Korean Swear Words: 15 Common Expressions Ranked by Severity
Quick Answer
Korean swear words range from mild expressions like '아씨' (Assi -- a softened 'shit') and '제기랄' (Jegiral -- 'damn it') to extremely strong insults like '씨발' (Ssibal -- the Korean F-word) and '개새끼' (Gaesaekki -- 'son of a bitch'). Korean profanity is deeply shaped by Confucian hierarchy -- using informal speech (반말/banmal) to the wrong person can itself be a serious offense. This guide covers 15 essential terms ranked by severity so you can understand real conversations, K-dramas, and Korean internet culture.
Why You Need to Know Korean Swear Words
You cannot fully understand real Korean without understanding its profanity. Korean is spoken by over 80 million people worldwide, and cursing is a constant presence in informal conversation, Korean films, K-pop lyrics, webtoons, and online communities. This guide is not about encouraging you to swear. It is about helping you recognize and understand what you will inevitably encounter.
Korean profanity operates differently from English in fundamental ways. While English swearing draws from sexual and scatological sources, Korean profanity revolves around three pillars: animal-based insults (especially dogs, which carry heavy negative connotations), references to disability and mental illness, and sexual vulgarity. But perhaps the most distinctive feature of Korean is that the speech level itself can be offensive -- using casual language (반말/banmal) with the wrong person is treated as seriously as a direct insult in many situations.
"Korean is one of the world's most hierarchically structured languages. The honorific system is not merely a grammatical feature; it is a moral framework. Violating speech-level expectations carries social consequences that English speakers often fail to anticipate."
(Ho-Min Sohn, The Korean Language, 2001)
According to the National Institute of Korean Language (국립국어원), Korean has over seven distinct speech levels, and choosing the wrong one signals either intimacy or contempt. A 2019 survey by the institute found that 78% of Korean adults considered inappropriate speech level more offensive than mild profanity. This is why understanding the full spectrum of Korean vulgarity, from speech-level violations to explicit curses, is essential for real comprehension.
If you are still building your Korean foundations, start with our Korean learning resources to understand the basics of formal and informal speech before diving into profanity.
⚠️ A Note on Responsible Use
This guide is for educational and comprehension purposes. Korean culture places extraordinary value on respectful speech, especially toward elders and strangers. Using these words carelessly as a non-native speaker can cause genuine offense or social ostracism. The golden rule: if you would not swear in that context in your native language, do not swear in Korean either.
Understanding the Severity Scale
Severity Scale
Everyday expressions. May raise eyebrows in formal settings but generally acceptable among friends.
Clearly vulgar. Common in casual speech but inappropriate in professional or formal contexts.
Highly offensive. Can provoke strong reactions. Use with extreme caution or avoid entirely.
Context is everything in Korean profanity. Muttering "아씨" (Assi) when you miss the bus is mild. Shouting "씨발" (Ssibal) while laughing with close same-age friends is moderate at most. Saying "개새끼" (Gaesaekki) directly to someone's face in anger is strong and potentially dangerous. Age, social hierarchy, and the relationship between speaker and listener determine severity far more than the word itself.
Mild Expressions
These are the entry-level terms you will hear frequently in casual Korean conversation and Korean films. They function as everyday exclamations and mild frustrations that most Koreans would not consider genuinely offensive.
1. 아씨 (Assi)
/AH-sshi/
Ugh / Crap -- a softened version of the stronger '아 씨발' (a ssibal).
The most socially acceptable Korean exclamation of frustration. Functions like 'ugh' or 'crap' in English. Widely used by all age groups, including in settings where stronger language would be inappropriate. Essentially a truncated euphemism for 씨발.
“아씨, 버스 놓쳤다!”
Crap, I missed the bus!
Universal across South Korea. One of the few frustration words acceptable in mixed company.
2. 제기랄 (Jegiral)
/jeh-GEE-rahl/
Damn it / Darn -- an old-fashioned exclamation of frustration.
An older Korean curse that has softened considerably over time. Derived from '젠장' (jenjang), which itself softened from stronger origins. Common among older speakers and frequently appears in historical K-dramas. Younger Koreans may use it semi-ironically.
“제기랄, 또 비가 오네.”
Damn it, it's raining again.
Universal across South Korea. Considered somewhat dated by younger generations but still widely understood.
3. 나쁜 놈 (Nappeun nom)
/nah-PPEUN nohm/
Bad guy / Jerk -- literally 'bad person (male).'
A straightforward insult that is more blunt than truly vulgar. '놈' (nom) by itself means 'guy' or 'fellow' with a rough, slightly derogatory edge. Adding '나쁜' (bad) makes it a clear insult but one that even children might use. The female equivalent is '나쁜 년' (nappeun nyeon), which is considerably more offensive.
“그 나쁜 놈이 또 거짓말했어.”
That jerk lied again.
Universal across South Korea. The word '놈' appears in many compound insults.
4. 빡치다 (Ppakchida)
/PPAHK-chee-dah/
To be pissed off / To be infuriated -- slang for intense frustration.
A relatively modern slang term that has become extremely common among younger Koreans (teens through 30s). It describes the feeling of anger rather than being directed at someone, which keeps it in mild territory. Frequently appears in online communities and casual texting.
“진짜 빡친다, 왜 자꾸 이러는 거야?”
I'm so pissed off, why does this keep happening?
Universal in South Korea, especially among younger speakers. Emerged as common slang in the 2010s.
5. 미친 (Michin)
/MEE-chin/
Crazy / Insane -- used as an exclamation or a descriptor.
Derived from the verb '미치다' (michida, 'to go crazy'). As a standalone exclamation, it expresses disbelief or amazement -- similar to 'That's insane!' in English. Can be positive ('미친 실력' -- insanely good skills) or negative. Becomes moderate when used to directly call someone crazy.
“미친, 이 가격 실화야?”
Crazy, is this price for real?
Universal across South Korea. One of the most versatile Korean expressions, spanning admiration to insult depending on context.
Moderate Expressions
Moderate Korean profanity crosses into genuinely vulgar territory. These words are common among close friends of similar age but inappropriate in professional, formal, or intergenerational settings. According to linguist Ho-Min Sohn, moderate profanity in Korean serves a critical in-group bonding function: using rough language signals trust and equal social standing between speakers.
6. 새끼 (Saekki)
/SAE-kki/
Bastard / Punk -- literally 'offspring' or 'baby animal.'
One of the most versatile Korean insult words. Literally means 'young animal' but functions like 'bastard' or 'punk' when applied to humans. Among very close male friends, '이 새끼' (i saekki, 'this bastard') can be affectionate banter. Directed at a stranger with hostile tone, it is a clear provocation. Forms the base of the stronger compound '개새끼' (gaesaekki).
“야, 이 새끼 어디 갔어?”
Hey, where did that punk go?
Universal across South Korea. Extremely common in casual male speech among peers.
7. 닥쳐 (Dakchyeo)
/DAHK-chyeo/
Shut up -- a blunt command to be silent.
The standard rude way to tell someone to be quiet. More aggressive than '조용히 해' (joyonghi hae, 'be quiet'). Using 반말 (banmal) form makes it inherently disrespectful when directed at someone older. In K-dramas, this is one of the most frequently censored expressions because it implies complete disrespect for the listener.
“닥쳐! 네 말 듣기 싫어.”
Shut up! I don't want to hear what you have to say.
Universal across South Korea. The polite imperative form '닥치세요' does not exist -- there is no polite way to say this.
8. 꺼져 (Kkeojyeo)
/KKEO-jyeo/
Get lost / Fuck off -- literally 'turn off' or 'disappear.'
Derived from the verb '꺼지다' (kkeojida, 'to go out/extinguish'). Telling someone to 꺼져 is telling them to vanish from your presence. The online abbreviation 'ㄲㅈ' (using only the consonants) is extremely common in Korean internet culture on platforms like Naver, DC Inside, and gaming communities.
“꺼져, 너랑 이야기하고 싶지 않아.”
Get lost, I don't want to talk to you.
Universal across South Korea. The consonant abbreviation 'ㄲㅈ' is one of the most recognized internet slang terms.
9. 지랄 (Jiral)
/JEE-rahl/
Bullshit / Nonsense -- originally a term for epileptic seizure, now slang for erratic or absurd behavior.
Historically referred to epileptic fits (지랄병/jiralpyeong), which makes its modern slang usage problematic from a disability perspective. Now means 'acting crazy' or 'talking nonsense.' The compound '지랄하다' (jiralhada) means 'to act out' or 'to throw a fit.' Common in online discourse abbreviated as 'ㅈㄹ.'
“무슨 지랄이야, 진짜.”
What bullshit is this, seriously.
Universal across South Korea. Considered particularly crude due to its ableist origins.
10. 미친놈 (Michinnom)
/MEE-chin-nohm/
Crazy bastard / Lunatic -- a direct insult combining 'crazy' and 'guy.'
Combines '미친' (crazy) with '놈' (guy/fellow) for a direct personal insult. Unlike standalone '미친' which can express amazement, '미친놈' is always directed at someone and always negative. The female form '미친년' (michinnyeon) is considered significantly more offensive due to the harsher gendered connotation of '년.'
“저 미친놈 좀 봐, 빨간 불에 건너간다.”
Look at that crazy bastard, crossing on a red light.
Universal across South Korea. The gender asymmetry ('미친놈' vs. '미친년') reflects broader patterns in Korean gendered insults.
11. 졸라 (Jolla)
/JOHL-lah/
Fucking / Very -- a vulgar intensifier derived from a crude term for penis.
Functions as a vulgar intensifier similar to 'fucking' in English ('졸라 맛있다' -- fucking delicious). Derived from '좆' (jot, penis) but has undergone enough semantic shift that many younger speakers use it without fully registering the etymology. Extremely common in online slang and casual youth speech.
“이거 졸라 맛있다!”
This is fucking delicious!
Universal in South Korean youth slang. The euphemistic spelling '존나' (jonna) is even more common online.
Strong Expressions
These expressions can destroy relationships, provoke physical confrontations, and cause genuine harm. Understanding them is essential for comprehension, but using them as a non-native speaker is almost always inadvisable.
⚠️ Serious Caution Required
The expressions below are highly offensive. Some can provoke physical violence, especially when directed at someone in person. They are included purely for educational purposes, so you can recognize them in media or conversation.
12. 씨발 (Ssibal)
/SSHI-bahl/
Fuck -- the single most common and recognizable Korean swear word.
The undisputed Korean F-word. Functions as an exclamation, an intensifier, and a direct insult depending on context. Among close same-age friends, it can be casual punctuation. Directed at someone in anger, it is a serious provocation. The consonant abbreviation 'ㅅㅂ' is arguably the most widely used piece of Korean internet slang. Variations include '씨발놈' (ssibalnom, 'fucking bastard') and '씹' (ssip, an even cruder variant).
“씨발, 지갑을 잃어버렸어.”
Fuck, I lost my wallet.
Universal across South Korea. The Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) classifies this as a top-tier restricted word in broadcast media.
13. 개새끼 (Gaesaekki)
/GAE-sae-kki/
Son of a bitch -- literally 'puppy' or 'dog's offspring.'
The most powerful compound insult in Korean. Combines '개' (gae, dog) with '새끼' (saekki, offspring). Dogs carry strongly negative connotations in traditional Korean culture -- being compared to a dog is deeply degrading. This is the Korean equivalent of 'son of a bitch' but carries more cultural weight. Directed at someone, this is grounds for a physical altercation.
“그 개새끼가 내 돈을 훔쳐 갔어.”
That son of a bitch stole my money.
Universal across South Korea. The prefix '개-' (dog) is productively used to intensify many insults: 개지랄, 개소리 (bullshit, literally 'dog sounds').
14. 병신 (Byeongsin)
/BYEONG-shin/
Retard / Cripple -- an ableist insult meaning 'disabled person.'
Literally means 'sick body' or 'disabled person' (病身 in Hanja). Using a disability as an insult makes this one of the most ethically problematic Korean swear words. Despite growing social awareness, it remains extremely common in online discourse (abbreviated as 'ㅂㅅ') and gaming culture. Increasingly criticized by disability rights advocates in South Korea.
“야, 병신아, 그걸 왜 그렇게 해?”
Hey, idiot, why would you do it that way?
Universal across South Korea. The National Institute of Korean Language has noted growing public discourse about the problematic nature of this term.
15. 좆 (Jot)
/JOHT/
Dick / Cock -- the crudest Korean term for penis.
The base word behind many Korean vulgarities including '졸라' (jolla) and '좆같다' (jotgatda, 'dick-like,' meaning something is terrible or annoying). As a standalone word, it is explicit and vulgar. The compound '좆됐다' (jotdwaetda) means 'to be fucked' or 'to be screwed over.' Heavily filtered on Korean platforms.
“아, 좆됐다. 시험 완전 망했어.”
Ah, I'm fucked. I totally bombed the exam.
Universal across South Korea. The derived forms (졸라, 존나, 좆같다) are far more common in daily speech than the standalone word.
Korean Internet Slang and Abbreviations
Korean internet culture has developed one of the most sophisticated profanity shorthand systems in the world, built on a unique feature of the Korean writing system: 초성 (choseong), the initial consonants of Hangul syllables.
| Full Word | Consonant Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 씨발 (Ssibal) | ㅅㅂ | Fuck |
| 병신 (Byeongsin) | ㅂㅅ | Retard/Idiot |
| 지랄 (Jiral) | ㅈㄹ | Bullshit |
| 꺼져 (Kkeojyeo) | ㄲㅈ | Get lost |
| 닥쳐 (Dakchyeo) | ㄷㅊ | Shut up |
| 개새끼 (Gaesaekki) | ㄱㅅㄲ | Son of a bitch |
These abbreviations are immediately recognizable to any Korean internet user. They allow profanity to bypass automated content filters on platforms like Naver, Daum, and KakaoTalk while remaining perfectly legible to human readers. A 2020 study on Korean online discourse found that consonant-only profanity appeared approximately 2.5 times more frequently than fully spelled-out swear words in comment sections.
🌍 The 반말 (Banmal) Problem
In Korean, the speech level you use is itself a statement about power and respect. 반말 (banmal) is informal speech: dropping the polite endings like '-요' (-yo) and '-습니다' (-seumnida). Between close friends of the same age, 반말 is natural and expected. But using 반말 with someone older, a stranger, or a social superior is perceived as a direct act of disrespect.
This is why Korean speakers sometimes describe being "sworn at" when no actual swear words were used; the other person simply dropped to 반말 unexpectedly. A boss switching from 존댓말 (jondaenmal, polite speech) to 반말 can feel threatening. A younger person using 반말 with an elder can provoke genuine anger. For learners, defaulting to polite speech (존댓말) in every unfamiliar situation is far more important than avoiding specific swear words.
Korean Euphemisms
Korean speakers have developed creative ways to soften profanity while preserving the emotional release:
| Original (Vulgar) | Euphemism | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 씨발 (Ssibal) | 아씨 (Assi) | Truncated: "ah, ssi..." |
| 씨발 (Ssibal) | 시바 (Siba) | Rearranged syllables |
| 씨발 (Ssibal) | 슈발 (Syubal) | Sound-shifted |
| 개새끼 (Gaesaekki) | 개세이 (Gaese-i) | Softened ending |
| 좆 (Jot) | 존 (Jon) | Truncated |
| 병신 (Byeongsin) | 병맛 (Byeongmat) | "Sick taste," means absurd |
| 지랄 (Jiral) | 지리다 (Jirida) | "To wet oneself," means amazed |
💡 Euphemisms as a Learning Strategy
If you want to express frustration in Korean without serious social risk, master a few mild euphemisms. '아씨' (Assi) and '아이씨' (Aissi) are widely used across all age groups. '헐' (Heol, roughly "whoa/OMG") and '대박' (Daebak, "jackpot/amazing") express strong emotions without any vulgarity at all. These signal emotional fluency without crossing social boundaries.
The Role of 개- (Gae-, Dog) in Korean Profanity
One of the most distinctive features of Korean swearing is the productive use of the prefix 개- (gae-, meaning "dog"). In traditional Korean culture, dogs were not regarded as companion animals the way they are in the West. They were associated with lowliness and contempt. This cultural attitude embedded itself into the language:
| Expression | Meaning | Literal Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 개새끼 (Gaesaekki) | Son of a bitch | Dog's offspring |
| 개소리 (Gaesori) | Bullshit / Nonsense | Dog sounds |
| 개지랄 (Gaejiral) | Wild nonsense | Dog fit |
| 개같다 (Gaegatta) | Shitty / Terrible | Dog-like |
| 개무시 (Gaemusi) | Total disregard | Dog-ignoring |
The prefix has also evolved into a neutral intensifier among younger Koreans: 개맛있다 (gaemashitda, "dog-delicious" meaning "insanely delicious") uses the same prefix without any actual insult intended. This semantic shift mirrors how English "terribly" can mean "very" without negative meaning.
Learning Through Movies and TV
Korean films are one of the best ways to hear natural profanity in context. K-dramas are useful but heavily censored by the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC), which restricts explicit language in broadcast content. Films face fewer restrictions and provide a much more realistic picture of how Koreans actually speak.
For raw, unfiltered Korean: Parasite (2019) by Bong Joon-ho contains natural profanity across class lines. Oldboy (2003) and The Handmaiden (2016) feature intense language in dramatic contexts. For military Korean (where profanity is extremely dense): D.P. on Netflix exposes the harsh language of mandatory military service. For youth slang and internet culture: variety shows and Korean YouTube content provide the most current usage patterns.
Check out our full guide to the best movies to learn Korean for more recommendations. You can also explore Wordy's Korean learning resources to build vocabulary in context while watching real content.
For more language guides, browse our blog or start your Korean learning journey with Wordy.
Final Thoughts
Korean profanity is a culturally dense system shaped by centuries of Confucian hierarchy, evolving attitudes toward animals and disability, and a uniquely expressive writing system that has spawned an entire internet shorthand for swearing. Here are the key takeaways:
Comprehension is the goal. You will encounter every word here if you spend real time with Korean media and native speakers. Understanding severity and cultural context makes you a far more competent listener.
Speech level matters more than vocabulary. Using 반말 (banmal) inappropriately can offend more deeply than any individual swear word. Master 존댓말 (jondaenmal) before you worry about profanity.
The 개- (gae-) prefix is everywhere. Understanding that "dog" functions as both an insult intensifier and a casual amplifier will help you decode a huge portion of Korean slang.
Internet abbreviations are essential. If you engage with any Korean online content (comments, chats, social media), you will encounter consonant-only abbreviations (ㅅㅂ, ㅂㅅ, ㅈㄹ) constantly. Recognizing them is non-negotiable for digital literacy in Korean.
When in doubt, do not swear. Korean culture places extraordinary value on respectful speech. As a non-native speaker, you carry extra risk. Misjudging the relationship dynamic or age hierarchy can turn a playful word into a serious social violation. Understand everything, use almost nothing.
Ready to go beyond textbook Korean? Start with Wordy's Korean learning tools and explore our full collection of language learning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common Korean swear word?
Is it offensive to use 반말 (banmal) in Korean?
Do Koreans actually swear as much as K-dramas suggest?
What Korean swear words are used online?
Are Korean swear words different between North and South Korea?
What Korean swear words should I absolutely avoid?
Sources & References
- National Institute of Korean Language (국립국어원) — Standard Korean Language Dictionary (표준국어대사전)
- Sohn, H.-M. (2001). 'The Korean Language.' Cambridge University Press.
- Yeon, J. & Brown, L. (2011). 'Korean: A Comprehensive Grammar.' Routledge.
- Jay, T. (2009). 'The Utility and Ubiquity of Taboo Words.' Perspectives on Psychological Science, 4(2), 153-161.
- Korea Communications Standards Commission (방송통신심의위원회) — Broadcasting Review Standards, 2024
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