쪽 (jjok)

What it means

The little sound of a quick kiss — a peck on the cheek or lips.

When you'll see it

In romance manhwa, it's the sneaky peck on the cheek — and the next panel is always the other person turning bright red. In real life it has a cute, playful feel: a kiss on a baby's cheek, a little kid giving you a smooch. Texting someone "쪽~" is a lighthearted way to send a kiss, a bit like "xoxo".

Where it shows up in manhwa

• A surprise peck on the cheek
• A parent kissing a baby's cheek
• A couple's cute goodbye kiss

Examples

1. A: 오늘 기념일인데 선물 없어? B: 여기 있지. (볼에 쪽)

   A: It's our anniversary — no present? B: Right here. (a peck on the cheek — 쪽)

2. 조카가 헤어질 때 볼에 쪽 해 줬는데 하루 피로가 싹 풀리더라.

   My little niece gave me a kiss (쪽) on the cheek when we said goodbye, and the whole day's tiredness just melted away.

3. 그녀는 까치발을 들고 그의 볼에 쪽 입을 맞췄다.

   She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss (쪽) on the cheek.