Korean social media is full of short, expressive comments that go far beyond “Nice!” or “Cool!” If you’ve ever wanted to jump into a Korean Instagram post or reply to a YouTube video in a natural way, knowing the right words and phrases is essential. But don’t worry — most of these expressions are fun, casual, and easy to learn.
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From reacting with cute slang to giving respectful praise, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to comment like a native on Korean social media.
Whether you're replying to a friend’s post or engaging with K-pop content, these must-know phrases will help you sound authentic, friendly, and culturally aware.
💡 Basic Commenting Etiquette in Korean
Before jumping into fun expressions and trending slang, it's important to understand the basic etiquette of commenting in Korean. Social media comments in Korea aren’t just throwaway lines — they reflect your tone, respect, and even your social awareness. A comment can make or break how people perceive you online.
In Korean culture, showing warmth and politeness is essential, even on platforms like Instagram or YouTube. You’ll often see comments like “예뻐요 (yeppeoyo, ‘You’re pretty!’)” or “잘했어요 (jalhaesseoyo, ‘Well done!’),” which convey genuine kindness. Harsh humor or sarcasm doesn’t translate well and might come off as rude unless used among close friends.
The level of formality you choose depends on who you're commenting to. If it’s a celebrity or influencer, you’ll want to use formal phrases like “응원합니다 (eungwonhamnida, ‘I support you’).” For friends, casual forms like “대박이야 (daebak-iya, ‘That’s awesome!’)” are totally fine. Matching tone and relationship is key to sounding natural.
Korean doesn't use capital letters or bold text for emotion, so people rely on repetition, emojis, or particles like “ㅋㅋㅋ (kkk, soft laughter)” and “ㅎㅎㅎ (hhh, light chuckle)” to convey tone. Even something as small as ending with “~요 (~yo)” can make your comment feel respectful — for example, “멋져요 (meotjjeoyo, ‘You look cool!’).”
Keep in mind that minimal comments like just emojis or ellipses “...” can be misunderstood. Instead, go for short but sincere comments like “완전 귀여워요 (wanjeon gwiyeowoyo, ‘So cute!’)” or “진짜 멋있어요 (jinjja meosisseoyo, ‘Really cool!’).” These are simple but effective in building friendly rapport.
Let’s break down how tone and formality shift depending on who you’re commenting to. This chart gives real-life examples of how different relationships influence comment style on Korean social media.
📊 Comment Style by Relationship
| Audience | Comment Style | Example (KR + Romanization) |
|---|---|---|
| Close Friend | Casual, playful | 진짜 웃겨 ㅋㅋㅋ (jinjja utgyeo kkk, "So funny hahaha") |
| Influencer | Semi-formal, supportive | 항상 응원해요! 💕 (hangsang eungwonhaeyo!, "Always supporting you!") |
| Public Figure | Formal, respectful | 늘 감사드립니다 🙇♀️ (neul gamsadeurimnida, "Forever grateful") |
Learning these nuances early will help you feel more confident and respectful when commenting in Korean. In the next section, we’ll explore the most popular compliments you’ll see — from sweet phrases to trendy expressions that Koreans love to use. Ready to sound like a native?
🌟 Popular Compliments You’ll See Everywhere
Compliments are a big part of Korean online culture — especially on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and KakaoTalk. They’re not just for flattery but also to show support, express emotion, and strengthen relationships. In fact, Korean users often leave positive comments under a friend’s selfie, a celebrity’s post, or a K-pop video as a way to say, “I’m here with you.”
The most common compliments are short and sweet. You’ll often see comments like “예뻐요 (yeppeoyo, ‘You’re pretty!’)” or “멋져요 (meotjjeoyo, ‘So cool!’)” used over and over — and they never get old. These phrases are culturally safe and widely accepted, even from strangers. Adding a polite ending like ~요 (~yo) keeps it friendly and appropriate.
If someone posts a picture of their meal or outfit, a compliment like “완전 스타일 좋아요 (wanjeon seutail joayo, ‘Love your style!’)” fits perfectly. When it comes to achievements or content creation, people usually write things like “진짜 잘했어요 (jinjja jalhaesseoyo, ‘You did really well!’)” or “목소리 너무 좋아요 (moksori neomu joayo, ‘Your voice is amazing!’).”
Unlike in English, where compliments can sometimes feel sarcastic if too short or enthusiastic, Korean compliments are generally sincere, even if brief. The key is in tone and politeness. For example, instead of saying “Nice,” saying “멋있어요 (meosisseoyo, ‘You look cool’)” adds more feeling — especially when paired with emojis.
Also, visual cues like emoticons can enhance your compliments. Using 🥰, 👍, or 💕 makes your comment more vivid without sounding over-the-top. Comments like “오늘 진짜 예뻐요! 🥹 (oneul jinjja yeppeoyo! ‘You’re really pretty today!’)” are very common and appreciated.
Let’s explore some of the most popular compliment expressions used online and when to use them. Here’s a handy chart that breaks them down by category so you can mix and match for any situation — beauty, talent, effort, or even vibes!
💬 Top Korean Compliments by Topic
| Situation | Korean Phrase | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Looks / Selfie | 예뻐요 | yeppeoyo | You’re pretty |
| Style | 스타일 좋아요 | seutail joayo | Love your style |
| Talent | 잘했어요 | jalhaesseoyo | You did well |
| Voice / Singing | 목소리 좋아요 | moksori joayo | Your voice is nice |
| Vibes | 분위기 좋아요 | bunwigi joayo | Great vibe / atmosphere |
By using these compliments in your comments, you’re not only improving your Korean — you’re also becoming part of the community. Coming up, we’ll learn the slang and trendy words Koreans love to use in comment sections to stay cool and connected.
🔥 Korean Slang in Social Media Comments
If you want to sound truly native when commenting on Korean social media, knowing slang is essential. Korean internet slang is fast-moving, creative, and often playful. These expressions make your comments more natural and relatable, especially among younger users. Plus, they’re fun to learn and use!
One of the most common forms of slang is shortening full expressions. For example, “대박 (daebak)” means “awesome” or “amazing,” and it’s used everywhere, from reacting to someone’s good news to complimenting a performance. Another favorite is “헐 (heol),” which expresses surprise, like “No way!” or “OMG!”
Korean comments also use repeating vowels or sounds to express excitement. Words like “우와아아 (uwaaah)” or “꺄아 (kkyaa)” are often seen in replies to stunning photos or emotional posts. You might see someone comment “꺄아 예뻐! (kkyaa yeppeo!, ‘Wow, so pretty!’)” under a selfie — it's very expressive but casual.
Laughter is another big one. Instead of "LOL," Koreans write “ㅋㅋㅋ (kkk)” for soft laughs and “ㅎㅎㅎ (hhh)” for giggles. It’s a subtle difference: “ㅋㅋㅋ” can sound sarcastic or teasing, while “ㅎㅎㅎ” feels more light-hearted. Use them at the end of a comment to add friendly tone — like “진짜 대박 ㅋㅋㅋ (jinjja daebak kkk, ‘So awesome haha’).”
There’s also a trend of consonant-only typing, especially among younger users. For example, “ㅁㅊ (mch)” is short for “미쳤다 (michyeotda, ‘That’s crazy!’)” and “ㄴㄴ (nn)” for “노노 (nono, ‘No no’).” While trendy, these should be used only in casual or playful settings, never when talking to someone older or in a formal post.
Slang evolves constantly, and a phrase that’s hot one month might feel outdated the next. But some staples remain timeless. Here’s a list of popular Korean slang phrases you’ll frequently see in comment sections, along with what they mean and when to use them.
💥 Common Korean Slang for Comments
| Korean Slang | Romanization | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 대박 | daebak | Awesome | Reacting to something impressive |
| 헐 | heol | OMG / No way | Expressing shock or disbelief |
| ㅋㅋㅋ | kkk | Soft laugh | End of funny or light comments |
| ㄴㄴ | nn | No no | Playful disagreement |
| 미쳤다 | michyeotda | Crazy (in a good way) | Reacting to shocking or amazing content |
Korean slang helps you feel connected to the younger online crowd and shows that you understand internet culture. Just be careful where and when you use it — tone and setting matter! In the next section, let’s focus on how to react to photos and selfies like a local Korean commenter.
📸 How to React to Photos and Selfies
On Korean social media, selfies and group photos are posted frequently — and getting the right reaction in the comments is almost a cultural norm. Whether it’s a subtle smile, a full glam shot, or a cute moment, how you respond matters. A simple "nice pic" won’t cut it if you’re aiming to sound natural and thoughtful in Korean.
The most common reactions include compliments on appearance, style, vibe, and even the setting. For example, writing “오늘 진짜 예뻐요 (oneul jinjja yeppeoyo, ‘You’re really pretty today!’)” or “분위기 최고예요 (bunwigi choegoyeyo, ‘The vibe is perfect!’)” shows you’re paying attention to detail — something that’s very appreciated in Korean culture.
If you’re commenting on a close friend’s post, playful expressions like “얼굴 실화냐 (eolgul silhwanya?, ‘Is that face even real?’)” or “미모 미쳤다 (mimo michyeotda, ‘That beauty is insane!’)” add humor and closeness. These are safe for informal settings and help build rapport.
When the photo is of a public figure or someone you don’t know well, stick to respectful tone. Say things like “너무 멋져요 (neomu meotjjeoyo, ‘You look amazing’)” or “항상 빛나요 (hangsang bitnayo, ‘You always shine’).” It keeps the mood warm without sounding overly personal.
Koreans often use visual language in their comments. This means pairing words with emojis or cute patterns like “✨,” “❤️,” or “🥹.” For instance, “오늘 완전 여신 ✨ (oneul wanjeon yeosin, ‘Total goddess today ✨’)” is super common under glamorous selfies. Emojis are seen as friendly, not childish.
Also, timing matters. If you comment quickly after someone posts, it's seen as more sincere. Comments like “올리자마자 눌렀어요! (ollijamaja nulleosseoyo!, ‘I liked it the moment you posted!’)” or “알림 뜨자마자 왔어요 (allim tteujamaja wasseoyo, ‘Came as soon as I got the notification’)” can feel sweet and supportive.
Let’s go through some go-to phrases Koreans commonly use when reacting to selfies and group shots. You can copy these, adjust them slightly, and instantly sound more connected and confident in your social media interactions.
📷 Phrases for Reacting to Selfies & Photos
| Expression | Romanization | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 오늘 진짜 예뻐요 | oneul jinjja yeppeoyo | You’re really pretty today | Any pretty selfie |
| 얼굴 실화냐 | eolgul silhwanya? | Is that face real? | Close friend, playful tone |
| 분위기 최고예요 | bunwigi choegoyeyo | Perfect vibes | Fashion / mood shot |
| 항상 빛나요 | hangsang bitnayo | You always shine | Respectful, influencer tone |
| 여신 강림 | yeosin gangnim | Goddess has arrived | Glamorous photo |
Koreans love it when you notice small details or express joy in a warm way. In the next section, we’ll explore what to say under Korean videos or Reels — from funny reactions to supportive encouragement!
🎬 Comments for Videos, Reels & Short Form Content
Korean social media isn’t just about photos — video content like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are exploding in popularity. Whether it’s a dance challenge, a beauty tip, or a hilarious sketch, knowing how to comment appropriately makes you part of the conversation.
Short-form videos often get quick, excited reactions in the comments. You’ll see people writing things like “이거 미쳤다 (igeo michyeotda, ‘This is insane!’)” or “다시 봤어요 ㅋㅋ (dasi bwasseoyo kkk, ‘Watched it again haha’).” These casual and enthusiastic comments help creators feel supported and encourage community vibes.
Timing and relatability are key. If something is trending, users often write “요즘 이거 진짜 유행이죠? (yojeum igeo jinjja yuhaengijyo?, ‘This is so trending right now, right?’)” or use comments to tag friends like “이거 너 닮았어 ㅋㅋ (igeo neo dalmasso kkk, ‘This looks like you haha!’).” These create playful connections and engagement.
When commenting on talent-based videos like singing or dancing, phrases like “실력 대박이에요! (sillyeok daebak-ieyo!, ‘Amazing skills!’)” or “목소리 완전 녹아요 (moksori wanjeon nogayo, ‘Your voice melts me’)” are common. These are supportive, encouraging, and fun to read for both creators and other viewers.
Cute reactions to pets, babies, or comedic content often include repeated syllables like “귀여웡ㅠㅠ (gwiyeowong ㅠㅠ, ‘So cute 😭’)” or “심장 아파 ㅠㅠ (simjang apa, ‘My heart hurts from the cuteness!’).” Emojis, reaction GIFs, or even onomatopoeic expressions add extra warmth.
Let’s look at the most used comment phrases for Korean videos and Reels. These examples cover admiration, humor, trendiness, and emotional reactions — all in one table for easy reference!
🎥 Most Used Video Comment Phrases
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 이거 미쳤다 | igeo michyeotda | This is insane | Awesome or surprising content |
| 다시 봤어요 ㅋㅋ | dasi bwasseoyo kkk | Watched it again haha | For funny or addictive clips |
| 심장 아파 | simjang apa | My heart hurts | Overload of cuteness |
| 실력 대박이에요 | sillyeok daebak-ieyo | Amazing skills | Singing, dancing, etc. |
| 너무 웃겨요 | neomu utgyeoyo | Too funny | Comedy or parody content |
Videos are dynamic, so comments should match that energy. Use slang, emojis, and friendly tone to show you’re engaged and having fun. Coming up, we’ll explore how to comment respectfully when you disagree, or want to offer constructive feedback in Korean.
🤝 Polite Disagreement & Constructive Comments
Disagreeing online is tricky in any language, and in Korean, politeness is everything. Whether you’re correcting information, expressing a different view, or offering feedback, your tone must stay respectful and indirect. Even when you strongly disagree, being soft and polite is key to maintaining harmony.
In Korean culture, especially online, public confrontation is avoided. Instead of blunt statements like “That’s wrong,” you’ll hear phrases such as “그렇게 생각할 수도 있겠네요 (geureoke saenggakhal sudo itgenneyo, ‘That could be one way to see it’)” or “제 생각은 조금 달라요 (je saenggak-eun jogeum dallayo, ‘My opinion is a bit different’).” These soften the message while still making your point.
When correcting someone’s post or providing information, it’s common to start with an honorific tone. Try saying “혹시 참고가 될까 해서요 (hoksi chamgoga doelkka haeseoyo, ‘I just thought this might help’)” before sharing your info. This sets a non-judgmental tone and avoids sounding superior.
You can also acknowledge the other person's point first, then add your opinion. For example: “좋은 의견이에요. 그런데 제 입장에서는 조금 다르게 느껴졌어요 (joeun uigyeonieyo. geureonde je ipjangeseoneun jogeum dareuge neukkyeojyeosseoyo, ‘Good point, but from my side, I felt a bit differently’).” This is a classic strategy in Korean communication to show maturity.
Criticism, even constructive, should always end with encouragement. A sentence like “그래도 응원할게요! (geuraedo eungwonhalgeyo!, ‘Still, I’m cheering you on!’)” leaves the door open for positivity. This is how Koreans balance critique with kindness, and it goes a long way.
Let’s look at some useful phrases and sentence structures that can help you express disagreement or correction politely — perfect for comment sections on Korean social media.
💡 Polite Phrases for Disagreement & Feedback
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning | Best Used When |
|---|---|---|---|
| 제 생각은 조금 달라요 | je saenggak-eun jogeum dallayo | My opinion is a bit different | Disagreeing gently |
| 혹시 참고가 될까 해서요 | hoksi chamgoga doelkka haeseoyo | I thought this might help | Adding correction or extra info |
| 그렇게 생각할 수도 있겠네요 | geureoke saenggakhal sudo itgenneyo | That’s one way to see it | Acknowledging the other view |
| 좋은 의견이에요. 그런데… | joeun uigyeonieyo. geureonde… | Good point, but… | Softening disagreement |
| 그래도 응원할게요 | geuraedo eungwonhalgeyo | I’ll still cheer you on | Ending critique with support |
By mastering these expressions, you’ll sound more culturally aware and emotionally intelligent in Korean comment sections. Next, we’ll wrap up with a full FAQ of 30 common questions learners have about commenting in Korean!
❓ FAQ: 30 Questions About Commenting in Korean
Q1. Can I use slang like “ㅋㅋㅋ” with strangers?
A1. It’s best to avoid it with strangers, especially older people. Use it with friends or on casual posts only.
Q2. What’s a safe compliment I can use on a stranger’s photo?
A2. “예쁘세요 (yeppeuseyo, ‘You look lovely’)” is polite and safe. Avoid overly personal comments.
Q3. How do I say “This is so funny!” in Korean?
A3. You can say “너무 웃겨요 (neomu utgyeoyo)” or just comment “ㅋㅋㅋ”.
Q4. What’s the difference between “ㅎㅎㅎ” and “ㅋㅋㅋ”?
A4. “ㅎㅎㅎ” is softer and more giggly, while “ㅋㅋㅋ” is stronger and can sound sarcastic depending on context.
Q5. Is it rude to correct someone in Korean comments?
A5. It can be, unless you use a very polite tone like “혹시 참고가 될까 해서요.”
Q6. What do Koreans say when something is trending?
A6. Phrases like “요즘 유행이죠? (yojeum yuhaengijyo?)” or “핫해요 (hat-haeyo)” are commonly used.
Q7. How do I comment on a music performance?
A7. Try “실력 대박이에요 (sillyeok daebak-ieyo)” or “목소리 최고예요 (moksori choegoyeyo).”
Q8. How can I sound cute in comments?
A8. Use expressions like “귀엽다아 (gwiyeopdaa)” with emojis like 🥹 or 😍.
Q9. What does “심장 아파” mean?
A9. Literally “My heart hurts” — it’s a dramatic way to say something is extremely cute or touching.
Q10. Is using Romanization acceptable in comments?
A10. Not really. Native speakers use Hangul. Romanization is only for learners.
Q11. Can I use emojis in Korean comments?
A11. Yes, they’re very common and often used to express tone and emotion.
Q12. What does “헐” mean?
A12. It’s a slang expression of surprise, similar to “OMG” or “No way.”
Q13. What’s a polite way to disagree?
A13. Say “제 생각은 조금 달라요 (je saenggak-eun jogeum dallayo).”
Q14. How do I say “This is cute” in Korean?
A14. Use “귀여워요 (gwiyeowoyo)” or just “귀엽다 (gwiyeopda).”
Q15. Can I use Korean slang as a beginner?
A15. Yes, but make sure you understand the tone and context to avoid misunderstandings.
Q16. What’s the difference between “귀엽다” and “귀여워요”?
A16. “귀엽다 (gwiyeopda)” is informal or a dictionary form. “귀여워요 (gwiyeowoyo)” is polite and more suitable in public or respectful settings.
Q17. Can I end my comment with “ㅋㅋㅋ” or “ㅎㅎㅎ”?
A17. Yes! It’s common to end funny or lighthearted comments this way. Just don’t overuse it on serious posts.
Q18. How do I say “Congrats!” in Korean comments?
A18. Use “축하해요 (chukhahaeyo)” for polite, or “축하해 (chukhahae)” with close friends.
Q19. What does “대박” mean in comments?
A19. “대박 (daebak)” means “awesome” or “amazing.” It’s slang and widely used across all platforms.
Q20. Is it okay to tag friends in Korean posts?
A20. Yes, it’s very common. People often tag friends to say “This is so you!” or “Watch this!”
Q21. What does “존멋” mean?
A21. It’s a slang combo of “존나 (extremely)” and “멋있다 (cool)” — means “super cool.” Very informal!
Q22. Can I use “짱” in comments?
A22. Yes, “짱 (jjang)” means “the best” or “awesome.” It’s fun and casual, often used with praise.
Q23. What’s a funny way to say “I can’t stop watching this”?
A23. Try “중독됐어요 (jungdok dwaesseoyo, ‘I’m addicted’)” or “계속 보게 돼요 (gyesok boge dwaeyo, ‘I keep watching it’).”
Q24. What’s a respectful way to comment on someone’s talent?
A24. Use “정말 대단하세요 (jeongmal daedanhaseyo)” or “감탄했어요 (gamtanhaesseoyo)” — both are respectful and impressive.
Q25. How do I say “You made my day” in Korean?
A25. Try “덕분에 웃었어요 (deokbune useosseoyo)” or “오늘 하루 기분 좋아졌어요 (oneul haru gibun joajeosseoyo).”
Q26. Is it rude to reply to someone else’s comment?
A26. Not at all! Just keep your tone friendly. It’s a great way to join the community.
Q27. What’s the meaning of “인정” in the comments?
A27. “인정 (injeong)” means “Agreed” or “So true.” It’s used to show strong agreement or support.
Q28. Should I write full sentences in comments?
A28. Not necessarily. Short phrases or even single words are common — just be clear and context-appropriate.
Q29. How do I express surprise in Korean comments?
A29. Say “헐 (heol)” for OMG vibes, or “진짜요? (jinjjayo?)” to mean “Really?”
Q30. Should I comment in Korean or English?
A30. If you're learning Korean, leaving short comments in Korean shows effort and helps you practice. Koreans often appreciate it!
📌 Disclaimer
This post is for educational purposes only and does not represent official language policy or etiquette. Please apply your judgment when using expressions in real-life interactions.
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