뽀뽀
ppoppo[p͈o̞p͈o̞]
The English word "kisses" can be translated into Korean as 뽀뽀 (ppoppo).
뽀뽀 refers to light, affectionate kisses, such as a peck on the cheek or lips.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
뽀뽀 is an informal, colloquial term. It has a cute quality and is commonly used by children, couples or when speaking in an affectionate tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 뽀뽀 as a verb, you must add the verb 하다 (to do) to make it 뽀뽀하다. In a full sentence, 뽀뽀 is often used with the object marker 를 to form the phrase 뽀뽀를 하다.
How do you pronounce it?
ppoppo
Did you know?
- The word 뽀뽀 is an example of a reduplicative word, where a sound is repeated to create a cute or rhythmic effect. This pattern is common in Korean for words related to children or small things.
- Historically, public displays of affection involving 뽀뽀 were very taboo in Korea. While more accepted now among youth, older generations may still find it inappropriate in public spaces.
- The term 뽀뽀 is often used as an onomatopoeic-style sound to mimic the sound of a kiss, similar to how English speakers might say 'mwah'.
Examples in context
- 볼에 뽀뽀를 해 줘요.bol-e ppo-ppo-reul hae jwo-yo.Give me a kiss on the cheek.
- 아이가 엄마에게 뽀뽀를 해요.a-i-ga eom-ma-e-ge ppo-ppo-reul hae-yo.The child gives mommy a kiss.
- 자기 전에 뽀뽀를 했어요.ja-gi jeon-e ppo-ppo-reul hae-sseo-yo.We exchanged kisses before sleeping.
Example conversation
A couple is saying goodbye at the house.
- 민준 Min-jun민지야, 가기 전에 뽀뽀해 줄래?Min-ji-ya, ga-gi jeon-e ppo-ppo-hae jul-lae?Minji, can you give me a kiss before you go?
- 민지 Min-ji응, 민준아. 여기.Eung, Min-jun-a. yeo-gi.Sure, Minjun. Here.
- 민준 Min-jun고마워, 정말 귀엽다.go-ma-wo, jeong-mal gwi-yeop-da.Thank you, that was so sweet.
- 민지 Min-ji잘 자, 내일 봐!jal ja, nae-il bwa!Good night, see you tomorrow!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 뽀뽀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
