My husband texts me “ㅇㅋ ㄱㅅ” and expects me to understand. And I do - we all do. These consonant clusters are how every Korean texts. Let me break down what comes naturally to us.
Why Consonants Only?
Korean texting is all about speed. Instead of typing full words, Koreans type just the first consonant of each syllable.
감사 (gamsa, thanks) → ㄱㅅ 괜찮아 (gwaenchana, it’s okay) → ㄱㅊ
It’s like texting “ty” instead of “thank you” - but Korean style.
The Essentials
ㅋㅋㅋ (keukeukeu) - Laughter
The Korean “lol.” More ㅋs = funnier.
| Amount | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ㅋ | Awkward/dry laugh |
| ㅋㅋ | Light chuckle |
| ㅋㅋㅋ | Normal laugh |
| ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ | Really funny |
| ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ | Can’t stop laughing |
오늘 넘어졌어
오후 3:20
오후 3:21
ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 괜찮아?
아파 ㅠㅠ
오후 3:21
오후 3:22
ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 미안 ㅋㅋㅋ
ㅎㅎ (hehe) - Softer Laugh
Gentler than ㅋㅋㅋ. Used when being cute or friendly.
선물 고마워!
오후 5:10
오후 5:11
ㅎㅎ 별거 아닌데
ㅇㅇ (eung-eung) - Yes/Agreement
Short for 응 (eung, yeah). Very casual.
밥 먹었어?
오후 12:30
오후 12:31
ㅇㅇ
ㄴㄴ (no-no) - No/Nope
Short for 노노 or 아니 (ani, no).
오늘 바빠?
오후 2:00
오후 2:01
ㄴㄴ 왜?
ㄱㅅ (gamsa) - Thanks
Short for 감사 (gamsa, thanks).
커피 사줄게
오후 4:15
오후 4:16
ㄱㅅㄱㅅ
ㅇㅋ (okei) - Okay
Short for 오케이 (okei).
7시에 만나자
오후 6:30
오후 6:31
ㅇㅋ
ㄱㄱ (gogo) - Let’s go / Go ahead
Short for 고고 (gogo).
게임 할래?
오후 9:00
오후 9:01
ㄱㄱ
Bonus: Game Chat
xX정글러Xx:
한타 ㄱㄱ
서폿장인:
ㅇㅋ
탑솔러123:
잠만 힐 받고
xX정글러Xx:
ㄱㅅ
Translation:
- “Team fight, let’s go”
- “Okay”
- “Wait, getting healed”
- “Thanks”
Common Combinations
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ㅋㅋㄱㅅ | lol thanks |
| ㅇㅋㄱㄱ | okay let’s go |
| ㄴㄴㅋㅋ | no lol |
| ㅎㅎㄱㅊ | hehe it’s okay |