What it means
짱 is Korean slang meaning "the best," "awesome," or "#1." Extremely versatile — it can follow a noun to mean "best [noun]" or stand alone as an exclamation.
Nuance & when to use
공부 짱 = study genius. 짱이야 = you're the best / it's awesome. 완전 짱 = totally the best. Originally youth slang from the 1990s-2000s, now used across generations. In K-pop fan culture: "우리 오빠 짱이야" (our oppa is the best!). More intense than 최고 in casual settings.
⚠ Common mistake
짱 is informal slang. In formal or workplace settings, use 최고 (choego) or 훌륭하다 (excellent) instead.
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
공부 짱 = study genius. 짱이야 = you're the best / it's awesome. 완전 짱 = totally the best. Originally youth slang from the 1990s-2000s, now used across generations. In K-pop fan culture: "우리 오빠 짱이야" (our oppa is the best!). More intense than 최고 in casual settings.
What's a common mistake?
짱 is informal slang. In formal or workplace settings, use 최고 (choego) or 훌륭하다 (excellent) instead.
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