The new season of Squid Game drops tomorrow! If you’re as excited as I am, you’re probably already thinking about binging it. But have you ever noticed how some of the Korean phrases don’t quite translate perfectly in the subtitles?
I thought it’d be fun to break down a few phrases from the show—what they mean, how they’re used in real life, and why they’re so memorable. Whether you’re just curious about Korean or learning it, these phrases are a great way to connect language with culture.
Contents
- 1. 무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다 🌸
- 2. 제발 🙏
- 3. 살려주세요 🆘
- 4. 나한테 왜 이래? 🤨
- 5. 가위 바위 보 ✊✋✌️
- Take a piece of Korean culture and language from Squid Game 🎬
1. 무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다 🌸
Meaning: “The hibiscus flower has bloomed.”
You’ll remember this from the eerie “Red Light, Green Light” game in the first season. It’s actually from a real children’s game in Korea. The hibiscus flower, or 무궁화, is Korea’s national flower and symbolizes resilience.
Kids still play this game at parks, but don’t worry—it’s way less intense in real life. If you visit Korea, you might hear them shouting this phrase during playtime!
2. 제발 🙏
Meaning: “Please.”
In Squid Game, the word 제발 is like an emergency SOS. But if you’re just trying to get someone to share their fries 🍟 with you, the tone’s a little different.
“나도 먹고 싶어! 제발!”—“I want some too! Please!” You’re really just trying to make your case, but it sounds like you’re on the verge of collapse.
3. 살려주세요 🆘
Meaning: “Save me.”
You hear this in the most intense moments when characters are in danger. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use it, but if you’re watching other Korean dramas or action movies, you’ll start to notice this phrase everywhere.
4. 나한테 왜 이래? 🤨
Meaning: “Why are you doing this to me?”
This is such a versatile phrase. In Squid Game, it’s used with frustration and disbelief, but you could totally use it with a friend in a playful way.
Let’s say your friend steals the last slice of pizza—you can say, “나한테 왜 이래?” Just keep in mind it’s informal, so don’t use it with strangers or people you need to speak politely to.
For Koreans, the equivalent would be stealing the last bite of 라면 🍜
5. 가위 바위 보 ✊✋✌️
Meaning: “Rock, paper, scissors.” (Although it’s actually “scissors, rock, paper”)
You know the game. But now you know it in Korean.
Take a piece of Korean culture and language from Squid Game 🎬
Squid Game is more than just a thriller; it’s packed with little pieces of Korean culture and language. Even the smallest phrases in the show can teach you something about how people communicate in everyday life.
So, as you get ready for the new season, listen out for these phrases! And if there’s a line or word you’re curious about, let me know—I’d love to dive into it with you.
Happy watching Squid Game! 🍿