Are you curious about how to say “aunty” in Korean? Whether you want to impress your Korean friends or address someone’s elder sister or female relative, this guide has got you covered!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say Aunty in Korean
1. 아주머니 (Ah-joo-muh-ni):
The most widely-used formal term for “aunty” in Korean is 아주머니. It is a respectful word that can be used to address someone much older than you, usually in their middle age or older. This term is suitable for addressing strangers or someone you meet for the first time.
Tip: Remember, when using 아주머니, always maintain a polite tone and show proper respect to elders in Korean culture. Adding the suffix “님” (nim) after 아주머니 can elevate the level of formality even further.
Informal Ways to Say Aunty in Korean
1. 이모 (Ee-mo):
When addressing someone who is slightly older than you, such as your friend’s older sister, you can use 이모. This word is commonly used among friends and acquaintances.
2. 고모 (Go-mo):
고모 is another informal term for “aunty” that can be used among friends or relatives who are older than you. It is typically used to refer to your mother’s sister.
Regional Variations of Saying Aunty in Korean
In addition to the common terms mentioned above, different regions in Korea have unique ways to say “aunty.” However, please note that these regional variations may not be widely understood or might be considered dialects:
1. 오빠 (Oh-bba):
In some regions, 오빠 can be used to refer to both older brother and aunty. It is important to remember that this usage is limited to certain areas and may cause confusion in other parts of Korea.
2. 이모님 (Ee-mo-nim):
This term is a regional variation used in some areas to address an elder lady politely. It can be considered a combination of 이모 (informal aunty) and 님 (honorific suffix).
Examples in Context
Now, let’s look at a few examples of how to use these terms in context:
- Formal:
Q: “어머니, 이분이 거기 앉아도 될까요?”
A: “네, 아주머니. 자리를 양보해 드리도록 하겠습니다.”
Translation:
Q: “Excuse me, may this person sit there?”
A: “Yes, aunty. I will gladly give up my seat.”
Informal:
Q: “여보세요! 이모, 오늘 어디 가세요?”
A: “아, 안녕! 저 그냥 영화 보러 갈 거예요. 너도 같이 갈래?”
Translation:
Q: “Hello! Aunty, where are you going today?”
A: “Oh, hi! I’m just going to watch a movie. Do you want to come along?”
Remember to adjust the formality and tone based on the person you are addressing and the relationship you have with them. These examples should give you a good starting point!
Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to say “aunty” in Korean, you can confidently address female relatives and friends with the appropriate term, showing respect and building stronger connections. Enjoy your Korean language journey!
