Sibling squabbles are universal, and arguing over who gets the bigger or better item is common. This guide covers essential Korean phrases and expressions you might hear (or use!) when siblings argue, specifically focusing on the classic fight over a blanket on the couch. Learn how to express claims, complaints, and demands in this familiar situation.
Table Of Content
Core Expressions for Claiming
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Expression: 내 거야!
Pronunciation: nae geo-ya!
Meaning: It’s mine! (Informal) -
Expression: 이거 내 이불이야!
Pronunciation: i-geo nae i-bul-i-ya!
Meaning: This is my blanket! (Informal) -
Expression: 내가 먼저 잡았어!
Pronunciation: nae-ga meon-jeo jab-ass-eo!
Meaning: I grabbed it first! (Informal)
Basic Argument Phrases
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Expression: 비켜!
Pronunciation: bi-kyeo!
Meaning: Move! / Get out of the way! (Informal) -
Expression: 저리 가!
Pronunciation: jeo-ri ga!
Meaning: Go away! (Informal) -
Expression: 하지 마!
Pronunciation: ha-ji ma!
Meaning: Don’t do that! / Stop it! (Informal) -
Expression: 왜 그래?
Pronunciation: wae geu-rae?
Meaning: Why are you being like this? / What’s wrong? (Informal) -
Expression: 너 정말 짜증나!
Pronunciation: neo jeong-mal jja-jeung-na!
Meaning: You’re so annoying! (Informal) -
Expression: 나한테 이러지 마.
Pronunciation: na-han-te i-reo-ji ma.
Meaning: Don’t do this to me. (Informal) -
Expression: 내 말 안 들려?
Pronunciation: nae mal an deul-lyeo?
Meaning: Can’t you hear me? (Informal) -
Expression: 그만해!
Pronunciation: geu-man-hae!
Meaning: Stop it! / Enough! (Informal) -
Expression: 네 마음대로 하지 마.
Pronunciation: ne ma-eum-dae-ro ha-ji ma.
Meaning: Don’t just do whatever you want. (Informal) -
Expression: 말도 안 돼!
Pronunciation: mal-do an dwae!
Meaning: That doesn’t make sense! / No way! (Informal) -
Expression: 진짜 너무해!
Pronunciation: jin-jja neo-mu-hae!
Meaning: This is really too much! / You’re going too far! (Informal)
Blanket-Specific Argument Phrases
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Expression: 이불 이리 줘!
Pronunciation: i-bul i-ri jwo!
Meaning: Give me the blanket! (Informal) -
Expression: 더 큰 거 내가 덮을 거야!
Pronunciation: deo keun geo nae-ga deop-eul geo-ya!
Meaning: I’m going to use the bigger one! (Informal) -
Expression: 너 혼자 다 덮지 마!
Pronunciation: neo hon-ja da deop-ji ma!
Meaning: Don’t cover yourself with all of it! (Informal) -
Expression: 나도 추워!
Pronunciation: na-do chu-wo!
Meaning: I’m cold too! (Informal) -
Expression: 이불 좀 나눠 덮자!
Pronunciation: i-bul jom na-nwo deop-ja!
Meaning: Let’s share the blanket! (Suggesting, informal) -
Expression: 왜 이렇게 이기적이야?
Pronunciation: wae i-reok-ke i-gi-jeok-i-ya?
Meaning: Why are you so selfish? (Informal) -
Expression: 네가 작은 거 덮어!
Pronunciation: ne-ga jak-eun geo deop-eo!
Meaning: You use the small one! (Informal command) -
Expression: 이불 잡아당기지 마!
Pronunciation: i-bul jab-a-dang-gi-ji ma!
Meaning: Don’t pull the blanket! (Informal) -
Expression: 발 시려워! 이불 좀 더 줘!
Pronunciation: bal si-ryeo-wo! i-bul jom deo jwo!
Meaning: My feet are cold! Give me more blanket! (Informal) -
Expression: 이게 더 따뜻하단 말이야.
Pronunciation: i-ge deo tta-tteut-ha-dan mal-i-ya.
Meaning: I’m telling you, this one is warmer. (Informal) -
Expression: 같이 덮기 싫어!
Pronunciation: ga-chi deop-gi sil-eo!
Meaning: I don’t want to share (the blanket)! (Informal)
Complaining and Demanding
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Expression: 엄마한테 이를 거야!
Pronunciation: eom-ma-han-te i-reul geo-ya!
Meaning: I’m going to tell Mom! (Informal) -
Expression: 아빠한테 말할 거야!
Pronunciation: a-ppa-han-te mal-hal geo-ya!
Meaning: I’m going to tell Dad! (Informal) -
Expression: 너 진짜 밉다!
Pronunciation: neo jin-jja mip-da!
Meaning: I really dislike you! / You’re so hateful! (Informal) -
Expression: 맨날 너만 좋은 거 써!
Pronunciation: maen-nal neo-man jo-eun geo sseo!
Meaning: You always use the good stuff! (Informal) -
Expression: 불공평해!
Pronunciation: bul-gong-pyeong-hae!
Meaning: It’s unfair! (Informal) -
Expression: 나 화났어!
Pronunciation: na hwa-nass-eo!
Meaning: I’m angry! (Informal) -
Expression: 내놔!
Pronunciation: nae-nwa!
Meaning: Give it here! / Hand it over! (Very informal/demanding) -
Expression: 빨리 달라고!
Pronunciation: ppal-li dal-la-go!
Meaning: I said give it to me quickly! (Informal, demanding) -
Expression: 치사하다!
Pronunciation: chi-sa-ha-da!
Meaning: That’s cheap! / How petty! (Informal) -
Expression: 너 때문에 감기 걸리겠어!
Pronunciation: neo ttae-mun-e gam-gi geol-li-gess-eo!
Meaning: I’m going to catch a cold because of you! (Informal) -
Expression: 양보 좀 해!
Pronunciation: yang-bo jom hae!
Meaning: Yield a little! / Compromise! (Informal)
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding sibling interactions in Korea involves some cultural context. While arguments happen everywhere, concepts like age hierarchy (나이, nai) can play a role. Older siblings might expect younger ones to yield, though this isn’t always the case in modern families. The phrases used here are very informal (반말, banmal), appropriate only between close siblings or friends of the same age or younger.
Sharing is generally encouraged in Korean culture, but personal space and possessions are also valued. Arguments over items like blankets, snacks, or the TV remote are common depictions of sibling life in Korean dramas and media, reflecting relatable family dynamics.
Direct confrontation and expressing dissatisfaction, as seen in these phrases, are common in close relationships like family. While politeness is crucial in public and formal settings, interactions within the family, especially between siblings, allow for more blunt and emotional language.
Threatening to tell parents (엄마한테 이를 거야! / 아빠한테 말할 거야!) is a classic tactic used by children worldwide, and it’s just as common among Korean siblings during disputes.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two siblings, Minjun (older brother) and Sora (younger sister), are on the couch trying to watch TV on a chilly evening. There’s one large, comfortable blanket.
Characters:
- A: Sora (Younger Sister)
- B: Minjun (Older Brother)
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Expression: A: 오빠, 이불 좀 이리 줘! 나 추워!
Pronunciation: o-ppa, i-bul jom i-ri jwo! na chu-wo!
Meaning: A: Oppa (older brother), give me the blanket! I’m cold! -
Expression: B: 싫어, 내가 먼저 덮었어. 저쪽 거 써.
Pronunciation: sil-eo, nae-ga meon-jeo deop-eoss-eo. jeo-jjok geo sseo.
Meaning: B: No, I covered myself first. Use that one over there. -
Expression: A: 저건 너무 작잖아! 그리고 이게 더 폭신해! 같이 덮자!
Pronunciation: jeo-geon neo-mu jak-jan-a! geu-ri-go i-ge deo pok-sin-hae! ga-chi deop-ja!
Meaning: A: That one’s too small! And this one is fluffier! Let’s share! -
Expression: B: 같이 덮기 싫다고. 너 자꾸 움직여서 불편해.
Pronunciation: ga-chi deop-gi sil-da-go. neo ja-kku um-jik-yeo-seo bul-pyeon-hae.
Meaning: B: I said I don’t want to share. You keep moving, it’s uncomfortable. -
Expression: A: 너무해! 이불 좀 당기지 마! 내 발 시려워!
Pronunciation: neo-mu-hae! i-bul jom dang-gi-ji ma! nae bal si-ryeo-wo!
Meaning: A: That’s too much! Don’t pull the blanket! My feet are cold! -
Expression: B: 아, 알았어, 알았어! 조금 줄게. 그만 칭얼거려.
Pronunciation: a, ar-ass-eo, ar-ass-eo! jo-geum jul-ge. geu-man ching-eol-geo-ryeo.
Meaning: B: Ah, okay, okay! I’ll give you some. Stop whining. -
Expression: A: 진작 좀 주지! 진짜 치사하다!
Pronunciation: jin-jak jom ju-ji! jin-jja chi-sa-ha-da!
Meaning: A: You should have given it sooner! So petty!
Practice Tips
Practicing these informal argument phrases can be fun! Try role-playing with a friend or language partner~ Imagine you’re siblings fighting over the last snack or the best seat. Watching Korean dramas or variety shows featuring families can also expose you to natural sibling banter! Pay attention to the tones and expressions they use. Remember, these phrases are 반말 (banmal), so only use them with very close friends or siblings you’re comfortable with. Good luck practicing these realistic (and sometimes noisy) expressions!
