Playful banter is common among siblings everywhere, and Korea is no exception. If you find yourself in a park race or a game of tag with a Korean sibling or friend, knowing how to playfully tease them about their speed (or how to respond!) can add to the fun. This guide covers common Korean expressions used when joking about someone running slowly, perfect for lighthearted sibling interactions.
Table Of Content
Core Expression: Slowpoke
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Expression: 느림보
Pronunciation: neu-rim-bo
Meaning: Slowpoke (A common, playful term for someone slow)
Basic Teasing Phrases
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Expression: 왜 이렇게 느려?
Pronunciation: wae i-reo-ke neu-ryeo?
Meaning: Why are you so slow? -
Expression: 너 진짜 느리다!
Pronunciation: neo jin-jja neu-ri-da!
Meaning: You’re really slow! -
Expression: 거북이 같아!
Pronunciation: geo-bu-gi ga-ta!
Meaning: You’re like a turtle! -
Expression: 더 빨리 못 뛰어?
Pronunciation: deo ppal-li mot ttwi-eo?
Meaning: Can’t you run faster? -
Expression: 꼴찌네!
Pronunciation: kkol-jji-ne!
Meaning: You’re last place! -
Expression: 내가 먼저 도착한다!
Pronunciation: nae-ga meon-jeo do-cha-kan-da!
Meaning: I’ll get there first! -
Expression: 잡히면 죽는다!
Pronunciation: jap-hi-myeon jung-neun-da!
Meaning: You’re dead if I catch you! (Playful threat in tag) -
Expression: 따라오지도 못하네.
Pronunciation: tta-ra-o-ji-do mo-ta-ne.
Meaning: You can’t even keep up. -
Expression: 발에 뭐 붙었어?
Pronunciation: ba-re mwo bu-teo-sseo?
Meaning: Is something stuck to your feet? (Implying slowness) -
Expression: 언제 올 거야?
Pronunciation: eon-je ol geo-ya?
Meaning: When are you going to arrive? (Implying they are very far behind)
More Playful Comparisons
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Expression: 달팽이보다 느리겠다!
Pronunciation: dal-paeng-i-bo-da neu-ri-get-tta!
Meaning: You might be slower than a snail! -
Expression: 뛰는 거야, 걷는 거야?
Pronunciation: ttwi-neun geo-ya, geon-neun geo-ya?
Meaning: Are you running or walking? -
Expression: 나 잡아봐라~!
Pronunciation: na ja-ba-bwa-ra~!
Meaning: Catch me if you can~! (Classic taunt when running away) -
Expression: 거기서 자는 거 아니지?
Pronunciation: geo-gi-seo ja-neun geo a-ni-ji?
Meaning: You’re not sleeping over there, are you? (Exaggerated teasing about being slow/still) -
Expression: 할머니보다 느린 것 같아.
Pronunciation: hal-meo-ni-bo-da neu-rin geot ga-ta.
Meaning: I think you’re slower than grandma. (Common playful comparison) -
Expression: 에휴, 답답해!
Pronunciation: e-hyu, dap-da-pae!
Meaning: Sigh, it’s frustrating! (Playfully expressing impatience) -
Expression: 내가 눈 감고 뛰어도 이기겠다.
Pronunciation: nae-ga nun gam-go ttwi-eo-do i-gi-get-tta.
Meaning: I could win even if I run with my eyes closed. -
Expression: 좀 빨리 좀 와봐!
Pronunciation: jom ppal-li jom wa-bwa!
Meaning: Come on, hurry up a bit! -
Expression: 다리 풀렸어?
Pronunciation: da-ri pul-lyeo-sseo?
Meaning: Did your legs give out? / Are your legs tired? -
Expression: 먼지 나게 뛰네! (반어법)
Pronunciation: meon-ji na-ge ttwi-ne! (ba-neo-beop)
Meaning: You’re running so fast you’re kicking up dust! (Sarcastic)
Responding to the Teasing
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Expression: 기다려 줘!
Pronunciation: gi-da-ryeo jwo!
Meaning: Wait for me! -
Expression: 나 지금 힘들어!
Pronunciation: na ji-geum him-deu-reo!
Meaning: I’m tired right now! -
Expression: 너 진짜 빠르다!
Pronunciation: neo jin-jja ppa-reu-da!
Meaning: You’re really fast! -
Expression: 조금만 천천히 가!
Pronunciation: jo-geum-man cheon-cheon-hi ga!
Meaning: Go a little slower! -
Expression: 나도 빨리 뛰고 있어!
Pronunciation: na-do ppal-li ttwi-go i-sseo!
Meaning: I’m running fast too! -
Expression: 흥, 두고 봐!
Pronunciation: heung, du-go bwa!
Meaning: Hmph, just you wait! -
Expression: 반칙이야!
Pronunciation: ban-chi-gi-ya!
Meaning: That’s cheating! / Foul play! -
Expression: 숨 좀 쉬자!
Pronunciation: sum jom swi-ja!
Meaning: Let’s take a breath! / Let me catch my breath! -
Expression: 놀리지 마!
Pronunciation: nol-li-ji ma!
Meaning: Don’t tease me! -
Expression: 거의 다 왔어!
Pronunciation: geo-ui da wa-sseo!
Meaning: I’m almost there!
Korean Culture Notes
Playful teasing, known as 장난 (jang-nan), is a common part of close relationships in Korea, especially among siblings and close friends. While age hierarchy (나이 (nai)) is important, siblings often use informal language (반말 – ban-mal) and tease each other regardless of age, particularly in casual settings like playing games.
This type of teasing is generally understood as affectionate and not meant to be genuinely hurtful. The key is the context and the relationship between the speakers. Using terms like 느림보 (neu-rim-bo) is usually lighthearted.
Physical games like tag (술래잡기 – sul-lae-jap-gi) or racing (달리기 시합 – dal-li-gi si-hap) are popular among children and provide ample opportunity for this kind of banter.
Responding with similar playful energy, like saying 흥, 두고 봐! (heung, du-go bwa! – Hmph, just you wait!), shows you understand the teasing is in good fun and maintains the playful dynamic.
Be mindful of the relationship. While this teasing is fine between close siblings or friends, using it with someone you don’t know well or someone significantly older could be considered rude.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Two siblings, Ji-hye (older sister) and Min-jun (younger brother), are playing tag in a park.
Roles:
A: Ji-hye (older sister, currently chasing)
B: Min-jun (younger brother, running away)
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Expression: A: 야, 민준! 거기 못 서?! 너 진짜 느리다!
Pronunciation: ya, min-jun! geo-gi mot seo?! neo jin-jja neu-ri-da!
Meaning: Hey, Min-jun! Can’t you stop there?! You’re really slow! -
Expression: B: 누나가 너무 빠른 거지! 나 지금 엄청 빨리 뛰는 거거든!
Pronunciation: nu-na-ga neo-mu ppa-reun geo-ji! na ji-geum eom-cheong ppal-li ttwi-neun geo-geo-deun!
Meaning: It’s because you’re too fast, Sis! I’m running really fast right now! -
Expression: A: 풉, 거북이 같아! 내가 눈 감고 뛰어도 잡겠다!
Pronunciation: pup, geo-bu-gi ga-ta! nae-ga nun gam-go ttwi-eo-do jap-get-tta!
Meaning: Pfft, you’re like a turtle! I could catch you running with my eyes closed! -
Expression: B: 아, 힘들어! 좀 기다려 줘! 숨 좀 쉬자!
Pronunciation: a, him-deu-reo! jom gi-da-ryeo jwo! sum jom swi-ja!
Meaning: Ah, I’m tired! Wait for me a bit! Let me catch my breath! -
Expression: A: 느림보! 잡았다!
Pronunciation: neu-rim-bo! ja-bat-tta!
Meaning: Slowpoke! Got you! -
Expression: B: 아! 반칙이야! 내가 힘들다고 했잖아!
Pronunciation: a! ban-chi-gi-ya! nae-ga him-deul-da-go haet-ja-na!
Meaning: Ah! That’s cheating! I told you I was tired!
Practice Tips
Practicing these phrases is best done in a relaxed, playful environment! Try using them with Korean-speaking friends or family members you are close to, especially during games or light physical activities~ Remember the context is key; these are meant for fun teasing, not serious criticism!
Listen to how native speakers, especially siblings or close friends, tease each other in Korean dramas or variety shows. Pay attention to their tone and reactions. You can even practice saying the phrases out loud to get comfortable with the pronunciation and intonation. Have fun with it!
