속어
sogeo[sʰo̞ɡʌ̹]
The Korean word for slang is 속어 (sogeo). Wiktionary also lists 은어 (euneo).
Meaning: unconventional language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 속어 | sogeo | [sʰo̞ɡʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 은어 | euneo | [ɯnʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 속어 refers specifically to slang and can be used in informal conversations. While it is a general term for unconventional language, in modern Korean contexts, people often use the term 신조어 (newly coined word) when referring to internet slang or trendy new words.
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to unconventional language, 속어 is a general term for slang or vulgarities. In contrast, 은어 specifically refers to jargon or argot used by a particular group to exclude others.
How do you pronounce it?
sogeo
Did you know?
- The term 은어 for secret jargon is a homonym in Korean, as it is also the word for the 'silver fish' or 'icefish'.
- Korean internet slang 신조어 evolves so quickly that news outlets often publish 'slang dictionaries' to help older generations keep up.
- Many modern 신조어 are created by intentionally misspelling words to change the 'feeling' or 'cuteness' of the phrase.
Examples in context
- 그 단어는 속어예요.geu daneoreun soguryeyo.That word is slang.
- 너무 많은 속어를 사용하지 마세요.neomu maneun sogeoreul sayonghaji maseyo.Don't use too much slang.
- 요즘 젊은이들은 속어를 자주 써요.yojeum jeolmeunideureun sogeoreul jaju sseoyo.Young people use slang often these days.
Example conversation
Jieun and Minjun are talking about learning a new language.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준 씨, 이 표현이 무슨 뜻이에요?Minjun ssi, i pyohyeoni museun tteusieyo?Minjun, what does this expression mean?
- 민준 Min-jun그건 젊은 사람들이 쓰는 속어예요.geugeon jeolmeun saramdeuri sseuneun sokeoyeyo.That is slang used by young people.
- 지은 Ji-eun아, 그럼 공식적인 자리에서는 쓰지 마세요.a, geureom gongsikjeogin jarieseoneun sseuji maseyo.Oh, then don't use it in formal settings.
- 민준 Min-jun네, 맞아요. 상황에 맞게 써야 해요.ne, majayo. sanghwange matge sseoya haeyo.Yes, that's right. You have to use it according to the situation.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slang” translations and entries 속어, 은어, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 속어, 은어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
