As we mentioned earlier, when you learn to speak and write Korean, you will find a lot of words that are just made up, and cannot be found in a regular dictionary. Beeline Language Korean introduced new popular korean phrases like honbap and honsul, and in coordination of that, we will learn what it means to be a 싱글족 singlejok.
In the previous postings in Honbap and Honsul, We have previously looked into increased cultural norm in embracing solitude lifestyle among Korean youth, and 싱글족 single-jok is the perfect word describing these types of people.
What is Singlejok? How Was the Word created?
싱글족 is a mixture of the English word Single “싱글 ” and the Korean word for Tribe, jok “ 족 ”. In direct translation, it would be translated as ‘tribe of singles’, and the term 싱글족 has been popularly used to describe the proud and single people who embraces solitude in life.
Sample Sentences Using Singlejok
오늘부터 나는 싱글족 시작! [Oh-neul-boo-teh na-neun single-jok see-jak]
As of today, I am one of the single joks!
나만 빼고 다들 커플인데, 그냥 싱글족이나 하자 ! [Na-man, bbae-go da-deul, couple-een-dae, geu-nyang single-jok-eena haja]
Everyone else coupled up except me, so I will just be a single jok!
Note that connecting word 이나 was added after 싱글족, giving the word ‘rather be~ single jok than~’ meaning.
Where to Find Singlejok in Korea?
Although the traditional South Korean culture focuses heavily on Confucianism, modern generations tend to value individualism more and more, due to the western cultural influence. If you ever visit Seoul, you will be able to spot many singlejoks in hot spots like Hongdae and Itaewon, to name a few.
Do you know any singlejok friends? Let your friends know what that means in Korean and let us know!
Happy Studying everyone!
