Korean Dictionary
How to say "Flirt" in Korean
“Flirt” in Korean is 작업 거는 것 (pronounced "jageop geoneun geot").
작업 거는 것
jageop geoneun geot
Usage & Context
Playfully showing romantic interest in someone. Flirting is a common way to initiate relationships in Korean dating culture.
Example Sentence
그는 나에게 작업을 걸었어.
He flirted with me.
How to use 작업 거는 것 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Flirt” is 작업 거는 것, romanized as jageop geoneun geot.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 작업 거는 것.
Pronunciation Guide
작업 (ja-geop) sounds like 'jah-gup,' with 'ja' as in 'jar' and 'geop' like 'gup' (ending with a soft 'p'). 거는 (geo-neun) is 'guh-nun.' 것 (geot) is 'gut' (ending with a soft 't'). The phrase means 'the act of putting in work/effort' in a specific context. Stress is fairly even, with a slight emphasis on 'ja' and 'geo.'
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
작업 거십니다
jageop geosipnida
Formal polite form of the verb '작업 걸다' (to flirt), from which '작업 거는 것' is derived.
Casual (반말)
작업 걸어
jageop georeo
Informal casual form of the verb '작업 걸다' (to flirt), from which '작업 거는 것' is derived.
More Example Sentences
Feeling uncomfortable due to persistent flirting.
그 남자가 나한테 계속 작업을 걸어서 좀 부담스러웠어.
That guy kept flirting with me, so I felt a bit burdened.
Observing friends flirting in a social setting like a bar.
친구들끼리 술 마시다가 옆 테이블에 작업 거는 거 봤어?
Did you see them flirting with the next table while drinking with friends?
Describing someone who is very skilled at flirting.
그는 작업 거는 데 선수야. 다 넘어갈 걸?
He's a pro at flirting. Everyone will fall for it, right?
Cultural Context
'작업 걸다' (to put in work/effort) is a very common, informal, and somewhat slangy expression for flirting or making a romantic move on someone. It implies a strategic effort to win someone over. Often used among younger generations in dating contexts, it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation if the flirting feels insincere or overly aggressive, but it's generally understood as 'flirting.' K-dramas frequently depict characters '작업 걸다' with witty lines or subtle gestures.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 작업 거는 것 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
그는 나에게 작업을 걸었어.
He flirted with me.
작업 거는 중이야.
I'm in the middle of flirting/making a move.
작업 걸지 마.
Don't flirt with me.
Related Expressions
꼬시다
kkosida
to entice, to tempt, to pick up (can be slightly negative)
수작 부리다
sujak burida
to play tricks, to make a move (can imply manipulation)
찝쩍거리다
jjipjjeokgeorida
to hit on, to bother someone with romantic advances (often negative, annoying)
호감 표현하다
hogam pyohyeonhada
to express interest (more formal, neutral)
More Relationships Words
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