Speak Korean Like a Native with IU - "LILAC": Lyrics & Expressions

Are you enjoying the drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines” these days? This is LILAC by IU, who is becoming our nation's singer and actress.

 

Not just another lyric translation—this is your gateway to mastering Korean through K-Pop.

This blog post isn’t about simply translating or dissecting lyrics word for word. Instead, I break down the key vocabulary and expressions in K-Pop songs, making Korean learning fun and immersive.

By the time you reach the end, you won’t just understand the words—you’ll feel the song the way native speakers do.

If you're serious about leveling up your Korean, make it a daily habit: Pair this with my K-Drama Bites series, and you’ll be picking up Korean naturally—step by step, with excitement.

 

🎶 IU - “LILAC”: Key Lyrics & Meaning

"IU's 'LILAC' is a 2021 title track from her album of the same name. This song beautifully encapsulates the emotions of a bittersweet farewell, using lilac flowers as a metaphor for the passing of youth and the beginning of a new chapter."

 

🎶 IU - "LILAC": Music Video

[Source] YouTube, 1theK

 

🎯 Key Takeaways

1. 나리다 / 나리는 (To Fall, To Scatter / Falling, Scattering)

This verb often describes something gently falling or scattering, like flower petals, powder, or fine dust.

 

📌 Example Usage

"꽃가루가 하늘에서 나리고 있다."

"Flower pollen is scattering from the sky."

 

"눈이 나리는 날에는 기분이 좋아진다."

"On days when snow falls, I feel happy."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

떨어지다 (To Fall) – Used for objects falling due to gravity.

 

📌 Example Usage

"낙엽이 떨어지는 가을이 좋아."

"I love autumn when leaves fall."

 

2. 꽃가루 (Pollen)

Refers to the fine powder from flowers that can cause allergic reactions.

 

📌 Example Usage

"봄이 되면 꽃가루 알레르기가 심해진다."

"In spring, my pollen allergy gets worse."

 

🎨 Expressions

먼지 (Dust) – More general, not limited to flowers.

 

📌 Example Usage

"방 안에 먼지가 가득해."

"The room is full of dust."

 

3. 눈이 따끔하다 / 눈이 따끔해 (Eyes Sting / My Eyes Sting)

Describes a stinging sensation in the eyes due to irritation.

 

📌 Example Usage

"꽃가루 때문에 눈이 따끔해."

"My eyes sting because of the pollen."

 

🎨 Expressions

눈이 시리다 (Eyes Feel Cold) – A sensation from wind or cold air.

 

📌 Example Usage

"바람이 차가워서 눈이 시려."

"My eyes feel cold because of the wind."

 

4. 아야 (Ouch)

An exclamation used when feeling pain.

 

📌 Example Usage

"아야! 너무 뜨거워!"

"Ouch! It's too hot!"

 

🎨 Expressions

아이고 (Oh No) – Expresses mild surprise or regret.

 

📌 Example Usage

"아이고, 깜빡 잊었네!"

"Oh no, I completely forgot!"

 

5. 눈물이 고이다 / 눈물이 흐르다 (Tears Well Up / Tears Flow)

Expresses different stages of crying.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그 말을 듣고 눈물이 고였다."

"Tears welled up when I heard those words."

 

"그녀는 조용히 눈물을 흘렸다."

"She quietly let her tears flow."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

울다 (To Cry) – More general.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 영화 보면서 울었다."

"She cried while watching the movie."

 

6. 참다 (To Hold Back, To Endure)

Used for enduring emotions, pain, or hardship.

 

📌 Example Usage

"눈물이 나올 것 같았지만 참았다."

"I felt like crying, but I held it back."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

견디다 (To Endure) – Often used for long-term endurance.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그는 힘든 시간을 견뎠다."

"He endured tough times."

 

7. 마음 한켠 (A Corner of One’s Heart)

Refers to a hidden or lingering feeling.

 

📌 Example Usage

"마음 한켠에 아쉬움이 남아 있다."

"A corner of my heart still feels regretful."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

가슴속 (Deep Inside the Heart) – Stronger emotional depth.

 

📌 Example Usage

"가슴속 깊이 간직하고 있어."

"I cherish it deep inside my heart."

 

8. 비밀스럽다 / 비밀스런 (Mysterious, Secretive)

Describes something that feels hidden or enigmatic.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀의 표정이 비밀스러웠다."

"Her expression was mysterious."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

신비롭다 (Mysterious, Enchanting) – More magical in nuance.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그 섬은 신비로운 분위기가 있다."

"That island has a mysterious atmosphere."

9. 오르골 (Music Box)

A small mechanical device that plays a tune.

 

📌 Example Usage

"오르골을 열면 아름다운 음악이 흐른다."

"When you open the music box, beautiful music plays."

 

10. 넣어두다 / 빼내다 (To Put In / To Take Out)

Contrasting actions of storing and removing something.

 

📌 Example Usage

"소중한 편지를 서랍에 넣어두었다."

"I put the precious letter in the drawer."

 

"그는 주머니에서 열쇠를 빼냈다."

"He took the key out of his pocket."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

보관하다 (To Store) – More formal.

 

📌 Example Usage

"중요한 서류는 금고에 보관해야 한다."

"Important documents should be stored in a safe."

 

11. 영원히 (Forever)

Implies something lasting indefinitely.

 

📌 Example Usage

"너와 영원히 함께하고 싶어."

"I want to be with you forever."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

끝없이 (Endlessly) – More about continuity.

 

📌 Example Usage

"끝없이 펼쳐진 바다가 아름다웠다."

"The endlessly stretching ocean was beautiful."

 

12. 되감다 (To Rewind)

Used metaphorically for recalling memories.

 

📌 Example Usage

"지난 추억을 되감아 보고 싶다."

"I want to rewind and relive memories."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

돌이키다 (To Look Back) – More about reflection.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그때를 돌이켜보면 후회가 많아."

"When I look back on that time, I have many regrets."

 

13. 순간 / 영원 (Moment / Eternity)

Contrast between fleeting time and permanence.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이 순간이 영원했으면 좋겠어."

"I wish this moment could last forever."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

찰나 (A Fleeting Moment) – Emphasizes brevity.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그 순간은 찰나처럼 지나갔다."

"That moment passed by like a fleeting second."

 

14. 마지막 페이지 (The Last Page)

Metaphorically used for endings.

 

📌 Example Usage

"우리의 이야기는 마지막 페이지에 다다랐다."

"Our story has reached the last page."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

결말 (Ending) – More general.

 

📌 Example Usage

"영화의 결말이 예상 밖이었다."

"The movie's ending was unexpected."

 

15. 부탁해 (Please Take Care of Me / I Rely on You)

A common phrase used when requesting kindness or good treatment from someone.

 

📌 Example Usage

"앞으로도 잘 부탁해!"

"Please continue to take care of me!"

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

신세 지겠습니다 (I Will Be Indebted to You) – More formal and humble.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이번 일에 대해 신세 지겠습니다."

"I will be indebted to you for this matter."

 

16. 작별 / 이별 (Farewell / Parting)

Both refer to separating from someone, but '이별' often has a more emotional tone.

 

📌 Example Usage

"우리의 작별 인사는 너무 짧았다."

"Our farewell was too short."

 

"이별 후에도 너를 잊을 수 없어."

"Even after parting, I can’t forget you."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

헤어짐 (Separation) – More neutral and descriptive.

 

📌 Example Usage

"헤어짐은 언제나 아쉬운 법이다."

"Parting is always regretful."

17. 완벽하다 / 부족하다 (To Be Perfect / To Be Lacking)

Contrasting expressions that describe completeness and insufficiency.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이 순간이 완벽해."

"This moment is perfect."

 

"아직 실력이 부족하다고 느껴."

"I still feel that my skills are lacking."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

흠잡을 데 없다 (Flawless) – More intense than "완벽하다."

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀의 무대는 흠잡을 데 없었다."

"Her performance was flawless."

 

18. 라일락 꽃 (Lilac Flower)

Symbolizes nostalgia and the fleeting nature of time.

 

📌 Example Usage

"라일락 꽃향기가 봄바람을 타고 퍼졌다."

"The scent of lilac flowers spread with the spring breeze."

 

🎨 Expressions

벚꽃 (Cherry Blossom) – Also symbolizes transient beauty.

 

📌 Example Usage

"벚꽃이 흩날리는 거리를 걸었다."

"I walked along a street where cherry blossoms were falling."

 

19. 꽃이 지다 / 꽃이 피다 (Flowers Wither / Flowers Bloom)

Opposite expressions representing the cycle of life.

 

📌 Example Usage

"봄이 지나면 라일락 꽃이 진다."

"When spring passes, lilac flowers wither."

 

"따뜻한 햇살 아래 꽃이 피었다."

"Flowers bloomed under the warm sunlight."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

시들다 (To Wither) – Can apply to flowers, plants, or energy levels.

 

📌 Example Usage

"장미가 물이 부족해서 시들고 있다."

"The roses are withering due to a lack of water."

 

20. 결말 (Ending, Conclusion)

Refers to how a story, relationship, or event concludes.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이 드라마의 결말이 너무 슬펐다."

"The ending of this drama was so sad."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

마지막 장면 (Final Scene) – More specific to visual media.

 

📌 Example Usage

"마지막 장면에서 눈물이 났다."

"I cried during the final scene."

 

21. 어울리다 (To Suit, To Match, To Get Along)

Used to describe harmony between things or people.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이 옷은 너한테 정말 잘 어울려."

"This outfit suits you very well."

 

🎨 Expressions

조화롭다 (Harmonious) – More about overall balance.

 

📌 Example Usage

"색감이 조화롭게 어울린다."

"The colors blend harmoniously."

 

22. 안녕 (Hello / Goodbye)

A standard greeting that also means farewell.

🐾 The casual greeting '안녕' is used when meeting and parting.

 

📌 Example Usage

"안녕! 잘 지내?"

"Hello! How have you been?"

 

"이제 안녕을 말해야 할 시간이다."

"It’s time to say goodbye now."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

잘 가 (Goodbye, Take Care) – More informal.

 

📌 Example Usage

"잘 가! 다음에 또 보자."

"Take care! Let’s meet again next time."

 

23. 꽃잎 같은 (Like a Flower Petal)

Used to describe something delicate and beautiful.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀의 피부는 꽃잎처럼 부드럽다."

"Her skin is as soft as a flower petal."

 

🎨 Expressions

부드럽다 (Soft, Gentle) – A broader term.

 

📌 Example Usage

"바람이 부드럽게 불어온다."

"The wind blows gently."

 

24. 하이얀 / 하얀 (Pure White)

Both forms mean "white," but "하이얀" is more poetic.

 

📌 Example Usage

"하이얀 눈이 소복이 쌓였다."

"Pure white snow piled up."

 

"하얀 꽃이 만개했다."

"White flowers are in full bloom."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

순백 (Pure White) – More elegant and refined.

 

📌 Example Usage

"순백의 드레스를 입었다."

"She wore a pure white dress."

 

25. 봄날 (Spring Day)

Often associated with warmth, renewal, and nostalgia.

 

📌 Example Usage

"봄날의 햇살이 포근하다."

"The sunlight of a spring day is warm."

 

🎨 Expressions

봄기운 (Spring Atmosphere) – Captures the feeling of early spring.

 

📌 Example Usage

"봄기운이 느껴지는 날씨야."

"The weather feels like spring is coming."

 

26. 기쁜 일 / 슬픈 일 (Happy Occasion / Sad Occasion)

Used to describe significant life events.

 

📌 Example Usage

"기쁜 일은 함께 나누고 싶어."

"I want to share happy moments with you."

 

"슬픈 일이 있을 때마다 널 떠올려."

"Whenever something sad happens, I think of you."

 

🎨 Expressions

행복한 순간 / 가슴 아픈 순간 (Happy Moments / Heartbreaking Moments) – More specific.

 

📌 Example Usage

"행복한 순간을 오래 기억하고 싶어."

"I want to remember happy moments for a long time."

 

27. 봄바람처럼 (Like a Spring Breeze)

Metaphorically describes something fleeting or refreshing.

 

📌 Example Usage

"너는 봄바람처럼 다가왔다가 사라졌어."

"You came like a spring breeze and disappeared."

 

🎨 Expressions

산들바람 (Gentle Breeze) – Less metaphorical.

 

📌 Example Usage

"산들바람이 불어 기분이 좋다."

"The gentle breeze feels nice."

 

28. 기분이 달아오르다 (To Feel Excited, To Heat Up Emotionally)

Describes a heightened emotional state, often due to excitement or anticipation.

 

📌 Example Usage

"너랑 있을 때마다 기분이 달아올라."

"I feel excited whenever I'm with you."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

흥분되다 (To Be Excited) – More commonly used in general contexts.

 

📌 Example Usage

"공연이 시작되기 전이라 흥분돼."

"I'm excited because the performance is about to start."

 

29. 콧노래를 부르다 (To Hum a Tune)

Describes a lighthearted, joyful state.

 

📌 Example Usage

"기분이 좋아서 콧노래를 불렀다."

"I hummed a tune because I was in a good mood."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

흥얼거리다 (To Hum) – More casual and spontaneous.

 

📌 Example Usage

"길을 걸으며 노래를 흥얼거렸다."

"I hummed a song while walking."

 

30. 입꼬리를 올리다 (To Lift the Corners of One’s Mouth, To Smile)

Describes a subtle or intentional smile.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그의 말을 듣고 나도 모르게 입꼬리를 올렸다."

"I unconsciously lifted the corners of my mouth when I heard his words."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

미소 짓다 (To Smile) – More general.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀는 조용히 미소를 지었다."

"She quietly smiled."

 

31. 하늘 / 땅 (Sky / Ground)

Used literally and metaphorically to contrast extremes.

 

📌 Example Usage

"하늘은 맑고 푸르다."

"The sky is clear and blue."

 

"땅이 젖어서 걷기가 힘들다."

"The ground is wet, making it hard to walk."

 

🎨 Expressions

천지 차이 (Heaven and Earth Difference) – Used to emphasize a huge difference.

 

📌 Example Usage

"예전과 지금은 천지 차이다."

"The past and now are worlds apart."

 

32. 바람 (Wind, Breeze, Wish)

It can refer to the physical wind or, metaphorically, to longing and change.

 

📌 Example Usage

"바람이 시원하게 분다."

"The wind blows coolly."

 

"그는 자유를 바람처럼 원했다."

"He longed for freedom like the wind."

 

🎨 Expressions

미풍 (Gentle Breeze) – Softer than ‘바람.’

 

📌 Example Usage

"미풍이 불어 기분이 좋다."

"The gentle breeze feels nice."

 

33. 오늘따라 (Especially Today, More Than Usual Today)

Used when something feels different than usual.

 

📌 Example Usage

"오늘따라 유난히 네가 보고 싶어."

"Especially today, I miss you so much."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

유독 (Particularly, Exceptionally) – Can be used in more situations.

 

📌 Example Usage

"유독 오늘은 피곤하다."

"I feel especially tired today."

 

34. 마음에 들다 (To Like, To Be to One’s Liking)

Used to express that something suits one’s preference.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이 옷이 정말 마음에 들어."

"I really like this outfit."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

마음에 꼭 들다 (To Like Something Very Much) – Stronger emphasis.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이번 선물은 마음에 꼭 들어."

"I absolutely love this gift."

 

35. 그날처럼 (Like That Day)

Expresses nostalgia for a past moment.

 

📌 Example Usage

"우리 처음 만난 그날처럼 느껴져."

"It feels just like the day we first met."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

예전처럼 (Like Before) – More general.

 

📌 Example Usage

"예전처럼 함께 놀고 싶어."

"I want to hang out together like before."

 

36. 예쁘다 / 밉다 (Pretty / Ugly, Unlikable)

Opposites that describe both physical appearance and emotions.

 

📌 Example Usage

"네 미소가 정말 예쁘다."

"Your smile is so pretty."

 

"그의 말이 너무 밉게 들렸다."

"His words sounded so unlikable."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

아름답다 (Beautiful) – More poetic than ‘예쁘다.’

 

📌 Example Usage

"노을이 아름답다."

"The sunset is beautiful."

 

37. 말해주다 / 들어주다 (To Tell / To Listen)

Contrast between speaking and listening attentively.

 

📌 Example Usage

"네 마음을 솔직하게 말해줘."

"Tell me your honest feelings."

 

"네 고민을 들어줄게."

"I’ll listen to your worries."

 

🎨 Expressions

상담하다 (To Counsel) – More professional.

 

📌 Example Usage

"선생님과 상담을 했다."

"I had a counseling session with the teacher."

 

38. 달콤하다 (Sweet, Pleasant)

Describes flavors and metaphorical sweetness.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이 케이크가 정말 달콤해."

"This cake is really sweet."

 

"그의 말이 달콤하게 들렸다."

"His words sounded sweet."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

감미롭다 (Mellow, Sweet) – Used for music and atmosphere.

 

📌 Example Usage

"감미로운 음악이 흐르고 있다."

"Mellow music is playing."

 

39. 뜬구름 / 뜬구름처럼 (Floating Cloud / Like a Floating Cloud)

Symbolizes fleeting things or unrealistic dreams.

 

📌 Example Usage

"뜬구름 같은 꿈을 꾸고 싶어."

"I want to dream like a floating cloud."

 

🎨 Expressions

허무하다 (Empty, Meaningless) – More about existential emptiness.

 

📌 Example Usage

"모든 게 허무하게 느껴진다."

"Everything feels meaningless."

 

40. 언젠가 (Someday, At Some Point)

Expresses an indefinite time in the future or past.

 

📌 Example Usage

"언젠가 다시 만나자."

"Let’s meet again someday."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

어느 날 (One Day) – More definite than ‘언젠가.’

 

📌 Example Usage

"어느 날 갑자기 생각났어."

"One day, it suddenly came to my mind."

 

41. 잊다 / 잊게 되다 (To Forget / To End Up Forgetting)

Describes voluntary and involuntary forgetting.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그 순간을 절대 잊지 못할 거야."

"I will never forget that moment."

 

"시간이 지나면서 점점 잊게 됐다."

"As time passed, I ended up forgetting."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

기억이 흐려지다 (Memories Fade) – Describes gradual fading.

 

📌 Example Usage

"기억이 흐려져 가고 있어."

"My memories are starting to fade."

 

42. 표정 (Facial Expression)

Refers to the emotions shown on one's face.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그의 표정이 밝아 보여."

"His facial expression looks bright."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

얼굴빛 (Facial Tone) – Describes complexion or mood reflected on the face.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그녀의 얼굴빛이 창백하다."

"Her facial tone is pale."

 

43. 향기 (Scent, Fragrance)

Refers to a pleasant smell, often from flowers or perfumes.

 

📌 Example Usage

"라일락 향기가 은은하게 퍼진다."

"The scent of lilac spreads subtly."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

냄새 (Smell, Odor) – More neutral and can be positive or negative.

 

📌 Example Usage

"비 오는 날 흙 냄새가 좋다."

"I like the smell of the soil on a rainy day."

 

44. 단잠 (Deep Sleep, Sweet Sleep)

Refers to a peaceful and refreshing sleep.

 

📌 Example Usage

"단잠을 자고 일어나니 개운하다."

"After a deep sleep, I feel refreshed."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

꿀잠 (Great Sleep) – A more casual and fun way to say "good sleep."

 

📌 Example Usage

"어제 꿀잠 잤어!"

"I had a great sleep last night!"

 

45. 스쳐가다 (To Pass By, To Brush Past)

Describes something momentary, like a passing thought or a fleeting presence.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그 순간이 스쳐 지나갔다."

"That moment passed by in a flash."

 

🎨 Expressions

흘러가다 (To Flow, To Pass) – Used for time or water-like movement.

 

📌 Example Usage

"시간이 빠르게 흘러간다."

"Time flows by quickly."

 

46. 꿈처럼 (Like a Dream)

Used to describe an unreal or beautiful experience.

 

📌 Example Usage

"너와 함께한 시간은 꿈처럼 느껴졌어."

"The time I spent with you felt like a dream."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

환상 같다 (Like a Fantasy) – Even more surreal and imaginative.

 

📌 Example Usage

"이 풍경은 정말 환상 같다."

"This scenery truly looks like a fantasy."

 

47. 대답 / 질문 (Answer / Question)

Contrasting words representing communication exchanges.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그의 대답이 예상과 달랐다."

"His answer was different from what I expected."

"질문이 있으면 언제든 물어봐."

"If you have a question, feel free to ask anytime."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

응답 (Response) – More formal than ‘대답.’

 

📌 Example Usage

"응답이 없어서 다시 연락했다."

"I contacted again because there was no response."

 

48. 울리다 / 웃기다 (To Make Someone Cry / To Make Someone Laugh)

Describes actions that evoke emotions in others.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그 노래 가사가 나를 울렸다."

"The lyrics of that song made me cry."

 

"그 개그맨은 사람들을 웃기는 재주가 있다."

"That comedian has a talent for making people laugh."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

감동시키다 (To Move Emotionally) – Used for more profound emotional impact.

 

📌 Example Usage

"그 연설이 많은 사람들을 감동시켰다."

"That speech moved many people emotionally."

 

49. 약속 (Promise, Appointment)

Can mean both a spoken commitment and a scheduled meeting.

 

📌 Example Usage

"우리 약속 잊지 마."

"Don't forget our promise."

 

🌀 Similar Expressions

서약 (Oath, Pledge) – A more substantial and official commitment.

 

📌 Example Usage

"우리는 평생 함께하겠다는 서약을 했다."

"We made an oath to be together forever."

 

🎶 Key Points for Enjoying "LILAC"

- A Unique Blend of Nostalgia & Celebration → Unlike typical breakup songs, "LILAC" conveys a sense of celebration rather than sorrow, making farewells a natural part of life’s cycle.

- Retro & Funky Sound → The track features a retro, city-pop-inspired instrumental that blends upbeat melodies with sentimental lyrics.

- Symbolism of Lilac Flowers → Lilacs often represent first love and youth, perfectly matching the song’s theme of a beautiful yet fleeting chapter in life.

 

🎶 IU - “LILAC”: Additional Information

- Release Date: March 25, 2021

- Album: LILAC

- Genre: City Pop, Dance

- Lyrics: IU

- Composer: imsuho, Dr.JO, 웅킴, N!ko

 

🌍 If you’d like to read the full lyrics, please visit official music platforms such as Melon, Genie Music, Apple Music, or Spotify!

 

❗All rights to the lyrics belong to Edam Entertainment and the original creators.

 

❗This analysis is intended for educational and language-learning purposes and does not replace the official lyrics.