The best way to sound like a native Korean is to use Korean exclamatory expressions or interjections frequently when having a conversation. The exclamations not only make the conversation more engaging but also make your Korean sound more natural and fluent than it really is. 🙂 In this article we will learn 12 most commonly used Korean exclamations.
1. 헐~~ (Pronounced like ‘Hull’)
OMG! It’s a slang word to express your mild surprise, shock.
A : 나 문에 손가락 찧였어 I got my finger slammed in the door.
B : 헐, 괜찮아? Are you OK?
(Similar Expression: 헉)
2. 대박! (Daebak)
WOW! WOAH! That’s Cool! EPIC!
A; I got the first rank in university.
B: 대박~~~ or may be 대~~~~~~~박! (The pronunciation of 대 will be stretched in proportion to amount of surprise) 🙂
3. 아이구/아이고! (Aaigu/Aaigo)
OOPS! Ohh! (Used by older ladies mainly)
아이고 is an interjection used to express mild dismay, chagrin, surprise, etc., as at one’s own mistake, a clumsy act, or social blunder. It is just like saying ‘oops’ in English.
(Similar Expression: 어머나/ 어머)
4. 진짜 or 정말? (Jinch’a or Jeongmal)
Really??? (Use 진짜요/정말요 with older people.)
5. 우와 [u-wa]
Wow!
6. 에이 (ei)
Used when you don’t believe someone. It’s like saying ‘you’re stupid’ or ‘Are you kidding me?’ to someone close
Girl: I think I have gained weight.
Boy: 에이.. 뭐야?
7. 짱 (J’ang)
Awesome, Cool!
A: How is this dress looking?
B: 짱이야.
8. 뭐/뭐라고/네? (Mwo/Mworago/Ne?)
What? What did you say? (They show a feeling of shock or surprise)
‘네?’ is also used where you couldn’t hear something and want the speaker to repeat (like – pardon).
9. 그래요? (geu-rae-yo?)
Is that so?
A: 선생님, 이 책이 진짜 어려워요.
B: 아~ 그래요?
10. 그렇구나/그렇군요 (geu-reo-kuna/ Geu-rao-kunyo)
I see. (Used as an affirmative response.)
A: 선생님, 이 책이 진짜 어려워요.
B: 아~ 그래요?
11. 글쎄/ 글쎄요 (geul-se/geul-seyo)
Well, I am not sure.. (while thinking a response)
A: 수진이 어디 갔어요?
B: 글쎄.. 아마 시장에 간 것 같애.
12. 야! (Ya)
This one word can mean so many things. It’s used to show different types of emotions including affection, frustration, anger etc.
Thanks for the Information! I love K-pop and was considering learning Korean and I figured this would be a good place to start.
Thanks! But for 그렇구나/그렇군요 the example sentence is the same that for 그래요?
A copy/paste mistake I presume