아저씨
ajeossi[a̠d͡ʑʌ̹ɕ͈i]
ahjussi is the Korean term for a middle-aged or older man.
The term 아저씨 is used to refer to a middle-aged or older man. In many contexts, it functions as a way to address a man as "sir."
Meaning: (Korea) a middle-aged Korean man (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the term oppa is used for an older male to imply closeness or intimacy, 아저씨 serves as a more generic social label for a man of a certain age.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아저씨 is a casual yet respectful way to address middle-aged or older men in informal settings. However, be aware that using 아저씨 to address a stranger can sometimes feel overly familiar or even slightly disrespectful depending on your tone and the context.
How do you pronounce it?
ajeossi
Did you know?
- The modern term 아저씨 evolved from the much older form 아자씨, which was recorded in historical texts as early as 1103.
- Modern Korean pop culture has turned 아저씨 into a romantic trope, where women use the term to describe an older man they find protective or charming.
- The phrase 아저씨-style refers to a specific aesthetic of unstylish and purely practical 'dad' fashion.
Examples in context
- 저 아저씨는 누구예요?jeo ajeossineun nuguyeyo?Who is that middle-aged man?
- 친절한 아저씨를 만났어요.chinjeolhan ajeossireul mannasseoyo.I met a kind middle-aged man.
- 아저씨, 길 좀 물을게요.ajeossi, gil jom mureulgeyo.Excuse me, sir, may I ask for directions?
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are walking in a park and see a man.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 저 아저씨 좀 봐요.Hyunwoo ssi, jeo ajeossi jom bwayo.Hyunwoo, look at that middle-aged man.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아, 정말 멋진 아저씨네요.A, jeongmal meotjin ajeossineyo.Oh, he is a really cool middle-aged man.
- 수빈 Su-bin그 아저씨가 우리를 쳐다봐요.geu ajeossiga urireul cheodabwayo.That middle-aged man is looking at us.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아마 우리를 아는 분인가 봐요.Ama urireul aneun buninga bwayo.Maybe he is someone who knows us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ahjussi” translations and entries 아저씨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아저씨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
