쾅
kwang[kʰwa̠ŋ]
The English phrase 'bang' is translated into Korean as 쾅 (kwang).
쾅 is an onomatopoeic word used to represent the sound of a sudden impact or a loud bang.
Meaning: a sudden percussive noise (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 쾅 represents a heavy, forceful percussive sound or a loud thud, the related form 빵 is used for lighter sounds, such as a pop or a small explosion. If you wish to emphasize a repeated or continuous banging sound, you can double the word to 쾅쾅.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kwang
Did you know?
- In Korean, the sound 쾅 is often used in webtoons and comics as a visual sound effect to signal a sudden emotional shock or a 'mind-blowing' revelation, even if nothing physically explodes.
- The word 꽝 is a closely related variant that often implies a total failure or a 'crash' in a game or a situation, moving beyond just a physical sound.
- In Korean comics, the size and thickness of the font used for 쾅 can actually indicate the physical weight and volume of the object making the bang.
Examples in context
- 갑자기 늑대가 다시 깨어나서 문을 쾅 두드리기 시작했어요.Suddenly the wolf woke up again and started to bang on the door.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use 쾅 to describe a wolf banging on a door.
- 문이 크게 폭발했다.The door exploded loudly.
- 큰 소리로 두드리다.To knock loudly.
- 병을 떨어뜨리자 쾅 소리가 났다.When I dropped the bottle, there was a loud bang.
- 문을 부딪쳤을 때 쾅 하는 소리를 들었다.I heard a bang sound when I hit the door.
- 문이 쾅 닫혔어요.mun-i kwang datchyeosseoyo.The door slammed shut with a bang.
- 천둥 소리가 쾅 들렸어요.cheondung sori-ga kwang deullyeosseoyo.A loud bang of thunder was heard.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are talking in a quiet apartment.
- 지훈 Ji-hun방금 무슨 소리였지?banggeum museun sori-yeotji?What was that sound just now?
- 서연 Seo-yeon문이 쾅 하고 닫혔어요.mun-i kwang hago dachyeosseoyo.The door closed with a bang.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 큰 소리였어.jeongmal keun sori-yeosseo.It was a really loud noise.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 깜짝 놀랐어요.ne, kkamjjak nollasseoyo.Yes, it startled me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bang” translations and entries 쾅, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
