25 Korean Filler Words – Advanced Vocabulary
- Katherine Pierce
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Korean filler words, or 추임새 (chuimsae) and 메꾸말 (mekkummal), are the subtle sounds and expressions that make your Korean sound truly fluent and natural. While they might not carry direct meaning, they play a huge role in communication—adding emotion, tone, and rhythm to a conversation. Native speakers use them constantly, and if you want to blend in like a pro, learning these is a must.
Here’s a list of 25 Korean filler words and expressions, what they mean, and when to use them:
The Core Fillers
음 (eum) – “Um”Neutral hesitation or thinking sound. Common and safe to use in all settings.
어… (eo…) – “Uh…”Another hesitation sound. Often used when unsure or searching for words.
그 (geu) – “That…”Used while formulating a sentence or gathering thoughts.
그러니까 (geureonikka) – “So…”Used when explaining something or transitioning ideas.
그런데 (geureonde) – “But / By the way…”Often used to pivot or change the subject in casual conversations.
뭐라고 해야 하지 (mworago haeya haji) – “How do I say this…”A filler when trying to explain something complicated or nuanced.
아무튼 (amutteun) – “Anyway…”Useful for bringing a conversation back on track.
막 (mak) – “Like, just…”Adds a casual, spontaneous tone. Often used in storytelling.
뭐랄까 (mworalkka) – “How should I put it…”Reflects inner dialogue or hesitation.
뭐지? (mwoji?) – “What was it again?”Used while thinking or recalling something.
To Sound More Native
약간 (yakkan) – “Kind of / A bit”Softens statements or adds nuance.
진짜 (jinjja) – “Really”Can be a filler when expressing emotion or disbelief.
완전 (wanjeon) – “Totally”Emphatic filler in casual speech.
그치? (geuchi?) – “Right?”Seeks agreement or reassurance.
그거 있잖아 (geugeo itjanha) – “You know that thing…”Intro to a familiar story or shared reference.
뭔가 (mwonga) – “Something”General placeholder while thinking.
그니까 (geunikka) – “So, like…”A more casual form of 그러니까.
그랬던 것 같아 (geuraetdeon geot gata) – “I think it was like that…”Used when unsure or recalling a memory.
그래서 말인데 (geuraeseo marinde) – “Speaking of which…”Transition filler for introducing a related topic.
그렇다고 해야 하나 (geureotago haeya hana) – “Should I say it like that?”Adds subtlety when expressing uncertain thoughts.
Slang & Informal Fillers
뭔데 (mwonde) – “What is it?”Common in casual, surprised tones.
그냥 (geunyang) – “Just because”Filler when there’s no real reason.
아 (a) – “Ah”Emotional reaction—used in all kinds of moments (realization, frustration, agreement).
헐 (heol) – “OMG / No way”Dramatic or humorous reaction filler.
에이 (ei) – “Nah / Come on”Used when dismissing or denying something playfully.
If you’ve ever felt like your Korean sounds a little too robotic or textbook, filler words are your key to sounding more authentic, fluent, and culturally connected. Mastering them will help you understand natural conversations, keep up with K-dramas, and speak with the rhythm of a native speaker.
And the best part? You don’t have to study them in isolation—just start using a few in your next class or conversation, and you’ll notice the difference immediately.
👉 Want to practice these with a real coach and hear them used in live speech? Join our Korean classes at Language Academia, where we help students speak naturally, confidently, and fluently. Whether you’re here for K-pop, acting, or just the love of language—we’ve got you covered.
