코딱지
kottakji[kʰo̞t͈a̠k̚t͡ɕ͈i]
The Korean word for booger is 코딱지 (kottakji).
코딱지 is used to refer to a piece of solid or semi-solid mucus from the nose.
Meaning: a piece of solid or semi-solid mucus (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This word is a compound of 코, meaning nose and 딱지, meaning scab or crust.
How do you pronounce it?
kottakji
Did you know?
- If you call someone a 코딱지 in a certain context, it can be used as a very mild, almost affectionate insult to call someone a 'tiny person' or a 'little nothing'.
- In some Korean children's games, 'ttakji' refers to a rectangular piece of folded paper used in a traditional game similar to flipping cards.
- The word 코딱지 is often used in a playful or cute way when speaking to children, softening the gross nature of the term.
Examples in context
- 난 코딱지 싫어.I don't like boogers.
- 코딱지 좀 만지지 마.Please stop touching the booger.
- 코딱지가 나왔어요.kotdakkiga nawasseoyo.A booger came out.
- 코딱지를 파지 마.kotdakkireul paji ma.Don't pick your boogers.
- 코딱지가 너무 커요.kotdakkiga neomu keoyo.The booger is too big.
Example conversation
Ji-eun notices something on Min-jun's nose.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 코에 코딱지 있어요.Minjun ssi, kone kotttakji isseoyo.Min-jun, you have a booger in your nose.
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 어디에요?jeongmalyo? eodieyo?Really? Where is it?
- 지은 Ji-eun오른쪽 콧구멍 앞에 있어요.oreunjok kotgumeong ape isseoyo.It's in front of your right nostril.
- 민준 Min-jun알겠어요, 빨리 뺄게요.algesseoyo, ppalli ppaelgeyo.I see, I'll get it out quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “booger” translations and entries 코딱지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
