Culture — Entry No. 0791
달고나 커피
dalgona-coffee · noun
달고나 커피
dalgona-coffee
[dahl-go-nah kah-fee]
nounbeginner
Meaning
Fluffy whipped coffee made by beating sugar, instant coffee, and hot water until light and mousse-like, then spooned over cold or hot milk. A viral Korean trend that achieved global fame during 2020.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Dalgona coffee became a phenomenon when aespa and IVE shared their versions on TikTok and Instagram during quarantine. BLACKPINK members posted making dalgona coffee, turning it into a K-culture moment that swept social media worldwide.
Example Sentences
달고나 커피를 만들어봤어.
dalgona keopi-reul mandeu-reobwaseo.
I tried making dalgona coffee — personal experience sharing
달고나 커피는 너무 달아.
dalgona keopi-neun neomu dala.
Dalgona coffee is really sweet — reflects the sugar-heavy nature
우유 위에 거품을 올려놓으세요.
uyu wie geofum-eul ollyeonoeusseyo.
Place the whipped foam on top of the milk — instruction for preparation
⚠️ Don’t use dalgona-coffee when…
Requires precise whipping technique — under-whipped results in separated layers instead of uniform foam. Very sweet and high in sugar; some versions use raw eggs. The whipped layer can separate if left sitting too long
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Referenced in various Korean dramas set during quarantine periods as a symbol of home comfort during isolation
- K-Pop: aespa and BLACKPINK — created viral dalgona coffee videos on social media that sparked global K-culture trend adoption
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.