Korean Dictionary
How to say "Gen Z" in Korean
“Gen Z” in Korean is Z세대 (pronounced "Z sedae").
Z세대
Z sedae
Usage & Context
Term for Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012. Known for being digital natives and having unique social and political perspectives.
Example Sentence
Z세대는 소셜미디어를 잘 써.
Gen Z uses social media well.
How to use Z세대 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Gen Z” is Z세대, romanized as Z sedae.
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 Z세대.
Pronunciation Guide
"Z" is pronounced like the English letter "Z." "세" (se) sounds like "seh," similar to "say" without the 'y' sound. "대" (dae) sounds like "deh," rhyming with "day" but with a softer 'd' sound. The stress is on "Z," with "세대" following smoothly.
More Example Sentences
Discussing the digital nativity of Gen Z.
Z세대는 어릴 때부터 스마트폰을 사용했어.
Gen Z has used smartphones since childhood.
Highlighting the social awareness of Gen Z.
Z세대는 환경 문제에 관심이 많아.
Gen Z has a lot of interest in environmental issues.
Observing a trend or marketing to a specific demographic.
이 앱은 Z세대에게 특히 인기가 많아.
This app is particularly popular among Gen Z.
Cultural Context
"Z세대" is used in Korea similarly to its usage in English-speaking countries, referring to the generation born roughly from the mid-1990s to early 2010s. They are characterized by their complete immersion in digital technology, social media fluency, and often a strong sense of social justice and environmental awareness. In K-pop, many idols belong to the Z세대, influencing trends and communication styles. The term is frequently used in media to analyze their consumption patterns, values, and impact on society.
Editorial note
We flag slang like Z세대 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
Z세대 특징
Characteristics of Gen Z
Z세대 트렌드
Gen Z trends
Z세대 문화
Gen Z culture
Related Expressions
MZ세대
MZ sedae
MZ Generation (Millennials + Gen Z)
밀레니얼 세대
millenieol sedae
Millennial Generation
X세대
X sedae
Gen X
디지털 네이티브
dijiteol neitibeu
Digital Native
More Slang Words
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