Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 개자식 | gaejasik | [ˈkɛ(ː)d͡ʑa̠ɕʰik̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ˈke̞(ː)d͡ʑa̠ɕʰik̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 새끼 | saekki | [sʰɛk͈i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰe̞k͈i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 녀석 | nyeoseok | [ɲʌ̹sʰʌ̹k̚] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In a derogatory sense, this term is used to describe a contemptible person. The word 새끼 is a highly versatile and vulgar slang term used to express intense anger or contempt toward someone, often translated as 'bastard', 'jerk' or 'punk'. Interestingly, outside of its use as a profanity, 새끼 is the standard biological term for the offspring, cub or young of an animal.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 개자식 is a compound of 개, meaning 'dog' and 자식, meaning 'offspring' or 'child', literally translating to 'offspring of a dog'.
Which one should you use?
While 새끼 and 개자식 are highly offensive insults, 녀석 is a much milder term. 녀석 can be used affectionately for a younger person or a close friend, similar to saying 'that rascal' or 'that guy'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term 새끼 is considered highly vulgar slang. If you need to refer to a 'bastard' in a formal context, referring to an illegitimate child, the formal term is 사생아 or more specifically 부정 출생자 for 'an illegitimate child'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone directly as a 'bastard', the particle 야 is often added to the end of the noun to create a vocative form, such as 이 새끼야.
How do you pronounce it?
gaejasik
Did you know?
- The term 새끼 was already in use as early as 1447, appearing in the Middle Korean text Seokbo sangjeol as 삿기.
- Depending on the tone and relationship, 이 새끼 can be used between very close male friends as a term of rough endearment rather than an insult.
- Korean insults like 개자식 often target a person's lineage or parents rather than the individual's own actions.
Examples in context
- 나한테서 손 떼, 이 새끼야.Take your fucking hands off me, you bastard!This sentence is useful for seeing how to address someone directly using the form 새끼.Tatoeba #6820092 by yesjustryan, translation #675182 by saeb
- 이 개자식을 그냥 혼자 둬.i gaejasigeul geunyang honja dwo.Just leave this bastard alone.
Example conversation
Seoyeon is complaining about a rude coworker to Minjun.
- 서연 Seo-yeon그 사람 진짜 최악의 개자식이야.geu saram jinja choeageui gaejasigiya.That person is a total bastard.
- 민준 Min-jun대체 무슨 일이 있었어?daeche museun iri isseosseo?What on earth happened?
- 서연 Seo-yeon내 아이디어를 훔쳐 갔어.nae aideieoreul humchyeo gasseo.He stole my idea.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 너무하네.jeongmal neomuhane.That is really too much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bastard” translations and entries 개자식, 새끼, 녀석, 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.
