Sofie to Korea

In my attempt to read Anne of Green Gables in Korean I’ve suddenly become exposed to words, I have never encountered before when reading textbooks or any of TTMIK’s excellent material. I’m talking about specific Korean words for describing objects, actions, or just anything really. What makes these words fun is that they are essentially composed of one word that is said twice (maybe to resemble a sound, but I’m not quite sure). A few examples:

꾸불꾸불 = wingdingly

두근두근 = pounding/beating (heart)

반짝반짝 = twinkling

깜짝깜짝 = startling

True Kpop connaisseurs will know that the last two words also appear in the chorus to the annoyingly catchy  song “Gee gee gee” by Girls Generation.

너무 반짝반짝 눈이 부셔 no no no no
너무 깜짝깜짝 놀라 나는 Oh oh oh oh oh
너무 자릿자릿 몸이 떨려 Gee Gee Gee Gee Gee
젖은 눈빛 (Oh yeah) 좋은 향기 (Oh yeah yeah yeah)

For those of you who don’t know this song, you can check out the video below, which is also an excellent demonstration of true Korean 애교. But beware, it will stick to your brain like old gum to your shoe. In fact, I’m not sure my husband has completely forgiven me for playing it to him the other day ^^ ㅋㅋㅋ Don’t say I didn’t warn you.