짱친
jjangchin
The English phrase "bestie" can be translated into Korean as 짱친 (jjangchin).
짱친 is an informal term used to refer to a person's best friend.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 짱친 is a contraction of 짱, meaning "best" or "top" and 친구, meaning "friend".
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter 베프, which is a popular slang term among young Koreans. 베프 is a shortened form of the English words "best friend".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
짱친 is an informal slang term used primarily among younger generations. Similarly, 베프 is also a popular informal term used among young Koreans.
How do you pronounce it?
jjangchin
Did you know?
- The word 짱 in 짱친 originally described the boss of a school gang. Over time, it shifted from meaning 'the strongest' to simply meaning 'the best' or 'top'.
- While 짱친 and 베프 are used for peers, Koreans often avoid calling an older person a 'bestie' because the language requires different honorific terms based on age and social hierarchy.
- While 짱친 and 베프 describe a best friend, Koreans often use the term 절친 for a deeper, lifelong bond. 절친 comes from the word for 'absolute' or 'close', implying a spiritual or unbreakable connection.
Examples in context
- 이 사람은 저의 가장 친한 친구입니다This person is my closest friend.
- 우리는 베프야We are best friends.
- 너는 나의 최애야You are my favorite person.
- 우리는 진짜 짱친이야.urinun jinjja jjangchiniya.We are truly besties.
- 그는 나의 소중한 짱친이야.geuneun naui sojunghan jjangchiniya.He is my precious bestie.
- 너랑 나는 영원한 짱친 하자.neorang naneun yeongwonhan jjangchin haja.Let's be besties forever.
Example conversation
Jihoon introduces his friend to Subin.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈아, 내 짱친 소개해 줄게.Subin-a, nae jjangchin sogae hae julge.Subin, let me introduce you to my bestie.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말? 반가워!jeongmal? bangawo!Really? Nice to meet you!
- 지훈 Ji-hun우리는 완전 짱친이야.urineun wanjeon jjangchin-iya.We are total besties.
- 수빈 Su-bin두 사람 정말 친해 보여.du saram jeongmal chinhae boyeo.You two look really close.
