Korean Dictionary
How to say "Tease" in Korean
“Tease” in Korean is 놀리다 (pronounced "nollida").
놀리다
nollida
Usage & Context
Playfully making fun of someone in a lighthearted way. Teasing is a common way to show affection and create intimacy in Korean relationships.
Example Sentence
나는 너를 놀리고 싶어.
I want to tease you.
How to use 놀리다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Tease” is 놀리다, romanized as nollida.
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 놀리다.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 'nol', sounds like 'doll' but with an 'n' at the start. The 'll' is a strong, double 'l' sound. 'Li' is pronounced like 'lee', and 'da' is like 'dah'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
놀립니다
nollimnida
Formal polite form, used in very respectful or official situations.
Casual (반말)
놀려
nollyeo
Casual form, used among close friends or to subordinates.
More Example Sentences
A friend playfully warning another friend to stop teasing.
야, 그만 놀려! 나 진짜 화낼 거야.
Hey, stop teasing! I'm really going to get angry.
Recalling childhood memories of sibling interaction.
어릴 때 오빠가 나를 자주 놀렸어.
My older brother often teased me when I was little.
Describing a lighthearted moment among friends.
친구들이 내 새 머리 스타일을 보고 놀렸지만, 난 괜찮았어.
My friends teased me about my new hairstyle, but I was okay with it.
Cultural Context
In Korea, '놀리다' (teasing) can often be a sign of affection and closeness, especially among friends, siblings, or couples. It's usually lighthearted and meant to build intimacy rather than cause harm. However, it's crucial to gauge the other person's reaction, as excessive or mean-spirited teasing can still be hurtful and is not tolerated.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 놀리다 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
놀리지 마
Don't tease me.
장난으로 놀리다
To tease as a joke.
괜히 놀리다
To tease for no reason.
Related Expressions
장난치다
jangnanchida
To play a prank, to joke around
놀다
nolda
To play (related concept)
비웃다
biutda
To mock, to scoff at (more negative)
괴롭히다
goerophida
To bully, to harass (much more negative)
More Relationships Words
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