Korean Nicknames – Terms to use to address your friends

Korean culture has many friendly terms for addressing people close to you. Friends often use words like “chingu” which simply means friend. Older males might call younger guys “dongsaeng” while females use “yeodongsaeng” for younger girls. 

Close friends sometimes add “-ah” or “-yah” to names as a sign of affection. Terms like “oppa” (used by girls to older male friends) and “unnie” (girls to older female friends) show both closeness and respect. 

How to say “nickname” in Korean? 📝

1. 별명 (byeol-myeong) – The most common word for “nickname” in daily conversation 🗣️
2. 애칭 (ae-ching) – A term for affectionate nicknames between close friends or couples ❤️
3. 닉네임 (nik-ne-im) – Used primarily for online usernames and gaming handles 🎮
4. 호칭 (ho-ching) – More formal term referring to titles or forms of address 👔
5. 통칭 (tong-ching) – A general term that people commonly use to refer to something 🌐
6. 별호 (byeol-ho) – Traditional nickname used in historical contexts 📜
7. 이름표 (i-reum-pyo) – Literally means “name tag” but sometimes used for nicknames 🏷️
8. 가명 (ga-myeong) – Technically means “pseudonym” but can be used for casual nicknames 🎭
9. 애명 (ae-myeong) – A pet name or term of endearment 💕
10. 별칭 (byeol-ching) – Another common word for “nickname” in general contexts 📋
11. 약칭 (yak-ching) – Short form or abbreviated nickname 📏
12. 대명사 (dae-myeong-sa) – Literally “pronoun” but sometimes used for nicknames 🔤
13. 줄임말 (jul-im-mal) – Shortened or abbreviated form of a name 📉
14. 친근한 이름 (chin-geun-han i-reum) – Literally means “familiar name” 👋
15. 부르는 이름 (bu-reu-neun i-reum) – What someone is called, rather than their formal name 🎯

How to come up with Korean nicknames? 💡

1. 이름 줄이기 (i-reum jul-i-gi) – Shortening someone’s name is the simplest method 📋
2. 특징 활용하기 (teuk-jing hwal-yong-ha-gi) – Base it on a distinctive physical trait or personality 👀
3. 좋아하는 것으로 짓기 (jo-a-ha-neun geot-eu-ro jit-gi) – Create one based on their favorite things 🎵
4. 귀여운 단어 더하기 (gwi-yeo-un dan-eo deo-ha-gi) – Add cute words like 이/이 (-ie/-y) to their name 🧸
5. 직업 활용하기 (jik-eop hwal-yong-ha-gi) – Base it on their job or what they study 👩‍🔬
6. 취미 이용하기 (chwi-mi i-yong-ha-gi) – Create one based on their hobbies or interests 🏄
7. 소리 반복하기 (so-ri ban-bok-ha-gi) – Use sound repetition like 민민 (Min-min) for cuteness 🔄
8. 능력 관련 별명 짓기 (neung-lyeok gwan-lyeon byeol-myeong jit-gi) – Base it on a special talent 🏆
9. 캐릭터와 비교하기 (kae-rik-teo-wa bi-gyo-ha-gi) – Compare them to a character from media 🦸
10. 음식과 연관짓기 (eum-sik-gwa yeon-gwan-jit-gi) – Food-based nicknames are popular in Korea 🍜
11. 외모 특징 사용하기 (oe-mo teuk-jing sa-yong-ha-gi) – Use distinguishing appearance features 👦
12. 행동 패턴으로 만들기 (haeng-dong pae-teon-eu-ro man-deul-gi) – Base it on behavioral patterns 🚶
13. 이름 뒤집기 (i-reum dwi-jip-gi) – Reverse syllables in their name for a playful twist 🔀
14. 외래어 활용하기 (oe-rae-eo hwal-yong-ha-gi) – Use English or foreign words that suit them 🌍
15. 이름에 접미사 추가하기 (i-reum-e jeop-mi-sa chu-ga-ha-gi) – Add suffixes like -군/-양 (-kun/-yang) 📝

List of common Korean nicknames 📜

1. 오빠 (oppa) – Used by females to address older male friends or brothers 👨
2. 언니 (unnie) – Used by females to address older female friends or sisters 👩
3. 누나 (noona) – Used by males to address older female friends or sisters 👧
4. 형 (hyung) – Used by males to address older male friends or brothers 👦
5. 친구야 (chingu-ya) – A friendly way to say “hey friend” to someone your age 🤝
6. 자기 (jagi) – Meaning “honey” or “darling,” used between couples 💕
7. 애기 (ae-gi) – Meaning “baby,” used affectionately for cute people 👶
8. 짱 (jjang) – Added to names to mean “the best” or “awesome” 🌟
9. 동생 (dongsaeng) – Used for younger friends regardless of gender 🧒
10. 귀요미 (gwiyomi) – Means “cutie” and used for adorable people 😊
11. 얼짱 (eoljjang) – For someone with a pretty face or good looks ✨
12. 멋쟁이 (meosjjaengi) – Someone who is stylish or cool 😎
13. 천재 (cheonjae) – Genius or extremely talented person 🧠
14. 공주 (gongju) – Princess, for someone who acts entitled or pampered 👸
15. 왕자 (wangja) – Prince, for handsome or noble-acting guys 🤴

Korean nicknames based on appearance 👁️

1. 큰눈 (keun-nun) – “Big eyes,” for someone with large expressive eyes 👀
2. 귀염둥이 (gwi-yeom-dung-i) – “Cutie,” for someone with adorable features 🥰
3. 토끼 (to-kki) – “Rabbit,” often for people with buck teeth or who eat quickly 🐰
4. 곰돌이 (gom-dol-i) – “Little bear,” for someone with a cuddly appearance 🧸
5. 하얀 (ha-yan) – “Pale one,” for someone with very fair skin ⚪
6. 동그라미 (dong-geu-ra-mi) – “Circle,” for someone with a round face 🔴
7. 까만이 (kka-man-i) – “Dark one,” for someone with dark features or tan ⚫
8. 갸름이 (gya-reum-i) – For someone with an oval or slim face 🥚
9. 통통이 (tong-tong-i) – “Chubby,” used affectionately for plump friends 🤗
10. 새침이 (sae-chim-i) – For someone with a reserved or poker face expression 😐
11. 곱슬이 (gop-seul-i) – “Curly,” for someone with curly or wavy hair 〰️
12. 홍당무 (hong-dang-mu) – “Carrot,” for someone with reddish hair or cheeks 🥕
13. 복숭아 (bok-sung-a) – “Peach,” for someone with soft, peachy cheeks 🍑
14. 도마뱀 (do-ma-baem) – “Lizard,” for someone with distinctive features 🦎
15. 인형 (in-hyeong) – “Doll,” for someone with delicate, perfect features 🎎

Nicknames for tall people 📏

1. 키다리 (ki-da-ri) – “Tall person,” the most common nickname for tall people 🦒
2. 장대 (jang-dae) – “Pole,” for exceptionally tall individuals 🏗️
3. 하늘 (ha-neul) – “Sky,” suggesting they’re as tall as the sky ☁️
4. 기린 (gi-rin) – “Giraffe,” for their height and elegant posture 🦒
5. 농구선수 (nong-gu-seon-su) – “Basketball player,” regardless of whether they play 🏀
6. 타워 (ta-weo) – “Tower,” borrowed from English for very tall people 🗼
7. 대나무 (dae-na-mu) – “Bamboo,” tall and slender 🎋
8. 거인 (geo-in) – “Giant,” for someone impressively tall 👨‍🦱
9. 하이하이 (ha-i-ha-i) – A cute play on the English word “high” 🔝
10. 머리꼭대기 (meo-ri-kkok-dae-gi) – “Top of the head,” as they’re always highest 👆
11. 우뚝이 (u-ttuk-i) – “Standing tall one,” for someone who stands out in a crowd 🧍
12. 롱다리 (rong-da-ri) – “Long legs,” for those with notably long legs 👖
13. 아스파라거스 (a-seu-pa-ra-geo-seu) – “Asparagus,” tall and thin 🥬
14. 하이킥 (ha-i-kik) – “High kick,” suggesting they can kick high due to height 🦵
15. 마천루 (ma-cheon-ru) – “Skyscraper,” for extremely tall individuals 🏙️

Nicknames for short people 📉

1. 아기 (a-gi) – “Baby,” for small, cute people 👶
2. 땅콩 (ttang-kong) – “Peanut,” a common affectionate term for short friends 🥜
3. 뚜끼 (ttu-kki) – “Shorty,” a cute way to refer to someone small 🧸
4. 왜소한 (wae-so-han) – “Petite,” for someone small but perfectly proportioned ✨
5. 포켓몬 (po-ket-mon) – “Pokemon,” small but potentially powerful 🐹
6. 미니미 (mi-ni-mi) – From “mini-me,” for tiny versions of friends 🔍
7. 요정 (yo-jeong) – “Fairy,” for someone small and ethereal 🧚
8. 꼬마 (kko-ma) – “Little one,” a common term for short people 🐥
9. 깜찍이 (kkam-cchik-i) – “Tiny cute one,” for small but adorable people 💝
10. 두더지 (du-deo-ji) – “Mole,” small and sometimes hard to spot 🐭
11. 버섯 (beo-seot) – “Mushroom,” short but distinctive 🍄
12. 손오공 (son-o-gong) – From “Son Goku,” who could shrink himself 🐵
13. 반쪽이 (ban-jjok-i) – “Half-sized,” for someone noticeably shorter than average 📏
14. 납작이 (nap-jjak-i) – “Flat one,” suggesting they’re closer to the ground 📉
15. 쪼그만이 (jjo-geu-man-i) – “Tiny one,” a cute term for very short people 🔹

Nickname for people wearing glasses 👓

1. 안경잡이 (an-gyeong-jap-i) – “Glasses wearer,” the most common term 👓
2. 메가네 (me-ga-ne) – Borrowed from Japanese, meaning “glasses” 🤓
3. 네 눈 (ne nun) – “Four eyes,” similar to English but less offensive in Korean 👀
4. 선생님 (seon-saeng-nim) – “Teacher,” as glasses are associated with knowledge 👨‍🏫
5. 올빼미 (ol-ppae-mi) – “Owl,” for someone wise-looking with glasses 🦉
6. 지식인 (ji-sik-in) – “Knowledge person,” suggesting intelligence 📚
7. 해리포터 (hae-ri-po-teo) – “Harry Potter,” for round glasses wearers ⚡
8. 학자 (hak-ja) – “Scholar,” implying they’re studious 🧐
9. 렌즈쟁이 (ren-jeu-jaeng-i) – For those who wear contact lenses sometimes 👁️
10. 박사님 (bak-sa-nim) – “Doctor/PhD,” suggesting education and intelligence 🎓
11. 컴퓨터쟁이 (keom-pyu-teo-jaeng-i) – “Computer person,” as glasses are associated with tech 💻
12. 똑똑이 (ttok-ttok-i) – “Smarty,” implying intelligence due to glasses 🧠
13. 책벌레 (chaek-beol-rae) – “Bookworm,” for studious-looking glasses wearers 📖
14. 아이언맨 (a-i-eon-maen) – “Iron Man,” for those with high-tech looking frames 🦸
15. 검안사 (geom-an-sa) – “Optician,” jokingly suggesting they know about glasses 👨‍⚕️

Korean nicknames based on abilities 🏆

1. 천재 (cheon-jae) – “Genius,” for exceptionally smart people 🧠
2. 능력자 (neung-ryeok-ja) – “Capable person,” for multi-talented individuals 💪
3. 꿀보이스 (kkul-bo-i-seu) – “Honey voice,” for someone with a beautiful singing voice 🎤
4. 댄스머신 (daen-seu-meo-shin) – “Dance machine,” for great dancers 💃
5. 달인 (dal-in) – “Master,” for someone extremely skilled at something 🥋
6. 해결사 (hae-gyeol-sa) – “Problem solver,” for those good at fixing issues 🛠️
7. 예술가 (ye-sul-ga) – “Artist,” for creatively talented people 🎨
8. 똑순이/똑돌이 (ttok-sun-i/ttok-dol-i) – “Smarty,” for intelligent girls/boys 📝
9. 요리왕 (yo-ri-wang) – “Cooking king/queen,” for those with culinary skills 👨‍🍳
10. 운동신경 (un-dong-sin-gyeong) – “Athletic,” for those with good physical coordination 🏃
11. 언변능숙 (eon-byeon-neung-suk) – “Eloquent speaker,” for those with good speaking skills 🎭
12. 기억력짱 (gi-eok-ryeok-jjang) – “Memory champion,” for those with excellent memory 🧩
13. 계산기 (gye-san-gi) – “Calculator,” for those quick with math 🧮
14. 금손 (geum-son) – “Golden hands,” for those skilled at crafts or creation 🖐️
15. 리더 (ri-deo) – “Leader,” for those with natural leadership abilities 👑

Nicknames for fast people ⚡

1. 번개 (beon-gae) – “Lightning,” for extremely fast people ⚡
2. 총알 (chong-al) – “Bullet,” for those who move quickly 🔫
3. 치타 (chi-ta) – “Cheetah,” the fastest land animal 🐆
4. 로켓 (ro-ket) – “Rocket,” for explosive speed 🚀
5. 질주왕 (jil-ju-wang) – “Speeding king/queen,” for fast runners 🏃
6. 광속 (gwang-sok) – “Light speed,” for incredibly quick people 💫
7. 바람 (ba-ram) – “Wind,” suggesting they move like the wind 🌪️
8. 소닉 (so-nik) – “Sonic,” from the fast video game character 🦔
9. 제트기 (je-teu-gi) – “Jet plane,” for someone extremely fast 🛫
10. 순간이동 (sun-gan-i-dong) – “Teleporter,” for someone who appears to move instantaneously 📱
11. 고속 (go-sok) – “High speed,” for consistently fast people 🏎️
12. 날쌘돌이 (nal-ssaen-dol-i) – “Quick one,” for agile, fast-moving people 💨
13. 스피드스타 (seu-pi-deu-seu-ta) – “Speed star,” for record-breaking speedsters 🌠
14. 퀵서비스 (kwik-seo-bi-seu) – “Quick service,” like a delivery person 🛵
15. 빛돌이 (bit-dol-i) – “Light one,” suggesting they move at the speed of light 💡

Nicknames for slow people 🐢

1. 거북이 (geo-buk-i) – “Turtle,” the classic nickname for slow people 🐢
2. 느림보 (neu-rim-bo) – “Slowpoke,” a common term for those who take their time 🐌
3. 우유부단 (u-yu-bu-dan) – “Indecisive,” for those slow to make decisions ❓
4. 슬로우모션 (seul-lo-u-mo-syeon) – “Slow motion,” as if they’re moving in slow-mo ⏱️
5. 나무늘보 (na-mu-neul-bo) – “Sloth,” known for their slow movements 🦥
6. 게으름뱅이 (ge-eu-reum-baeng-i) – “Lazy one,” implying slowness from laziness 😴
7. 시간파괴자 (si-gan-pa-goe-ja) – “Time destroyer,” for those who make others wait ⏰
8. 마이페이스 (ma-i-pe-i-seu) – “My pace,” for those who go at their own speed 🚶
9. 꾸물이 (kku-mul-i) – “Dawdler,” for someone who takes their time with everything 🧘
10. 굼벵이 (gum-beng-i) – “Larva,” which moves very slowly 🐛
11. 늑장부리기 (neuk-jang-bu-ri-gi) – “Procrastinator,” always behind schedule 📅
12. 잠꾸러기 (jam-kku-reo-gi) – “Sleepyhead,” slow because they’re often drowsy 💤
13. 생각많은이 (saeng-gak-man-eun-i) – “Deep thinker,” slow because they overthink 🤔
14. 만년지각생 (man-nyeon-ji-gak-saeng) – “Eternally late student,” always behind time ⏰
15. 여유파 (yeo-yu-pa) – “Relaxed type,” taking things at a leisurely pace 🧘‍♀️

Korean nicknames that are cool, funny, or unique 😎

1. 개그맨 (gae-geu-maen) – “Comedian,” for naturally funny people 🤣
2. 멘붕 (men-bung) – Short for “mental breakdown,” for someone easily flustered 😵
3. 까칠남/까칠녀 (kka-chil-nam/kka-chil-nyeo) – “Prickly guy/girl,” with a sarcastic personality 🌵
4. 츤데레 (chun-de-re) – From Japanese “tsundere,” cold outside but warm inside ❄️❤️
5. 4차원 (sa-cha-won) – “Fourth dimension,” for someone with unusual thinking 🌌
6. 엉뚱이 (eong-ttung-i) – “Quirky one,” for someone with unexpected ideas 💭
7. 텐션왕 (ten-syeon-wang) – “Tension king/queen,” for high-energy people 🔋
8. 핵인싸 (haek-in-ssa) – “Core insider,” extremely popular and trendy person 🌟
9. 세젤귀 (se-jel-gwi) – Short for “세상에서 제일 귀여운” – “World’s cutest” 🥰
10. 꿀잼 (kkul-jaem) – “Honey fun,” for someone who makes everything enjoyable 🍯
11. 드립왕 (deu-rip-wang) – “Joke king/queen,” for someone always making witty comments 👑
12. 밈주인공 (mim-ju-in-gong) – “Meme protagonist,” always inspiring funny situations 🎭
13. 별빛 (byeol-bit) – “Starlight,” for someone with a shining personality 🌟
14. 흑역사제조기 (heuk-yeok-sa-je-jo-gi) – “Dark history maker,” creates embarrassing moments 📸
15. 감자탕 (gam-ja-tang) – “Potato soup,” random but affectionate nickname 🥔

How to create your own Korean nickname? 🔤

1. 발음하기 쉽게 만들기 (bal-eum-ha-gi swip-ge man-deul-gi) – Make it easy to pronounce 🗣️
2. 한국 문화 참고하기 (han-guk mun-hwa cham-go-ha-gi) – Reference Korean culture elements 🏮
3. 의미있는 단어 선택하기 (ui-mi-it-neun dan-eo seon-taek-ha-gi) – Choose meaningful words 💡
4. 성격 반영하기 (seong-gyeok ban-yeong-ha-gi) – Reflect your personality traits ✨
5. 한글 이름 만들기 (han-geul i-reum man-deul-gi) – Create a name using Korean characters 🔤
6. 영어 이름 한글화하기 (yeong-eo i-reum han-geul-hwa-ha-gi) – Koreanize your English name 🔄
7. 좋아하는 것 활용하기 (jo-a-ha-neun geot hwal-yong-ha-gi) – Use things you like or enjoy 💕
8. 귀여운 접미사 추가하기 (gwi-yeo-un jeop-mi-sa chu-ga-ha-gi) – Add cute suffixes like -이/이 (-i/-ie) 🧸
9. 운율감 고려하기 (un-yul-gam go-ryeo-ha-gi) – Consider rhythm and flow when saying it aloud 🎵
10. 발음의 조화 생각하기 (bal-eum-ui jo-hwa saeng-gak-ha-gi) – Think about harmony of sounds 🎼
11. 길이 조절하기 (gil-i jo-jeol-ha-gi) – Keep it relatively short and memorable 📏
12. 긍정적인 의미 담기 (geung-jeong-jeok-in ui-mi dam-gi) – Include positive meanings 🌈
13. 특별한 기억과 연결하기 (teuk-byeol-han gi-eok-gwa yeon-gyeol-ha-gi) – Connect to special memories 💭
14. 한국인에게 검토받기 (han-guk-in-e-ge geom-to-bat-gi) – Get feedback from a Korean person 👍
15. 시간을 두고 익숙해지기 (si-gan-eul du-go ik-suk-hae-ji-gi) – Give yourself time to get used to it ⏳

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use Korean nicknames if I’m not Korean? 

Yes, anyone can use Korean nicknames respectfully while being mindful of cultural context and relationship terms 

How important are nicknames in Korean friendship? 

Nicknames signal closeness and acceptance in Korean friendships by breaking down formal language barriers 

Should I ask for a Korean nickname or wait to be given one? 

Wait for Korean friends to naturally give you a nickname, though expressing interest is perfectly fine 

Are some Korean nicknames considered offensive? 

Some appearance-based nicknames can be sensitive, so always consider context and relationship closeness 

How do I pronounce Korean nicknames correctly? 

Learn basic phonetics, listen to native speakers, and practice with language apps or Korean friends 

Conclusion 

Korean nicknames represent a fascinating aspect of the culture’s social dynamics, reflecting both hierarchy and intimacy in relationships. They serve as bridges between formal social structures and personal connections.

Allowing Koreans to express affection while maintaining appropriate respect levels. From appearance-based terms to ability-focused monikers, these nicknames showcase the playful creativity inherent in Korean social interactions.