Annyeong Chingu!

Have you ever had a conversation with someone and was told afterward, that you sound like you watch Korean dramas? This is despite not using any visible Korean words or dialogue in the entire conversation. Yet, they can guess that you are a Korean Stan to the point of concluding that you sound like one. It’s ecstatic, right?

After doing your research, you find out that you subconsciously used some Korean mnemonics or sounds during your conversation and this impressed everyone to the extent they believe you live, breathe, and bathe in Korean.

This brings the question, ‘How does a complete foreigner who probably can’t go past Annyeong Haseyo and Oppa, sound like a native Korean to the untrained and un-hangul-ized ears?’ Well, I am here to assist.

As an invested K-stan like myself who consumes lots of content from K-dramas, K-pop, reality shows, and games shows in their hundreds, it is quite normal to pick up some behavioral traits especially language-related traits since the goal is to learn the language and finally be able to watch K-content without subtitles. We are tired of waiting to activate our double-vision clone jitsu every time we watch.

Here are 4 things you can say to sound like a native Korean speaker;

_{1. Aissshhh}

The most popular sound is ‘Aissshhhh’. This is like converting hissing to an alphabet and still nailing it 10/10. This sound is often accompanied with signs of disgust or when things don’t go according to plan. If you want to get the 100% effect, try adding ‘jinja’ and go ‘Aisshhh Jinja’. Duolingo, are you taking notes?

_{2. Omo Omo}

Then we move to the next celebrity which is the ‘Omo Omo’ sound. This is a common lingual mostly used to express surprise. Like in K-dramas, we use this when listening to premium tea being spilled by friends. It’s our equivalent of saying ‘Really? Tell me more.' Whether sad, happy, or whatever mood of the conversation, it can be used anywhere, anytime. Just don’t use it during briefings at work.

_{3. Aigoo}

Onto the next, there’s ‘Aigoo’. This is the Holy Grail on the lips of every disappointed mother in all K-dramas. It gives off a hint of sadness mixed with ‘this child will not kill me’ so we majorly use it when things aren’t going great. When we hear sad news, it’s almost totally normal to say ‘Aigoo’

However, I kind of noticed that Aigoo’ is often used in K-dramas funeral ceremonies while mourning the loss of a loved one. It is usually said multiple times by the children of the bereaved to express sadness and part of the mourning process. This fact is articulated in K-dramas such as ‘Good Bad Mother’ and ‘The King Eternal Monarch’.

_{4. Ya!}

Finally, we have the ‘Ya!’ sound. This is majorly used as a warning sign and it’s also perfect for yelling. Want to yell at your siblings, friends, or significant other without saying too many words? Just scream Ya! at the top of your lungs and watch the magic happen. This sound replaces words like ‘Stop that’, ‘I will destroy you’, ‘Go away’, ‘Shut up’ and any other thought you wish to convey that describes removing whoever it’s directed to from existence.

Take note that these sounds often need to be stressed to properly reveal the severity of the situation and ensure that your emotions and facial expressions are fully committed when using them as well.

Are you guilty of using any of these words subconsciously? Did I miss any popular sounds?

Please share with us in the comments section because we would definitely love to hear them.

Till later, Jalja!