ㅋㅋㅋ
kkk[kxɯkxɯkxɯ]
In Korean, 'lol' is expressed through various consonant-based abbreviations such as ㅋㅋㅋ (kkk). Wiktionary also lists ㅋ (k) and ㅎㅎ (hh).
Meaning: expression of laughter (intj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ㅋㅋㅋ | kkk | [kxɯkxɯkxɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| ㅋ | k | |
| ㅎㅎ | hh |
The abbreviation ㅋㅋㅋ is a popular informal way to express laughter, similar to how English speakers use 'LOL'.
Which one should you use?
The different forms convey different tones of laughter. ㅋㅋㅋ represents a more vigorous or standard laugh. In contrast, a single ㅋ can often come across as sarcastic, mocking or a dry laugh rather than genuine amusement. Finally, while ㅋㅋㅋ represents a sharper 'k' sound, ㅎㅎ represents a softer 'h' sound, conveying a warmer, gentler or more polite chuckle.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kkk
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse the laughter expression ㅋㅋㅋ with 롤, which is the phonetic transcription of the English acronym 'LOL' used specifically to refer to the game League of Legends.
Did you know?
- The shape of the letter ㅋ was intentionally designed by King Sejong in 1446 to represent the physical act of aspiration by adding a stroke to ㄱ.
Examples in context
- 그거 진짜 웃기다 ㅋㅋㅋgeugeo jinjja utgida ㅋㅋㅋThat is really funny ㅋㅋㅋ
- 아 너무 웃겨 ㅋㅋㅋa neomu utgyeo ㅋㅋㅋAh, that's so funny ㅋㅋㅋ
- 방금 본 영상 대박 ㅋㅋㅋbanggeum bon yeongsang daebak ㅋㅋㅋThe video I just saw was great ㅋㅋㅋ
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are chatting on a messaging app.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은아, 이 사진 좀 봐 ㅋㅋㅋJieun-a, i sajin jom bwa ㅋㅋㅋJieun, look at this photo ㅋㅋㅋ
- 지은 Ji-eun진짜 웃기다 ㅋㅋㅋjinjja utgida ㅋㅋㅋThat's really funny ㅋㅋㅋ
- 지훈 Ji-hun그치? 완전 웃겨 ㅋㅋㅋgeuchi? wanjeon utgyeo ㅋㅋㅋRight? It's totally hilarious ㅋㅋㅋ
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈이 너 센스 대박이다 ㅋㅋㅋJihoon-i neo sense daebak-ida ㅋㅋㅋJihoon, you have great sense ㅋㅋㅋ
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lol” translations and entries ㅋㅋㅋ, ㅋ, ㅎㅎ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ㅋ, ㅋㅋㅋ, ㅎㅎ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
