Learning Korean grammar and vocabulary is great—but if you really want to sound like a native, you need to speak the way Koreans actually talk. That means using natural expressions, filler words, and everyday slang that textbooks rarely teach.
Whether you're preparing for a trip to Korea, chatting with Korean friends, or just want to level up your speaking skills, here are 10 Korean phrases that will make you sound like a native speaker—and yes, they're perfect for Indian learners too!
1. 헐! (Heol!) – "No way!" / "OMG!"
This one is super popular among young Koreans and is used when you're surprised, shocked, or can’t believe something.
Example:
A: "BTS concert tickets got sold out in 10 seconds!"
B: "헐! 진짜?" (Heol! Jinjja? – No way! Really?)
Think of it as the Korean version of "OMG!" or "Whaaat?!" – a must-have in your slang vocabulary.
2. 대박! (Daebak!) – "Awesome!" / "That's amazing!"
Indians often say “wah!” or “mast!” when something is great. Koreans say 대박! It's used when something is impressive, surprising, or cool.
Example:
"Your Korean pronunciation is so good!"
"대박! 고마워요~" (Daebak! Gomawoyo – Awesome! Thank you~)
3. 그렇구나~ (Geureokuna~) – "Oh, I see~"
Use this when someone tells you something new or explains something and you’re acknowledging it naturally.
Example:
A: "오늘 한국어 수업 없어요." (There’s no Korean class today.)
B: "아~ 그렇구나~" (Oh~ I see~)
It’s polite and sounds smooth, unlike robotic textbook answers.
4. 진짜요? (Jinjjayo?) – "Really?"
This phrase is used in daily conversations all the time, especially when you're surprised or confirming something.
Tip: You can make it casual with 진짜? (jinjja?) or formal with 진짜요?
Example:
A: "I studied Korean for only 3 months."
B: "진짜요? 대박!" (Really? That's awesome!)
5. 그럼요! (Geureomyo!) – "Of course!"
Instead of just saying "Yes," you can use 그럼요 to sound confident and natural.
Example:
"Can you read Hangul now?"
"그럼요! 열심히 배웠죠." (Of course! I studied hard.)
It’s the perfect response to show enthusiasm.
6. 잘했어요! (Jalhaesseoyo!) – "Well done!" / "Good job!"
Great to use when encouraging someone or praising them.
Example:
"와, 발음 진짜 좋아요!" (Wow, your pronunciation is really good!)
"잘했어요!" (Good job!)
Teachers, friends, and even idols say this often.
7. 몰라요~ (Mollayo~) – "I don’t know~"
This isn’t just about the meaning—it’s about the tone. Stretch the "~yo" a bit to make it sound more native and casual (not rude!).
Example:
"그 사람 어디 갔어요?" (Where did he go?)
"몰라요~" (I don’t know~)
Said with a little shrug, it’s super natural!
8. 진짜 대단하다~ (Jinjja daedanada~) – "That’s really amazing!"
When someone tells you something impressive, this is a polite and native way to respond.
Example:
"I passed TOPIK II with level 5."
"진짜 대단하다~!" (That’s really amazing~!)
Perfect for showing respect and admiration.
9. 아이고~ (Aigo~) – "Oh dear!" / "Oops!" / "Aiyyo~"
Indian aunty version: “Hai re!” Korean version: 아이고~
It’s used by people of all ages when something tiring, sad, or unexpected happens.
Example:
"You dropped your phone again!"
"아이고~ 이건 몇 번째야?" (Oh dear~ how many times is this now?)
10. 그냥~ (Geunyang~) – "Just because" / "No reason"
Use this when someone asks you “Why?” and you just want to shrug it off.
Example:
"왜 한국어 배워요?" (Why are you learning Korean?)
"그냥~ 재미있어요." (Just… it's fun.)
It's casual, cool, and very native!
Bonus Tip for Indian Learners:
Try using these phrases while watching K-dramas or K-pop vlogs. Pause, repeat, and mimic their tone. You’ll not only remember them better but also sound more Korean—just like your favorite oppas and unnies!
You can also practice these with Korean language partners or friends. Adding such expressions to your regular study will make your speaking more fluid and natural.
Using natural Korean phrases like these will not only boost your confidence but also impress native speakers. It shows that you're not just learning the language—you’re living it.
For Indian learners, adding these everyday expressions is like putting chaat masala on your Korean—it makes everything more tasty and fun!
Now go ahead—try saying "헐! 진짜 대박!" in front of your mirror and feel the K-vibes!
Annyeonghaseyo