What does 뽀뽀 (ppoppo) mean?
- 뽀뽀ppoppo
Kiss, peck
Casual: friends and people younger than you
뽀뽀 (ppoppo) means a kiss in Korean, usually a quick, light peck. It is a cute, gentle word that parents use with small children and couples use with each other. A deeper, romantic kiss is usually called 키스 (kiseu).
Where it comes from
뽀뽀 is a native Korean word with a soft, babyish sound, a bit like "smooch" in English. To say "to kiss," add 하다: 뽀뽀하다.
How to use 뽀뽀
Parents ask their kids for a 뽀뽀 all the time, and grandparents tease little ones with it. Between couples it sounds sweet and playful rather than serious.
If someone in a drama asks for a 뽀뽀 while pointing at their cheek, they mean a peck on the cheek, which is called 볼뽀뽀 or 볼에 뽀뽀.
Because it is a cute word, it fits casual, affectionate moments. In news or formal writing you will see 입맞춤 or 키스 instead.
Examples
Tap a word to see what it means and save it to your flashcards.
A mom asking her toddler for a kiss
Being playful with a partner
Telling a friend about a date
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 뽀뽀하다 | To kiss (peck) | Dictionary form of the verb. |
| 뽀뽀해 줘 | Give me a kiss | Casual request; cute and playful. |
| 볼뽀뽀 | A kiss on the cheek | 볼 means cheek. |
| 키스 | Kiss | From English; a longer, romantic kiss. |
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between ppoppo and kiseu?
뽀뽀 is a light, quick kiss and sounds cute, the kind you give a child or a quick peck to a partner. 키스 (kiseu) means a longer, romantic kiss.
Is ppoppo only for kids?
No. Adults say it too, especially couples being sweet with each other. It just has a soft, cute feel.