빨리 (ppalli)
"Quickly," "fast," or "hurry up!" — Korean's most-used adverb of speed and urgency.
- Meaning: "Quickly," "fast," or "hurry up!" — Korean's most-used adverb of speed and urgency.
- Pronunciation: /p͈al.li/ (ppalli)
- Part of speech: adverb
- Formality: Neutral — works in most everyday settings.
- Literal: fast (adverb)
What does 빨리 mean?
빨리 (ppalli) means "quickly," "fast," or "hurry up!" — the adverb form of 빠르다 (ppareuda, "to be fast"). It modifies any verb (빨리 와 "come quickly," 빨리 먹어 "eat fast") and stands alone as the command 빨리! ("hurry!").
빨리 (ppalli) means "quickly" or "hurry up" and is one of the most-spoken words in everyday Korean. As an adverb it modifies verbs ("빨리 가" = "go quickly"). As an exclamation it commands haste ("빨리!" = "hurry!"). Korean culture's reputation for "빨리빨리" (ppalli-ppalli, "quickly-quickly") culture — fast service, fast delivery, fast decision-making — is built on this word. K-drama scenes use it constantly: parents shouting at kids, bosses pushing staff, characters running to catch trains. The doubled form 빨리빨리 (ppalli-ppalli) is more emphatic and slightly humorous when used self-referentially about Korean culture.
Examples in context
As an urgent command
Standalone or attached to a verb — the everyday "hurry up!"
Describing fast action (modifying a verb)
Placed before the verb to mean "do it fast."
Polite / softened requests
Add 좀 ("a bit") and -주세요 to ask, not command.
Doubled 빨리빨리 (emphasis)
Repeating it adds urgency — and a wink at Korea's fast-paced reputation.
Cultural reference & collocations
The 빨리빨리 culture trope — fast delivery, fast everything.
빨리in K-pop & K-drama
빨리빨리 — Korea's hurry-hurry culture
빨리빨리 (ppalli-ppalli) is shorthand for Korea's famously fast pace: same-day delivery, instant service, world-leading Internet speeds, and quick decision-making. Koreans use the phrase both with pride and with self-aware humor about the stress it can bring.
The first phrase visitors learn
빨리빨리 is so emblematic of daily life that it is often the first Korean phrase foreign visitors and workers pick up — heard from delivery riders, construction sites, and impatient elders alike.
When to use 빨리
- Urging someone to hurry
- Describing fast action ("빨리 먹어" = "eat quickly")
- Reacting to slow service or slow people
- Self-referential humor about Korean fast-paced culture
When NOT to use 빨리
- Formal speech where 신속히 (sinsokhi, "rapidly") fits better
- Polite requests — soften with "좀 빨리" (jom ppalli, "please hurry a bit")
- When you mean "early" — that is 일찍 (iljjik)
빨리 vs. similar terms
빨리 vs the adverbs learners confuse it with
| Term | Core meaning | Used for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 빨리 (ppalli) | quickly / fast | speed of an action | 빨리 가 (go fast) |
| 일찍 (iljjik) | early | a point in time | 일찍 자 (sleep early) |
| 어서 (eoseo) | come on / right away | gentle urging or welcome | 어서 와 (welcome / come on in) |
| 금방 (geumbang) | in a moment / soon | a very short time span | 금방 올게 (I'll be right back) |
Related terms
More in K-drama core
High-frequency K-drama dialogue verbs and adjectives.
"I like you" or "I like (something)" in informal Korean — softer than 사랑해 and used for both romantic confessions and everyday preferences.
"Cool," "stylish," or "handsome" — the standard compliment for people, performances, or impressive moments.
"Pretty," "cute," or "lovely" — the standard Korean adjective for visual beauty.
"It's OK," "I'm fine," or "are you OK?" — the most-used reassurance and check-in phrase in conversational Korean.
Frequently asked questions
What does 빨리 mean in Korean?
빨리 (ppalli) means "quickly," "fast," or "hurry up!" It is one of the most-spoken adverbs in Korean, used for urgent commands, descriptions of speed, and the famous "빨리빨리" (hurry-hurry) culture.
What is "빨리빨리" Korean culture?
"빨리빨리" (ppalli-ppalli) is a popular term for Korea's fast-paced approach to daily life — fast delivery, fast service, fast Internet, fast decisions. The doubled "빨리" emphasizes urgency. Koreans often use the phrase self-referentially to describe both the strengths and stresses of Korean efficiency culture.
Is 빨리 rude?
Standalone "빨리!" can sound demanding. Soften it with 좀 (jom): "좀 빨리" sounds more like "please hurry a bit." In service settings, the polite form 빨리 좀 해주세요 (ppalli jom haejuseyo, "please do it quickly") works.
What is the difference between 빨리 and 일찍?
빨리 (ppalli) means "quickly / fast" — about the SPEED of an action (빨리 먹어 = eat fast). 일찍 (iljjik) means "early" — about the TIME (일찍 일어나 = wake up early). They are a classic learner mix-up: leaving early is 일찍, walking fast is 빨리.
How do you say "hurry up" in Korean?
빨리! (ppalli!) on its own, or 빨리 해 (ppalli hae, "do it fast"). Softer: 빨리 좀 (ppalli jom). Polite: 빨리 해주세요 (ppalli haejuseyo) or 서둘러 주세요 (seodulleo juseyo, "please hurry"). 서둘러! (seodulleo!) is another common "hurry up!"
How is 빨리 pronounced?
빨리 is pronounced [p͈al.li] — "ppal-li" with a tense doubled P at the start (sharper and faster than English P) and a clear double-L bridge between syllables. Two syllables, both light.
More Korean slang?
Browse the full Korean Slang Dictionary or read the deep-dive: Korean Slang Ultimate Guide.