What Do "Ppyeongkki," "Gara," and "Ppogeuri" Mean?... Japanese Terms Still Remain in the Military

Widespread Use of Japanese Terms, Japanese-Style Sino-Korean Words, Slang, and Jargon
"Refining Military Language Is Essential... Directly Linked to Society's Language Culture"

It has been found that terms originating from the Japanese military era and Japanese-style Sino-Korean words are still being used within the military.

Hwang Hee, a member of the National Assembly’s National Defense Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Seoul Yangcheon Gap), stated on Hangeul Day, October 9, based on data submitted by the Ministry of National Defense, that Japanese words and Japanese-style Sino-Korean expressions are still widely used in military barracks.

Representative examples of Japanese words include "gara," "ppyeongkki," "shimai," "kusari," "ppumpai," and "narashi." These mean "fake," "deception," "ending," "rebuke or scolding," "distribution," and "leveling," respectively. It is known that these expressions have continued to be used since the early days of the Republic of Korea Army, when they were introduced by former Japanese military personnel.

Japanese-style Sino-Korean words also remain common. Examples include "jeomho" (roll call), "gubo" (jogging), "gocham" (senior), "janban" (leftover food), "sigeon-jangchi" (locking device), and "chonggi suip" (firearm maintenance). The National Institute of the Korean Language recommends replacing these with "inwon jeomgeom" (personnel check), "ttwimgeoreum" (running), "seonim" (senior), "nameun eumsik" (remaining food), "jamgeum-jangchi" (locking device), and "chonggi sonjil" (firearm maintenance), respectively.

Within the military, not only Japanese words but also slang and jargon are still widely used. Representative examples include "kkalkkali," "ttaengbo," "malnyeon," "jjamjji," "ppogeuri," "kkulppalda," and "ppaengichida."

"Kkalkkali" refers to the inner lining of winter clothing, named for its rough texture. "Ttaengbo" means an easy post, "malnyeon" refers to a soldier nearing discharge, and "jjamjji" means a new recruit. Additionally, "ppogeuri" refers to instant noodles in a bag, "kkulppalda" means to work comfortably, and "ppaengichida" is used to describe doing hard work or suffering.

Calling a soldier "gunbari" or referring to a lower-ranking soldier in charge of errands as "ttakkari" are also considered military slang.

Hwang Hee emphasized, "Since young people who have completed their military service move on to various sectors of society, refining the language used in the military is directly related to improving the overall language culture of society," adding, "The Ministry of National Defense must revise Japanese-style terms and slang to improve the language culture within military barracks."