엄지척
eomjicheok
The English phrase 'thumbs up' can be translated into Korean as 엄지척 (eomjicheok). If unsure, use 엄지척. Wiktionary also lists 따봉 (ttabong).
Meaning: a gesture signifying approval or okay (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 엄지척 | eomjicheok | |
| 따봉 | ttabong | [t͈a̠bo̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
엄지척 is a noun used to describe the thumbs up gesture. In casual digital contexts, it can also be used as a verb-like expression meaning 'to give a thumbs up'.
Which one should you use?
엄지척 is the standard way to describe the gesture. In contrast, 따봉 is a slang term used to express enthusiastic approval, often used in a more playful or exaggerated way.
How do you pronounce it?
eomjicheok
Did you know?
- The slang term 따봉 comes from the Brazilian Portuguese phrase tá bom, meaning 'it is good'.
- In many Western cultures, a thumbs up is a simple sign of approval, but in some older or more traditional Korean contexts, gestures with the thumb can sometimes be perceived as blunt or slightly rude if not used with care.
- The Korean word for thumb 엄지 literally translates to 'big finger'.
Examples in context
- 수고하셨어요!You worked hard!
- 좋았어요!It was great!
- 굿 굿! 너무 고마워!Good, good! Thank you so much!
- 사진 찍을 때 엄지척 해보세요.sajin jjigeul ttae eomjicheog haeboseyo.Please give a thumbs up when taking the photo.
Example conversation
A restaurant where they are trying new food.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 파스타 맛이 어때?i pasutareu mas-i eottae?How is the taste of this pasta?
- 수빈 Su-bin진짜 최고야, 완전 엄지척!jinjja choego-ya, wanjeon eomjicheok!It is truly the best, a total thumbs up!
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈이 네 입맛에 맞아서 다행이다.subin-i ne ipmase majaseo dahaeng-ida.I'm glad it suits your taste, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 다음에 또 오자.eung, da-eume tto oja.Yeah, let's come again next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thumbs up” translations and entries 따봉, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 따봉, CC BY-SA 4.0.
