Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cliffhanger" in Korean
“Cliffhanger” in Korean is 클리프행거 (pronounced "keullibehaenggeo").
클리프행거
keullibehaenggeo
Usage & Context
An unresolved ending that leaves viewers in suspense. K-dramas use cliffhangers at episode endings to maintain viewer interest. They create anticipation for the next episode.
Example Sentence
클리프행거로 끝났어!
It ended on a cliffhanger!
How to use 클리프행거 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cliffhanger” is 클리프행거, romanized as keullibehaenggeo.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday 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 클리프행거.
Pronunciation Guide
This is a direct transliteration of 'cliffhanger'. 'Keul' sounds like 'kuhl' in 'cuddle'. 'Li' sounds like 'lee' in 'flea'. 'Peu' sounds like 'puh' in 'puff'. 'Haeng' sounds like 'haeng' in 'hang'. 'Geo' sounds like 'guh' in 'gutter'. The rhythm is similar to the English word, with slight emphasis on 'keul' and 'haeng'.
More Example Sentences
Discussing a drama's episode ending with friends, expressing excitement.
이번 주말 드라마 엔딩이 완전 클리프행거였어!
This weekend drama's ending was a total cliffhanger!
Making a general observation about K-drama storytelling techniques.
K-드라마는 클리프행거를 정말 잘 활용하는 것 같아.
K-dramas seem to use cliffhangers really well.
Expressing extreme anticipation and lack of sleep after watching an episode.
다음 화가 너무 궁금해서 클리프행거 때문에 잠을 못 잤어.
I couldn't sleep because I was so curious about the next episode due to the cliffhanger.
Cultural Context
'클리프행거' is a highly prevalent and effective storytelling device in K-dramas, especially at the end of each episode. It's strategically used to maximize viewer engagement and anticipation, ensuring that audiences eagerly await the next installment. This often leads to lively discussions and theory-sharing online among fans. As a direct loanword from English, '클리프행거' is widely understood and commonly used in Korean media consumption contexts.
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 클리프행거 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
클리프행거로 끝나다.
To end on a cliffhanger.
클리프행거 때문에 미치겠어.
I'm going crazy because of the cliffhanger.
매회 클리프행거.
A cliffhanger every episode.
Related Expressions
궁금증 유발
gunggeumjeung yubal
Arousal of curiosity
긴장감
ginjanggam
Tension / Suspense
다음 화 예고
daeum hwa yego
Next episode preview
엔딩
ending
Ending (loanword)
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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