What does 덕후 (deokhu) mean?
- 덕후deokhu
Devoted fan / geek / otaku
Casual: friends and people younger than you
덕후 (deokhu) is Korean slang for a devoted fan or geek, someone who is deeply into a hobby, like K-pop, anime, games or a particular actor. It is close to "otaku" or "nerd" in English, and these days it is usually said with pride or affection.
Where it comes from
It comes from 오덕후, a Korean adaptation of the Japanese word otaku (오타쿠). 오덕후 was later shortened to 덕후, and the piece 덕 now appears in many fan words like 입덕 and 덕질.
How to use 덕후
Put a topic in front of it to say what kind of fan someone is: 애니 덕후 (anime geek), 게임 덕후 (gaming geek), 빵 덕후 (bread lover). It once sounded more negative, but now many people call themselves 덕후 happily.
Fan activities are called 덕질, and someone whose fandom paid off, like meeting their idol or working with them, is a 성덕, short for 성공한 덕후 (successful fan).
It is casual. Calling yourself a 덕후 is fine anywhere friendly, but calling a stranger one could sound like teasing.
Examples
Tap a word to see what it means and save it to your flashcards.
Introducing your hobby
Talking about your sister
Impressed by a friend's huge collection
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 덕질 | Fan activities | Collecting, streaming, going to concerts and so on. |
| 성덕 | Successful fan | Short for 성공한 덕후, a fan whose dream came true. |
| 오덕후 | Otaku | The older, longer form. |
| 덕밍아웃 | Coming out as a fan | Telling people about your fandom. |
Questions learners ask
Is deokhu an insult?
Not usually anymore. It once sounded negative, but now people use it proudly for themselves. Said in a mocking tone, it can still tease.
What is the difference between deokhu and otaku?
덕후 comes from otaku, but in Korean it is broader and friendlier. It can mean a fan of anything, from K-pop to bread.
What does seongdeok mean?
성덕 is short for 성공한 덕후, a "successful fan" who got to meet or work with the person they admire.