Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 아줌마 | ajumma | [a̠d͡ʑumma̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 아주머니 | ajumeoni | [a̠d͡ʑumʌ̹ni] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | polite |
The term refers to a married middle-aged woman. It is also used as a stereotypical term for women perceived as assertive, loud or particularly shrewd in social or commercial settings. For someone significantly older than an ajumma, the term halmeoni (grandmother) is used.
Which one should you use?
아줌마 is a more casual form that can sometimes be perceived as blunt or even slightly rude depending on the tone and context. In contrast, 아주머니 is the more polite and respectful way to address or refer to a middle-aged woman.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아주머니 is a polite form, similar to calling someone 'madam' or 'ma'am' in English. 아줌마 is more casual.
How do you pronounce it?
ajumma
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using 아줌마 to address a woman you do not know unless you are in a very casual setting, as it can be taken as an insult to her dignity.
Did you know?
- In many Korean restaurants, you might hear a woman called 이모 (auntie) instead of 아줌마 to create a more friendly, family-like atmosphere.
- The Middle Korean form of the word was 아ᄌᆞ〮미〮, which appeared in the 용비어천가 in 1447, one of the earliest works written in the hangul script.
- In some contexts, calling a woman an 아줌마 can be seen as a 'social death' for those who wish to be perceived as youthful or trendy.
Examples in context
- 길에서 아줌마를 만났어요.gileseo ajummareul mannasseoyo.I met an ajumma on the street.
- 아줌마, 이것 좀 도와주세요.ajumma, igeot jom dowajuseyo.Ajumma, please help me with this.
Example conversation
Subin asks Hyunwoo about a woman she saw in the market.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 저 아줌마 누구예요?hyeon-u ssi, jeo ajumma nuguyeyo?Hyunwoo, who is that ajumma?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저 아줌마는 우리 이웃이에요.jeo ajummaneun uri iusieyo.That ajumma is our neighbor.
- 수빈 Su-bin아, 정말 밝은 분이시네요.a, jeongmal balgeun bunisineyo.Oh, she is a very bright person.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 수빈 씨도 아는 분이에요.ne, subin ssido aneun bunieyo.Yes, she is someone you know too, Subin.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ajumma” translations and entries 아줌마, 아주머니, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아주머니, 아줌마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
