Korean Dictionary
How to say "Bballi Bballi" in Korean
“Bballi Bballi” in Korean is 빨리빨리 (pronounced "Ppalli Ppalli").
빨리빨리
Ppalli Ppalli
Usage & Context
빨리빨리 is the famous Korean phrase capturing the national obsession with speed and urgency. It is used as a command hurry up or to describe the fast-paced Korean lifestyle. This mindset drove Korea rapid modernization but also contributes to stress culture.
Example Sentence
한국은 빨리빨리 문화가 강해요.
Korea has a strong hurry-up culture.
How to use 빨리빨리 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Bballi Bballi” is 빨리빨리, romanized as Ppalli Ppalli.
Usage tip
Use slang only with friends or people who already speak casually with you. It can sound rude in formal Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 빨리빨리.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'ppal-li ppal-li' — tensed 'pp' sound (like holding the lips before releasing), 'al' rhymes with 'ahl', 'li' like 'lee'. Very punchy and quick.
More Example Sentences
parent rushing child out the door
빨리빨리 해! 늦었어.
Hurry up! We're late.
foreigner observing culture
한국 사람들은 뭐든지 빨리빨리예요.
Koreans do everything quickly.
sociology discussion
빨리빨리 문화가 택배 산업을 키웠어요.
The 'ppalli ppalli' culture grew the delivery industry.
Cultural Context
빨리빨리 is arguably the most defining phrase of modern Korean culture and explains both the country's rapid modernization and its legendary same-day delivery services. It's used literally as a command ('hurry!') and culturally to describe Korea's national tempo. While efficient, 빨리빨리 is also blamed for safety incidents and burnout, making it a double-edged phrase.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 빨리빨리 for register and audience, since Korean slang can shift quickly and may sound rude outside close friendships.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
빨리빨리!
Hurry hurry!
빨리빨리 문화
The 'hurry hurry' culture.
빨리빨리 하세요.
Please hurry.
Related Expressions
서둘러
seodulleo
hurry up
얼른
eolleun
quickly/at once
천천히
cheoncheonhi
slowly (antonym)
급해요
geuphaeyo
I'm in a hurry
More Slang Words
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