Glossary [By English Alphabet]

This glossary is listed in English alphabetical order (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z) by common romanization of terms.

To search for Korean words using Hangul Spellings, click here
To search for Korean words using Romanized Spellings and Hangul Order, click here

A

Aegyo

A term meaning "attractiveness" or "charm." It refers to cutesy behaviors, usually by females. It has become popular for both male and female k-pop idols to show aegyo for their fans.

B

Bangtansonyeondan

The name of a Korean boy group. The name translates to "Bulletproof Boyscouts," though the group is also often called Bulletproof Boys, Bangtan Boys, Bangtan, or BTS.

Bultaoreune

A Korean phrase meaning "It's on fire," or "Burning up." It is the name of a song by Bangtansonyeondan.

C

Choego

A term meaning "the top" or "the best."

D

Daebak

A term translating to "jackpot," it is an exclamation used to mean something is awesome or surprising. I can be used to mean something is positive or negative, much like "I can't believe it."

Daehanminguk

The name of the Republic of Korea.

H

Han

"A" or "An."

Hana

One (1). Refers to a number of objects or age.

Hana

Refinement.

Hanguk 

The Korean word for "Korea."

Hanguk Hwaiting 

A phrase which translates to "Korea, fighting!"

Hangul 

The name of the Korean alphabet.

Hanja

The Korean word for Chinese characters used to write in Korean.

Hanma

An unruly horse.

Hansik 

Korean food or cuisine.

Hanwoo 

Korean beef.

Hunminjeongeum

"The proper sounds for the education of the people." The original name for Hangul.

Hwaiting

An exclamation used as words of encouragement. Comes from the English word "Fighting," even though it is pronounced slightly differently.

Hwayangyeonhwa

A phrase meaning "In the mood for love." It is the name of an album series by Bangtansonyeondan and is sometimes also translated as "The Most Beautiful Moment in Life."

O

Oppa

A term used by females to refer to older males. It means "big brother," and is usually only used with males a few years older than the speaker. It can be used with actually siblings, or with close friends or boyfriends. It is often used by female k-pop fans to refer to male group members that are older than themselves.

P

Pi, Ttam, Nunmul

A phrase meaning "Blood, Sweat, and Tears" and the title of a song by Bangtansonyeondan.

S

Sangnamja

A Korean term translating to "real man," it refers to a man who is masculine, manly, and in romantic contexts usually refers to a 'bad boy' or aggressive type. It is the name of a song by Bangtansonyeondan.