Konglish: English Words That Mean Something Different in Korea

Konglish (콩글리시) is the set of English-looking words that live in Korean but don’t quite match the English you know. Some shifted meaning, some were stitched together in Korea, some are English words compressed to two syllables. The catch for a visitor: if you use the “correct” English word, you may draw a blank — and if you learn the Konglish one, you’ll be understood instantly.

Words that changed meaning

The one worth internalising is 파이팅. It sounds aggressive to an English ear, but a Korean shouting “파이팅!” at you is cheering you on — before an exam, a hike, a job interview. The right response is to say it back.

Not-quite-English, and short forms

A few more, at a glance

Konglish	Means	The English word
노트북	a laptop	notebook computer
모닝콜	a wake-up call	“morning call”
리모컨	the TV remote	remote control
에어컨	air conditioning	air con
아파트	an apartment building/complex	apartment
본드	glue	(adhesive) bond
스킨	skincare toner	skin
팬티	underwear (any gender)	panties
사인	a signature, and an autograph	sign
매너	manners / etiquette	manner

What to actually use

Learn and say these — they have no easy alternative: 콘센트 (outlet), 서비스 (freebie), 파이팅 (cheer), 헬스 / 헬스장 (gym), 원룸 (studio), 셀카 (selfie), 아아 (iced americano).

The rest you mostly just need to recognise — when a hotel offers a “모닝콜” or a shopkeeper says a side dish is “서비스,” you’ll know what’s happening.

The short version

• 파이팅 = “you can do it,” not aggression. Say it back.
• 서비스 = free / on the house. 콘센트 = a power socket.
• 헬스 = the gym. 원룸 = a studio flat. 노트북 = a laptop.
• Café shorthand: 아아 = iced americano.
• Use the ones with no substitute; just recognise the rest.

Related reading

More of the everyday register in Korean texting slang, and the spoken basics in Essential Korean Phrases for Travelers. You’ll hear “서비스” a lot around the convenience store and market too.