When Squid Game premiered on Netflix, it took the world by storm, captivating audiences with its intense storyline, social commentary, and unforgettable characters. While the English subtitles were generally accurate, certain Korean phrases with deeper cultural connotations inevitably got lost in translation.
If you want to fully appreciate Squid Game beyond subtitles, here are the 10 most essential Korean phrases that will deepen your understanding of the dialogue and the emotions of the characters.
- 1. 무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다 (Mugunghwa kkochi pieot seumnida) – “The Mugunghwa flower has bloomed”
- 2. 깐부 (Kkanbu) – “Trusted friend/ally”
- 3. 쌩까다 (Saengkkada) – “To ignore someone”
- 4. 나이 값 좀 해라 (Nai gap jom haera) – “Act your age”
- 5. 배신자 (Baeshinja) – “Traitor”
- 6. 더럽게 운이 좋네 (Deoreopge uni jonne) – “Disgustingly lucky”
- 7. 목숨 걸고 (Moksum geolgo) – “Betting your life”
- 8. 사는 게 지옥이야 (Saneun ge jiogiya) – “Life is hell”
- 9. 형 (Hyung) – “Older brother” (Used among close male friends)
- 10. 게임 끝 (Game kkeut) – “Game over”
1. 무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다 (Mugunghwa kkochi pieot seumnida) – “The Mugunghwa flower has bloomed”
This phrase is used in the Korean version of the game “Red Light, Green Light.” Mugunghwa (hibiscus) is South Korea’s national flower, and the giant doll repeatedly says this line as players freeze in place. Knowing this phrase adds a uniquely eerie cultural context to the scene.
2. 깐부 (Kkanbu) – “Trusted friend/ally”
One of the most heart-wrenching moments in Squid Game is when Player 001, Oh Il-nam, tells Seong Gi-hun that they are “깐부” (kkanbu), meaning they share everything without secrets. It originates from children’s games, denoting a close and trusted friendship. The betrayal that follows becomes even more devastating due to this deep bond.
3. 쌩까다 (Saengkkada) – “To ignore someone”
Characters frequently ignore others in a desperate attempt to survive. The slang term “saengkkada” means pretending not to notice or recognize someone, reflecting how society turns a blind eye to people in need—an important theme in Squid Game.
4. 나이 값 좀 해라 (Nai gap jom haera) – “Act your age”
Gi-hun receives this common Korean reprimand early in the series due to his irresponsible behavior. The phrase emphasizes Gi-hun’s lack of responsibility before his character develops into someone more compassionate and selfless.
5. 배신자 (Baeshinja) – “Traitor”
Betrayal is a recurring motif in Squid Game, vividly illustrated when characters like Sang-woo betray their friends. The word “baeshinja” underscores the painful realities of broken trust in desperate situations.
6. 더럽게 운이 좋네 (Deoreopge uni jonne) – “Disgustingly lucky”
Gi-hun is known as “disgustingly lucky” because he narrowly escapes death multiple times. The phrase conveys disdain toward undeserved luck, particularly in highly competitive and high-stakes environments.
7. 목숨 걸고 (Moksum geolgo) – “Betting your life”
Characters in Squid Game literally stake their lives for money. In everyday Korean, this phrase means taking something extremely seriously, but in Squid Game, it becomes disturbingly literal.
8. 사는 게 지옥이야 (Saneun ge jiogiya) – “Life is hell”
Ali, a migrant worker, and other desperate characters use this phrase to convey that life outside the game is as merciless as life within it. It highlights harsh economic realities and deep inequalities prevalent in modern society.
9. 형 (Hyung) – “Older brother” (Used among close male friends)
Sang-woo and Gi-hun, though not biological brothers, refer to each other as “hyung.” It’s a term used among Korean men to express respect or affection, signifying a strong bond. Their shifting use of this word throughout the series mirrors the evolution of their complex relationship.
10. 게임 끝 (Game kkeut) – “Game over”
This Korean-English phrase literally means “the game is over.” In Squid Game, it announces the end of each deadly game but metaphorically also signifies the finality of life itself for many characters.
