아이씨
aissi
The Korean phrase 아이씨 (aissi) corresponds to the English interjection "aish".
아이씨 is an interjection used to express frustration, annoyance or irritation. It functions similarly to English expressions like "dammit" or "shoot".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아이씨 is highly informal. It can be perceived as rude or aggressive if used in polite company or toward superiors.
How do you pronounce it?
aissi
Did you know?
- While it sounds like a single word, 아이씨 is actually a shortened version of a much more vulgar and offensive phrase involving an anatomical term. In its full form, it is a serious curse word, but the shortened version is commonly used as a milder outburst of frustration.
- In Korean media like K-dramas, the sudden use of 아이씨 serves as a dramatic structural cue. It signals to the audience that a character has reached a breaking point and is abandoning social etiquette.
- If you utter 아이씨 in a public space like a subway, the tension is not caused by the volume of your voice, but by the perceived aggression of the sound itself. Even a quiet 아이씨 can make the surrounding atmosphere feel instantly confrontational.
Examples in context
- 아이씨, 진짜 짜증 나.aissi, jin-jja jja-jeung na.Aish, this is so annoying.
- 아이씨, 버스를 놓쳤어.aissi, beo-seu-reul no-chyeoss-eo.Aish, I missed the bus.
- 아이씨, 왜 이래?aissi, wae i-rae?Aish, what's wrong with this?
Example conversation
Jihoon is frustrated because his computer froze while working.
- 지훈 Ji-hun아이씨, 컴퓨터가 갑자기 멈췄어.aissi, keom-pyu-teo-ga gap-ja-gi meom-chueoss-eo.Aish, my computer suddenly froze.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 괜찮아요?Jihoon ssi, gwaen-chan-ah-yo?Jihoon, are you okay?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아니, 작업하던 게 다 날아갔어.a-ni, jak-eop-ha-deon ge da nal-a-gat-eo.No, all my work is gone.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 속상하시겠어요.jeong-mal sok-sang-ha-si-get-eo-yo.That must be really upsetting.
