5 Korean Filler Words You’ll Hear All the Time
Some of the most natural Korean you’ll ever hear… is actually meaningless.
Or at least, it doesn’t translate.
These are filler words — the sounds and phrases people use to pause, connect, or just buy a second to think.
You won’t find them in most textbooks, but you’ll hear them everywhere.
Here are 5 Korean filler words that show up constantly — and how they feel in real conversations.
1. 그니까
A very Korean way of saying “That’s what I’m saying” or “Exactly.”
It’s short for 그러니까, but in speech, it’s usually just:
“그니까~”
Used when:
- You’re agreeing
- You’re trying to explain
- You’re frustrated someone doesn’t get it
A: 너 아직도 화났어?
B: 그니까 내가 그때 얘기했잖아!
A: Are you still mad?
B: That’s what I’m saying — I already told you back then!
2. 음…
This one’s universal.
It’s “Umm…” or “Well…” — but softer and slightly longer.
Sometimes it stretches out like:
“음… 그게…”
Used when:
- You’re thinking
- You’re trying to soften something
- You’re hesitating to say no
음… 지금은 좀 어려울 것 같아요.
Um… I think now might not be the best time.
3. 약간
Literally means “a bit,” but used all the time to hedge or soften statements.
- “약간 귀여워” = Kind of cute
- “약간 이상한데?” = Feels a little off
- “약간 그런 느낌이야” = Sort of like that
It’s not about being accurate — it’s about not sounding too direct.
약간 그런 느낌이야.
It’s kind of like that.
4. 뭐랄까
This one’s hard to translate.
It means something like: “How should I put this…” or “It’s kind of like…”
Used when:
- You’re looking for the right word
- You want to describe a feeling
- You’re trying not to offend someone
It adds a sense of thoughtfulness, or even poetic distance.
뭐랄까… 그냥 그런 기분이었어.
How should I put it… it just felt like that.
5. 그…
A tiny, almost meaningless sound — but very Korean.
It’s like “uh” or “so…”
Used to stall, think, or just fill the silence.
그… 내일 시간 되세요?
Uh… are you free tomorrow?
Sometimes it’s not about the word — just the space it creates.
Final thoughts
These filler words don’t carry meaning.
They carry rhythm. Emotion. Tone.
They help Korean sound less like a script — and more like something real.
Not sure where to start?
- Hangul Starter Series — Learn to read Korean, step by step.
- K-pop & Lyrics — Real expressions through songs.
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