Most important exclamations in Korean

We tend to pick up short and most common words in any new language and usually they are exclamations. OMG! No way! What the heck! etc. Korean is no exception. You can watch a video with the most common exclamations in Korean. First watch the video and then read what 12 most common exclamations are in Korean.

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!

3. 아이구/아이고! (Aaigu/Aaigo)

OOPS! Ohh! (Used by mainly older ladies and you must have heard it in K-drama)
아이고 is used to express mild dismay, surprise, etc.
(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)

Great! Cool!

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?

10. 그렇구나/그렇군요 (geu-reo-kuna/ Geu-rao-kunyo)

I see. (Used as an affirmative response.)

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 different things an is used to show different types of emotions including affection, frustration, anger, etc.