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Years after Squid Game first became a global phenomenon, its world continues to expand.
Netflix has now announced Squid Game: The VIP Challenge, a new reality competition featuring celebrities including Mel B, Dylan Efron, Tristan Thompson and Ryan Serhant. Once again, the world of Squid Game is placing trust, strategy and human relationships at the centre of the game.
That makes it the perfect time to revisit one of the most memorable Korean words introduced to international viewers through the original series:
깐부
gganbu
Many subtitles and explanations translate 깐부 as:
friend
But that translation feels incomplete.
A friend can simply be someone you know and like.
A 깐부 is someone you consider to be on your side—someone with whom you share trust, loyalty and even what you have.
So what does 깐부 really mean?
And why does this old childhood word carry so much emotion?
What Does 깐부 Mean?
깐부(gganbu) is an informal Korean word for a very close friend or trusted partner, especially someone who is on the same side and shares things with you.
A concise definition is:
Gganbu is a close and trusted companion who is considered part of the same team and shares what they have with you.
In the childhood play culture associated with the word, becoming 깐부 meant more than simply enjoying someone’s company.
It suggested:
We are on the same side.
We trust each other.
What belongs to me can also be shared with you.
We do not need to compete against each other.
We look after each other.
That is why translating 깐부 as only friend misses much of its emotional meaning.
How Do You Pronounce 깐부?
깐부
gganbu
An approximate English pronunciation is:
kkan-boo
The first consonant is the tense Korean sound:
ㄲ
It should sound tighter and stronger than an ordinary English g or k.
Try dividing it into two parts:
kkan – boo
Although the spelling gganbu became internationally familiar through Squid Game, kkanbu may help English speakers pronounce the first syllable more accurately.
You may encounter both spellings online:
gganbu
kkanbu
For search purposes, gganbu is currently the more familiar spelling.
Why Doesn’t 깐부 Simply Mean “Friend”?
The ordinary Korean word for friend is:
친구
chingu
친구 is a general word. It can describe a classmate, a childhood friend, a close companion or someone you regularly spend time with.
깐부 is more specific.
It contains the feeling of forming a small alliance.
A 깐부 is not just someone standing next to you.
It is someone standing with you.
Compare these ideas:
| Korean word | Closest English meaning | Main feeling |
|---|---|---|
| 친구 (chingu) | friend | A general friendship |
| 단짝 (danjjak) | best buddy | Two people who are almost always together |
| 짝꿍 (jjakkung) | partner or desk mate | Someone paired with you |
| 동료 (dongnyo) | colleague or companion | Someone sharing the same work or activity |
| 한편 (hanpyeon) | someone on the same side | Alliance or shared position |
| 깐부 (gganbu) | trusted friend and partner | Same side, trust and sharing |
You could translate 깐부 as:
close buddy
trusted partner
teammate
ally
best friend
someone who shares everything with you
However, no single one of these expressions contains the complete cultural meaning.
Featured-Snippet Answer
Gganbu does not simply mean “friend.” It refers to a close, trusted companion who is on the same side as you and shares what they have with you. The word is associated with older Korean childhood play culture and became internationally famous through Squid Game.
The Childhood Culture Behind 깐부
To understand 깐부, imagine children gathering in a Korean neighbourhood before smartphones, online games and organised indoor play spaces became common.
Children played outside in alleys, schoolyards and open neighbourhood spaces.
Popular games involved objects such as:
구슬 (guseul) — marbles
딱지 (ttakji) — folded paper tiles
공기 (gonggi) — small stones or plastic game pieces
팽이 (paengi) — spinning tops
Children might compete individually, divide into teams or form special partnerships.
In this context, a 깐부 was someone who belonged with you rather than against you.
The important idea was not merely:
“We like each other.”
It was closer to:
“You and I are one side.”
This could also involve sharing game pieces or treating each other’s possessions as something held in common.
That is why the word carries memories of:
childhood loyalty
neighbourhood friendships
simple promises
shared possessions
belonging to the same team
trusting someone without complicated conditions
For many older Koreans, 깐부 can therefore sound nostalgic as well as affectionate.
Is the Origin of 깐부 Known?
The precise origin of 깐부 is uncertain.
Several explanations have circulated online, but they should not be presented as established facts.
In November 2025, Korea’s National Institute of Korean Language explained that 깐부 is not listed in its dictionaries and that it could not provide accurate information about the word’s origin.
This means we should separate two questions:
What does 깐부 mean?
Its commonly understood cultural meaning is a close companion who shares a side, trust and possessions with you.
Where did the word come from?
Its exact linguistic origin has not been firmly established.
You may find claims that it came from another language or from a particular phrase. These can be interesting theories, but they should not be repeated as proven etymology without reliable historical evidence.
Sometimes understanding how a word was used is more certain than knowing exactly where it began.
Why Is 깐부 So Important in Squid Game?
Squid Game uses children’s games to explore very adult questions about competition, desperation, loyalty and trust.
That contrast makes 깐부 especially meaningful.
The word belongs to a world of childhood friendship, where becoming partners should mean safety and sharing.
But the world surrounding the characters is defined by uncertainty and competition.
Without revealing any plot details, the emotional power comes from the question:
Can two people truly remain on the same side when the situation pushes them apart?
International viewers may hear friend in the translation.
Korean viewers also hear the childhood promise hidden inside 깐부:
We belong together. We share. We do not treat each other as enemies.
Understanding that difference makes the emotional weight of the word much clearer.
Gganbu vs Friend
| Meaning | 깐부 (gganbu) | Friend |
|---|---|---|
| General relationship | Usually very close and specific | Can be close or casual |
| Same-side feeling | Central to the word | Not always included |
| Sharing possessions | Traditionally associated with the relationship | Not required |
| Trust | Strongly implied | Depends on the friendship |
| Childhood connection | Strong cultural association | Not necessarily |
| Modern usage | Often nostalgic, playful or symbolic | Common everyday word |
| Natural Korean equivalent | Culturally specific | Usually 친구 (chingu) |
The English sentence:
“You’re my friend.”
can simply express affection.
The idea behind:
우리는 깐부야.
Urineun gganbuya.
feels closer to:
“You and I are trusted partners. We’re on the same side.”
That is why friend is not wrong.
It is simply too broad.
Do Koreans Still Use the Word 깐부?
Yes, but it is not the standard everyday word for a friend.
Most Koreans normally say:
친구
chingu
Before Squid Game, 깐부** was more strongly associated with older childhood vocabulary and regional or generational memories.
After the series became internationally successful, the word gained new life.
It is now sometimes used:
jokingly between friends
to emphasise loyalty
in advertising and brand collaborations
when talking about teamwork
as a reference to Squid Game
to create a nostalgic feeling
If a Korean person says:
우리 깐부잖아.
Uri gganbujana.
they may be playfully saying:
“Come on, we’re partners.”
“We’re on the same side, remember?”
“You and I share everything.”
However, calling every friend 깐부 would sound unnatural.
For an ordinary friend, 친구 remains the safer word.
Can Women Use 깐부 Too?
Yes.
깐부 is not grammatically limited to men or boys.
Women can use the word, and it can describe people of any gender.
However, its older cultural image is often connected to groups of children playing neighbourhood games, particularly the kind of outdoor games historically associated with boys.
Modern usage is much broader.
Today, anyone can jokingly or affectionately call a close and trusted companion their 깐부.
Does 깐부 Have a Romantic Meaning?
Not by itself.
깐부 normally expresses partnership, trust and shared loyalty—not romance.
A romantic partner could also be described playfully as a 깐부, especially if the speaker wants to emphasise that they are best friends and teammates as well as a couple.
But hearing the word alone does not mean:
boyfriend
girlfriend
lover
crush
The core meaning is companionship and alliance.
Real-Life Korean Examples
These original examples are not taken from Squid Game.
1. Saying someone is on your side
A: 나 혼자 해야 돼?
Na honja haeya dwae?
Do I have to do this alone?
B: 아니지. 나도 있잖아. 우리 깐부야.
Aniji. Nado itjana. Uri gganbuya.
Of course not. You have me. We’re partners.
2. Sharing something
A: 과자 조금만 줄래?
Gwaja jogeumman jullae?
Can I have some of your snacks?
B: 당연하지. 깐부끼리 나눠 먹어야지.
Dangyeonhaji. Gganbukkiri nanwo meogeoyaji.
Of course. Gganbu should share with each other.
The ending -끼리 means “among ourselves” or “with others in the same group.”
3. A playful request
우리 깐부잖아. 이번 한 번만 도와줘.
Uri gganbujana. Ibeon han beonman dowajwo.
We’re partners, remember? Help me just this once.
Here, -잖아 reminds the listener of something both people already know.
4. Talking about childhood
어렸을 때 옆집에 살던 친구가 내 깐부였어.
Eoryeosseul ttae yeopjibe saldeon chinguga nae gganbuyeosseo.
When I was young, the friend who lived next door was my gganbu.
5. Choosing a teammate
A: 우리 같은 편 할래?
Uri gateun pyeon hallae?
Shall we be on the same team?
B: 좋아. 오늘부터 깐부다!
Joa. Oneulbuteo gganbuda!
Sure. We’re gganbu from today!
Useful Grammar in 깐부 Expressions
우리는 — As for us, we
우리
uri
we, us or our
우리는
urineun
as for us
Koreans use 우리 very frequently when talking about relationships and belonging.
깐부야 — We are gganbu
깐부 + 야
-야 is an informal form of “to be” used after a noun ending in a vowel.
우리는 깐부야.
Urineun gganbuya.
We’re gganbu.
This form should be used only in casual speech with someone close to you.
깐부잖아 — We’re gganbu, remember?
깐부 + 잖아
-잖아 can remind someone of information that should already be known.
Depending on tone, it can mean:
you know
remember
as you already know
come on
우리 깐부잖아.
Uri gganbujana.
Come on, we’re gganbu.
깐부끼리 — Between gganbu
깐부 + 끼리
-끼리 means among members of the same group.
깐부끼리 비밀은 없어.
Gganbukkiri bimireun eopseo.
There are no secrets between gganbu.
Related Korean Expressions
친구 — Friend
친구
chingu
The standard and most useful Korean word for a friend.
친한 친구
chinhan chingu
close friend
단짝 — Best Buddy
단짝
danjjak
A very close friend who is almost always with you.
This can feel similar to:
best buddy
bestie
inseparable friend
절친 — Best Friend
절친
jeolchin
A shortened form associated with 절친한 친구, meaning an extremely close friend.
It is common in modern casual Korean.
짝꿍 — Partner
짝꿍
jjakkung
Someone paired with you.
Traditionally, it often refers to the student who shares your school desk, but it can also be used affectionately for a partner.
같은 편 — The Same Side
같은 편
gateun pyeon
Literally:
the same side
This expression captures one of the most important parts of 깐부.
우리는 같은 편이야.
Urineun gateun pyeoniya.
We’re on the same side.
동료 — Colleague or Companion
동료
dongnyo
A person who works, acts or goes through something alongside you.
It sounds more formal than 깐부.
의리 — Loyalty
의리
uiri
Loyalty and faithfulness within a relationship.
A person with 의리 does not abandon someone when things become difficult.
우정 — Friendship
우정
ujeong
The relationship or emotional bond between friends.
친구 is the person.
우정 is the friendship.
Korean Friendship Words at a Glance
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 깐부 | gganbu | trusted friend and same-side partner |
| 친구 | chingu | friend |
| 친한 친구 | chinhan chingu | close friend |
| 단짝 | danjjak | best buddy or inseparable friend |
| 절친 | jeolchin | best friend |
| 짝꿍 | jjakkung | partner or desk mate |
| 동료 | dongnyo | colleague or companion |
| 같은 편 | gateun pyeon | the same side |
| 팀원 | timwon | team member |
| 우정 | ujeong | friendship |
| 의리 | uiri | loyalty |
| 믿음 | mideum | trust |
| 나누다 | nanuda | to share |
| 함께 | hamkke | together |
Quick Korean Tip
The next time you hear 깐부 in Korean content, do not mentally replace it with only:
friend
Instead, think:
A trusted friend who shares my side, my loyalty and what I have.
Also listen for the words around it:
우리 깐부야.
We’re gganbu.
우리 깐부잖아.
We’re gganbu, remember?
깐부끼리 나누자.
Let’s share between gganbu.
The grammar often reveals the sense of closeness and belonging more clearly than a one-word translation can.
FAQ About Gganbu
What does gganbu mean in Squid Game?
Gganbu(깐부) means a close and trusted companion who is on the same side as you and shares what they have with you. It means more than an ordinary friend.
Is gganbu a real Korean word?
Yes, it is a word used in Korea, particularly in connection with older childhood play culture. However, it is not currently listed as a standard entry in the National Institute of Korean Language’s dictionaries.
Is gganbu the Korean word for friend?
Not exactly. The ordinary Korean word for friend is 친구(chingu). 깐부 describes a more specific relationship involving trust, sharing and being on the same side.
How do you pronounce gganbu?
깐부 is pronounced approximately kkan-boo. The first consonant is the tense Korean consonant ㄲ.
What is the origin of the word gganbu?
The exact origin of 깐부 has not been firmly established. Several theories circulate online, but Korea’s National Institute of Korean Language says it cannot provide accurate etymological information because the word is not listed in its dictionaries.
Is gganbu an old-fashioned word?
It has an old-fashioned and nostalgic association because it is connected with earlier Korean childhood play culture. However, Squid Game brought the word back into popular modern usage.
Can I call my Korean friend gganbu?
Yes, you can use it playfully with a very close friend or trusted partner. However, 친구 is more natural when simply referring to a friend in everyday Korean.
Does gganbu mean best friend?
It can describe someone as close as a best friend, but the emphasis is slightly different. 깐부 focuses on being trusted partners who share the same side and what they have.
Does gganbu have a romantic meaning?
No. The word does not automatically suggest romance. It primarily expresses companionship, loyalty, trust and partnership.
What is the difference between gganbu and chingu?
친구(chingu) is the general Korean word for a friend. 깐부(gganbu) is a culturally specific word for a close, trusted companion who shares your side and possessions.
Recommended Korean-Learning Resources
Words such as 깐부 show why learning Korean only through direct translation can be limiting.
A dictionary might offer:
깐부 = friend
But that does not explain:
why sharing is important
how the word is connected with childhood games
why it sounds nostalgic
why “the same side” is central to its meaning
why it carries such emotional power in Squid Game
To understand culturally specific Korean expressions more deeply, useful resources include:
a Korean-English learner’s dictionary
a guide to Korean culture for language learners
a book about traditional Korean games
a Korean conversation phrasebook
Hangul flash cards
a Hangul writing workbook
a notebook for recording expressions heard in K-dramas
When watching Korean content, try recording the entire sentence rather than only one word.
For example, do not write only:
깐부 — friend
Write:
우리는 깐부야.
We’re trusted partners. We’re on the same side.
The full sentence helps you remember the relationship hidden inside the word.
Keep Learning Korean Through K-Contents
Squid Game introduced international viewers to a word that many Koreans associated with a much older world of neighbourhood games and childhood friendships.
That word is:
깐부
It can be translated as friend.
But it carries a more specific promise:
We are on the same side.
We trust each other.
We share what we have.
That is why 깐부 feels warmer, more nostalgic and more emotionally powerful than an ordinary word for friend.
Once you understand that, scenes involving the word no longer feel like a simple conversation between two friends.
They feel like a promise of loyalty.
Continue exploring Korean language and culture through our previous lessons:
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