ㅋㅋㅋ
keukeukeu[kxɯkxɯkxɯ]
The Korean way to say "haha" is ㅋㅋㅋ (keukeukeu).
Meaning: representation of laughter (intj)
Which one should you use?
While ㅋㅋㅋ represents a more boisterous or "cracking" type of laughter, ㅎㅎㅎ represents a softer, more gentle chuckle or smile.
How does it change in a sentence?
A single ㅋ can sometimes feel sarcastic or dismissive, whereas repeating the character as ㅋㅋㅋ makes the laughter feel more genuine and friendly.
How do you pronounce it?
keukeukeu
Did you know?
- A person might use ㅋㅋㅋ even when they are not actually laughing, often using it as a 'social lubricant' to soften a sentence or avoid sounding too blunt.
- The character ㅋ is called 'kiyeok' and represents a voiceless velar plosive, which mimics the sudden burst of air found in a real laugh.
- Because ㅋㅋㅋ is based on the sound of a consonant, typing it very quickly can make it look like you are 'shaking' or 'stuttering' with laughter in digital chats.
Examples in context
- 그 영화 진짜 웃겨요 ㅋㅋㅋgeu yeonghwa jin-jja ut-gyeo-yo ㅋㅋㅋThat movie is really funny ㅋㅋㅋ
- 아 진짜 웃기다 ㅋㅋㅋa jin-jja ut-gi-da ㅋㅋㅋAh, that's so funny ㅋㅋㅋ
- 너무 웃겨서 눈물 나요 ㅋㅋㅋneo-mu ut-gyeo-seo nun-mul na-yo ㅋㅋㅋIt's so funny I'm crying ㅋㅋㅋ
Example conversation
Dohyun and Subin are texting about a funny video.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 영상 봤어요? 너무 웃겨요 ㅋㅋㅋi yeongsang bwasseoyo? neomu utgyeoyo kkkDid you see this video? It's so funny haha.
- 수빈 Su-binㅋㅋㅋ 진짜 웃기네요!kkk jinjja utgineyo!Haha, it really is funny!
- 도현 Do-hyeon특히 마지막 부분이 대박이에요.teukhi majimak bubuni daebagieyo.Especially the last part is amazing.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요. 계속 보게 돼요.majayyo. gyesok boge dwaeyo.True. I keep watching it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “haha” translations and entries ㅋㅋㅋ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
