Korean Dictionary
How to say "Hang Out" in Korean
“Hang Out” in Korean is 놀다 (pronounced "nolda").
놀다
nolda
Usage & Context
Spending casual time together with friends or loved ones. Hanging out is a popular social activity in Korean culture.
Example Sentence
우리는 주말에 놀 거야.
We will hang out on the weekend.
How to use 놀다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Hang Out” is 놀다, romanized as nolda.
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 놀다.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable 'nol' sounds like 'noll' (as in 'doll' but with an 'n'). The 'l' sound is a light 'l', often sounding like an 'r' when between vowels. 'da' sounds like 'dah'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
놉니다
nomnida
Deferential formal form of '놀다' (note the 'ㄹ' irregular conjugation).
Casual (반말)
놀아
nora
Casual form of '놀다'.
More Example Sentences
Asking about weekend plans.
주말에 친구들이랑 뭐 하고 놀았어?
What did you do when you hung out with friends on the weekend?
Describing children's activities.
아이들은 놀이터에서 신나게 놀고 있다.
The children are playing excitedly at the playground.
Encouraging someone to relax and enjoy themselves.
일만 하지 말고 가끔은 좀 놀아.
Don't just work, sometimes go out and have fun.
Cultural Context
'놀다' is a versatile verb in Korean, covering everything from 'hanging out' with friends to 'playing' or 'having fun.' For adults, it often involves social activities like going to cafes, restaurants, PC bangs (internet cafes), noraebangs (karaoke rooms), or drinking. The concept of '불금' (bulgeum - 'fiery Friday') perfectly captures the spirit of '놀다' after a long week.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 놀다 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
같이 놀자
Let's hang out together (casual)
재미있게 놀다
to have fun
놀러 가다
to go hang out/visit for fun
Related Expressions
놀이
nori
play, game (noun)
쉬다
swida
to rest, to take a break
일하다
ilhada
to work (antonym)
즐기다
jeulgida
to enjoy
More Relationships Words
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