Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 새끼 | saekki | [sʰɛk͈i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰe̞k͈i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 녀석 | nyeoseok | [ɲʌ̹sʰʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 개자식 | gaejasik | [ˈkɛ(ː)d͡ʑa̠ɕʰik̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈke̞(ː)d͡ʑa̠ɕʰik̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The primary term, 새끼, is used to describe a contemptible person, often translated as a bastard or jerk. While it is an insult, close male friends sometimes use it colloquially with one another, though the term remains inherently rude.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 새끼 refers to the offspring or young of an animal, but it is commonly used as a derogatory term for a person.
Which one should you use?
The terms vary significantly in intensity and meaning. 녀석 is a relatively mild, informal way to refer to a male, meaning 'fellow' or 'guy'. In contrast, 새끼 is a much more vulgar, aggressive and harsh insult. The term 개자식 is a stronger, more specific insult often translated as 'son of a bitch', whereas 새끼 serves as a more general term for a bastard or jerk.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address someone directly as 'you bastard', you can add the particle 야 to the word to form 이 새끼야.
How do you pronounce it?
saekki
Did you know?
- While 새끼 is a harsh insult when applied to humans, it is the standard neutral word used to describe any baby animal, such as a 'puppy' or 'kitten'.
- The word 개자식 combines 개, meaning 'dog', with 자식, meaning 'child'. In Korean culture, comparing someone or their lineage to a dog is one of the most severe insults.
- The word 새끼 was recorded in the 'Seokbo sangjeol' as early as 1447, appearing as the Middle Korean form 삿기.
Examples in context
- 나한테서 손 떼, 이 새끼야.Take your fucking hands off me, you bastard!This sentence demonstrates how to use 새끼 when addressing someone directly in an aggressive manner.Tatoeba #6820092 by yesjustryan, translation #675182 by saeb
- 그 새끼는 진짜 나쁜 놈이야.geu saekki-neun jin-jja na-ppeun nom-i-ya.That bastard is a truly bad guy.
- 이 새끼가 진짜 미쳤나?i saekki-ga jin-jja mi-chyeot-na?Is this bastard actually crazy?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a rude person they saw at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아까 그 새끼 봤어?a-kka geu saekki bwas-seo?Did you see that bastard earlier?
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 정말 무례하더라.eung, jeong-mal mu-rye-ha-deo-ra.Yes, he was really rude.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo진짜 못된 새끼야.jin-jja mot-doen saekki-ya.He is such a mean bastard.
- 지은 Ji-eun다시는 보고 싶지 않아.da-si-neun bo-go sip-ji ana.I never want to see him again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bastard” translations and entries 새끼, 녀석, 개자식, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 개자식, 녀석, 새끼, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
