Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 뽀뽀 | ppoppo | [p͈o̞p͈o̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 입맞춤 | immatchum | [imma̠t̚t͡ɕʰum] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 키스 | kiseu | [cçis͈ɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term refers to a touch with the lips. You can use several nouns and verbs to express this: 입맞춤 (a kiss), 키스 (a kiss) and 뽀뽀 (a kiss/peck). Corresponding verbs include 입맞추다, 키스하다 and 뽀뽀하다.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb 입맞추다 is a combination of 입, meaning mouth and 맞추다, meaning to join or match, literally translating to 'to join mouths'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ in nuance and intensity. 뽀뽀 refers to a light, cute or brief kiss, often described as a peck. 키스 is a standard or romantic term often implying a more mature or passionate act. 입맞춤 is a more formal or literary term often found in poetic contexts or written works.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
ppoppo
When do people say it?
뽀뽀 is often used in a playful or affectionate way, such as when a parent kisses a child or a couple shares a light kiss.
Did you know?
- The verb 입맞추다 uses the root 맞추다, which is the same word used for matching two puzzle pieces or synchronizing watches.
- While 키스 is a direct loanword from English, it carries a much more intense and adult connotation than the English word 'kiss' itself.
- The word 뽀뽀 is often used as an onomatopoeic sound for the sound of a kiss in children's books, much like 'mwah' in English.
Examples in context
- 내가 너라면 톰에게 키스할 거야.If I were you, I'd kiss Tom.This sentence shows how to use the form 키스 in a conditional statement.Tatoeba #13755299 by qlTmalffk, translation #5837895 by CK
- 걔네는 키스 이상은 절대 안 했어.They never did more than kiss.This sentence uses the form 키스 to describe a limit of action.Tatoeba #13756353 by qlTmalffk, translation #7775337 by Hybrid
- 키스해줘.Kiss me.This sentence uses the form 키스 as a direct request.Tatoeba #11104712 by intertime, translation #565931 by Fish
- 저는 그녀에게 키스를 하려고 합니다.I am planning to kiss her.
- 난 그 사람한테 뽀뽀할래.I want to give that person a kiss.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye before going home.
- 지은 Ji-eun가기 전에 뽀뽀 한 번만 해줘.gagi jeone ppoppo han beonman haejwo.Give me a kiss before you go.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo여기 있어, 뽀뽀!yeogi isseo, ppoppo!Here it is, kiss!
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 귀여워.jeongmal gwiyeoweo.You're so cute.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo내일 또 만나자.naeil tto mannaja.Let's meet again tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kiss” translations and entries 뽀뽀, 입맞춤, 키스, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
