전남친
jeonnamchin
In Korean, ex-boyfriend is said as 전남친 (jeonnamchin).
전남친 is used as a noun to refer to a man who was previously in a romantic relationship with someone, much like how English speakers use the word 'ex'.
Which one should you use?
While 전남친 is a common abbreviation, you can also use the full phrase 전 남자친구 or the informal phrase 예전 남친.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
전남친 is an informal, colloquial abbreviation used primarily in casual conversation and texting. 예전 남친 is a casual and informal way to say ex-boyfriend that is a popular choice among younger generations.
How do you pronounce it?
jeonnamchin
Did you know?
- While 전남친 refers to the person, Koreans often use the word 구남친 as an alternative, where 구 comes from the Hanja for 'old' or 'former'.
- In romantic dramas, characters may avoid 전남친 and instead use the term 옛 연인 to evoke a more poetic or nostalgic feeling of a 'past lover'.
- In Korean social media, the term 전남친 is often paired with the phrase 'blocking' to describe the specific act of erasing an ex-partner's digital existence entirely.
Examples in context
- 저는 최근에 전 남자친구와 헤어졌어요.I recently broke up with my ex-boyfriend.
- 그 사람은 내 전남친이야.geu sarameun naen jeonnamchiniya.That person is my ex-boyfriend.
- 전남친 소식 들었어?jeonnamchin sosik deureosseo?Did you hear news about my ex-boyfriend?
- 전남친이랑 연락하지 마.jeonnamchirang yeollakhaji ma.Don't contact your ex-boyfriend.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a recent breakup at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin나 어제 전남친 만났어.na eoje jeonnamchin mannasseo.I met my ex-boyfriend yesterday.
- 민준 Min-jun정말? 기분이 어땠어?jeongmal? gibuni eottaesseo?Really? How did you feel?
- 수빈 Su-bin별로 안 좋았어.byeollo an joasseo.It wasn't very good.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈아, 너무 신경 쓰지 마.Subin-a, neomu singyeong sseuji ma.Subin, don't let it get to you.
