1. What does it mean?

ㅎㅎ uses repeated ㅎ letters to suggest laughter, often a light chuckle rather than a loud reaction. It can accompany a friendly acknowledgment or soften the ending of a message.

Also written or said as ㅎㅎㅎ, ㅎㅎㅎㅎ, 흐흐, hahaha

2. The nuance

It is not automatically polite, romantic, or passive-aggressive. Those readings depend on the sentence and relationship. It can appear next to polite grammar, but does not replace an appropriate greeting or apology.

3. Examples

“추천한 빵 먹어 봤어. 진짜 부드럽더라 ㅎㅎ”

I tried the bread you recommended. It was really soft, hehe.

“사진 보내 줘서 고마워 ㅎㅎ 잘 간직할게.”

Thanks for sending the photo. I'll keep it safe. :)

Related words

Sources

FluentU: Korean text slang guide

References support the meaning and usage. Example sentences are written for NoCapWiki.