The Korean word for “kiss” is 키스 (kiseu) and the Japanese is キス (kisu), both direct transliterations from the English term. This adoption does not mean that kissing was unknown in these cultures before Western influence. Instead, the English word gained popularity due to cultural exchange and modern media. Traditional words and practices related to kissing existed in both Korea and Japan prior to Western contact, but younger generations now often favor the English-derived term as it sounds more modern and fashionable.
In Korean, aside from 키스 (kiseu), there are native terms for kiss used more by older generations. For example, 뽀뽀 (bbobbo) commonly refers to a peck, often on the cheek, and is considered a cute or affectionate term rather than a formal kiss. 입맞춤 (ipmatchoom) literally means “mouth touch” and is another native expression for kissing, though it is less frequent in daily conversation today.
Similarly, in Japanese, キス (kisu) is borrowed directly from English and is common, especially among younger people. However, the concept and practice of kissing existed in Japan historically, even though the word itself was not originally native. Japan historically had its own terms and expressions, but these have largely become less common with the adoption of Western culture.
The emergence of 키스 in Korean print dates back to 1922, appearing in the novel 젊은이의 시절 (The Times of Youth). This shows that the English loanword entered the Korean language nearly a century ago. Such early adoption corresponded with increased Western cultural influence during the early 20th century. In Japan too, English loanwords related to intimate subjects have grown in usage particularly post World War II when Western media and culture had a stronger presence.
This trend is not limited to just the word for “kiss.” Both languages incorporate English loanwords to describe sex and related topics. For instance, in Japanese, セックス (sekkusu) comes from English “sex.” Another term is エッチ (ecchi), derived from the pronunciation of the letter “H,” linked to “hentai,” meaning perversion or lewdness. Despite these modern loanwords, the native terms still exist but are often considered archaic or more formal. Similarly, Korean retains words like 입맞춤 for kiss, but the English form 키스 dominates especially in younger, urban populations.
The popularity of English-derived words such as 키스 and キス is partly influenced by television, films, and dramas that feature Western or Westernized culture. These media portrayals often make the English terms seem stylish or trendy. Younger Koreans and Japanese speakers hence may prefer these loanwords in casual or romantic contexts over traditional vocabulary.
In summary, before Western influence, both Korea and Japan had their own ways and words for kissing. The current preference for English loanwords arose alongside increasing cultural contact with the West and media globalization. These loanwords convey a modern, fashionable nuance that appeals to many in today’s youth culture while older generations may still use native terms.
| Aspect | Korean | Japanese |
|---|---|---|
| Loanword for “kiss” | 키스 (kiseu) | キス (kisu) |
| Older native terms | 뽀뽀 (bbobbo), 입맞춤 (ipmatchoom) | (less common; traditional terms less used now) |
| First print appearance of loanword | 1922 in novel 젊은이의 시절 | — |
| Reason for adoption of loanword | Western media influence, youth trendiness | Same |
| Other English loanwords in taboo/sexual topics | Less frequent but present | セックス (sekkusu), エッチ (ecchi) |
- Kissing existed traditionally in Korea and Japan before Western influence.
- Korean words like 뽀뽀 and 입맞춤 denote “kiss” but feel less modern.
- Japanese frequently uses キス now, but had native expressions before.
- Loanword 키스 appeared in Korean literature as early as 1922.
- English loanwords in intimate contexts rose with media and cultural exchange.
- Younger generations favor English-derived terms for perceived trendiness.
