Korean Dictionary
How to say "Giggle" in Korean
“Giggle” in Korean is 낄낄 (pronounced "nillil").
낄낄
nillil
Usage & Context
Onomatopoeia representing a giggle or quiet laugh. Used in text messages and online conversations to express amusement.
Example Sentence
그 말 들으니까 낄낄 웃겨.
That statement makes me giggle.
How to use 낄낄 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Giggle” is 낄낄, romanized as nillil.
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 낄낄.
Pronunciation Guide
The syllable "낄" (kkil) sounds like "keel" but with a tense, aspirated 'k' sound, similar to a harder 'k' than in "skill." This sound is repeated. The 'l' at the end of each syllable is a clear 'l' sound. It's a quick, light, and somewhat suppressed giggling sound.
More Example Sentences
Reacting with amusement to a friend's minor blunder.
친구의 바보 같은 실수에 낄낄 웃었다.
I giggled at my friend's silly mistake.
Amused by a whispered secret or gossip.
비밀 이야기를 들으면서 낄낄거렸다.
I giggled while listening to the secret story.
Enjoying a comic book alone and quietly laughing.
만화책 보면서 혼자 낄낄대고 있었어.
I was giggling to myself while reading a comic book.
Cultural Context
"낄낄" is an onomatopoeic word representing a giggle or a suppressed, somewhat mischievous laugh. It's commonly used in text messages, online chats, and webtoons to convey amusement, especially when someone is laughing quietly to themselves, or at something slightly silly, embarrassing, or even a bit cheeky. Unlike a loud "하하하" (hahaha) or a hearty "호호호" (hohoho), "낄낄" suggests a more contained, sometimes slightly mocking or secretive, form of laughter. It's a popular way to express lighthearted amusement in informal digital communication.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 낄낄 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
낄낄 웃다
To giggle/chuckle.
낄낄대다
To keep giggling/chuckle repeatedly.
혼자 낄낄
Giggling to oneself.
Related Expressions
히히
hihi
Hehe (another onomatopoeia for light laughter)
하하
haha
Haha (onomatopoeia for louder, more open laughter)
웃다
utda
To laugh (general verb)
피식
pisik
A chuckle/snicker (onomatopoeia for a short, sudden laugh)
More Slang Words
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