encourage someone.

16. Bap (밥)

Rice / Meal. Refers to food in general in everyday speech.

17. Jal jayo (잘 자요)

Good night. Said when someone is going to sleep.

18. Bogoshipda (보고싶다)

I miss you. Often used in emotional or romantic scenes.

19. Jinjimeotda (진심이다)

I’m serious. Used to emphasise honesty or sincerity.

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20. Eodiya? (어디야?)

Where are you? Common in casual chats and phone calls.

21. Ne (네)

Yes. A polite and simple way to agree or respond.

22. Aniyo (아니요)

No (formal). Used in polite replies or disagreements.

23. Jal Haess-Eoyo (잘했어)

Well done / Good job. Used to praise or appreciate someone.

24. Mwo? (뭐?)

What? Used when someone is surprised or confused.

25. Uri (우리)

We / Our. Often used to refer to people in a close or shared group.

26. Yeogi (여기)

Here. Used when indicating a place or location nearby.

27. Geogi (거기)

There. Refers to a place that is not nearby.

28. Eotteoke? (어떻게?)

How? Often used when asking for a solution or reacting to a situation.

29. Geurae (그래)

Okay / Alright. Used to agree or acknowledge something.

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30. Gajima (가지마)

Don’t go. Commonly heard in emotional or dramatic farewell scenes. 

Understanding these Korean words and expressions helps you follow conversations better and connect more with your favourite K-drama or movies.

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi. 

Image credit: Freepik