바보
babo[ˈpa̠(ː)bo̞]
The Korean word for dummy is 바보 (babo).
바보 is a common and widely used informal term for "dummy" in Korean.
Meaning: a deliberately nonfunctional placeholder (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 바보 can sometimes be used playfully or affectionately among friends, 멍청이 is generally more insulting and carries a harsher nuance of stupidity.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone directly as a dummy in an informal way, you add the particle '-야' to the end of the word.
How do you pronounce it?
babo
Did you know?
- The term may be linked to the concept of a premature birth, possibly originating from the Chinese characters for 'eight months'.
- The second half of 바보, the suffix '-보' (-bo), is a common way in Korean to label someone by a specific habit, such as in 'meokbo' for a glutton.
- The phrase 바보 is frequently used as a self-deprecating joke in Korean variety shows to make a celebrity appear more humble and approachable.
Examples in context
- 너도 멍충이처럼 생겼어.You also look like a dummy.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are reviewing a website prototype.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 이 텍스트는 왜 이상해요?Minjun ssi, i tekseuteuneun wae isanghaeyo?Minjun, why is this text strange?
- 민준 Min-jun그건 그냥 바보 텍스트예요.geugeon geunyang babo tekseuteuyeyo.That is just dummy text.
- 민지 Min-ji언제 진짜 내용으로 바꿔요?eonje jinja naeyong-euro bakkwoyo?When will you change it to the real content?
- 민준 Min-jun내일 오후까지 수정할게요.naeil ohu-kkaji sujeong-halgeyo.I will fix it by tomorrow afternoon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 바보, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 바보, CC BY-SA 4.0.
