Korean Dictionary
How to say "Lowkey" in Korean
“Lowkey” in Korean is 은근히 (pronounced "eungeunhi").
은근히
eungeunhi
Usage & Context
은근히 is a Korean adverb meaning to do something subtly, secretly, or in an understated manner. It is commonly used in casual conversation among young Koreans, similar to the English slang lowkey. It can express a hidden feeling or a subtle action that is not openly stated.
Example Sentence
나 은근히 그 사람 좋아해.
I lowkey like that person.
How to use 은근히 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Lowkey” is 은근히, romanized as eungeunhi.
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 은근히.
Pronunciation Guide
Say "Eun-geun-hi." "Eun" is like the 'un' in 'fun' but with lips slightly rounded. "Geun" rhymes with 'moon' but starts with a 'g' sound. "Hi" is like 'hee' but shorter and softer, with a very light 'h' sound.
More Example Sentences
Friends gossiping about someone's subtle behavior.
걔 은근히 질투하는 것 같아.
I think they're lowkey jealous.
Someone admitting to enjoying a show more than expected.
이 드라마 은근히 중독성 있어.
This drama is lowkey addictive.
Expressing a hidden or understated anticipation.
은근히 기대하고 있었어.
I was lowkey looking forward to it.
Cultural Context
은근히 perfectly captures the modern slang 'lowkey' in English. It's used to describe something done or felt subtly, quietly, or without much fanfare, often revealing a hidden truth or a feeling that isn't openly expressed. You'll hear it frequently in K-dramas when characters are hinting at unspoken feelings or in casual conversations among friends. It implies a sense of understatedness or a quiet revelation, making it a versatile and common adverb in daily Korean.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 은근히 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
은근히 신경 쓰여.
I'm lowkey bothered by it.
은근히 잘 어울려.
They lowkey suit each other well.
은근히 매력 있어.
They're lowkey charming.
Related Expressions
슬쩍
seuljjeok
stealthily, secretly (more about action)
몰래
mollae
secretly, on the sly (more about hiding an action)
미묘하게
mimyoage
subtly, delicately (more about nuance)
내심
naesim
inwardly, secretly (more about inner feelings)
More Slang Words
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