K-Drama Words K-드라마

Words you hear again and again in Korean dramas.

19 words · Progress: Narae

Narae

Ad

chaebol / rich business family 1 / 19
jaebeol chaebol / rich business family

Korean dramas are one of the best ways to practice listening, and the same words come up again and again. This set covers common words and expressions heard in dramas: chaebol heirs, first love, one-sided love, confessions, twists, plot-heavy makjang stories and the way characters call each other oppa or sunbae. These are ordinary Korean words, so you can use them in real life too, but watch the context: 오빠, for example, is used by women to older male friends or brothers, and 막장 is a casual word for a story with extreme, unrealistic turns. Narae and the other teachers act out the scenes. No real drama titles or actors are shown.

Narae

Watch one short drama scene with Korean subtitles and write down every word from this list that you hear.

Word list

Tap a card to start the player from that word.

  • 재벌
    jaebeol chaebol / rich business family
  • 첫사랑
    cheotsarang first love
  • 짝사랑
    jjaksarang one-sided love
  • 고백
    gobaek confession of love
  • 오빠
    oppa oppa (older brother / older male friend)
  • 선배
    seonbae senior (at school or work)
  • 반전
    banjeon plot twist
  • 막장
    makjang over-the-top drama
  • 주인공
    juingong main character
  • 대본
    daebon script
  • 촬영
    chwaryeong filming
  • 악역
    agyeok villain role
  • Ad

  • 삼각관계
    samgakgwangye love triangle
  • 복수
    boksu revenge
  • 비밀
    bimil secret
  • 운명
    unmyeong fate / destiny
  • 이별
    ibyeol farewell / breakup
  • 눈물
    nunmul tears
  • 정주행
    jeongjuhaeng binge-watching

Ready-to-use sentence

  • 이 드라마 재미있어요?Is this drama fun?
  • 다음 회가 궁금해요.I am curious about the next episode.
  • 반전이 너무 놀라웠어요.The twist was so surprising.
  • 주인공이 누구예요?Who is the main character?
  • 자막 없이 보고 싶어요.I want to watch without subtitles.

Frequently asked questions

Is 오빠 used only for brothers?

No. Women also use it for older male friends or boyfriends, but it is not used between strangers in formal situations.

Does 막장 have a negative meaning?

Yes, it is a casual criticism for very unrealistic plots, though viewers often say it with affection.

K-Drama Words — 19 Korean words with pictures

Word chart on one page

Save it and review whenever you have a spare moment. Feel free to share it with friends.

Save word chart image

Ad