이모
imo[imo̞]
The Korean word for aunty is 이모 (imo).
이모 specifically refers to the sister of one's mother.
Which one should you use?
While 이모 refers to a maternal aunt, the term 고모 is used specifically for a paternal aunt (one's father's sister).
How does it change in a sentence?
To create a more respectful form, you can add the honorific suffix –님 to 이모 to make 이모님. This is used when addressing an aunt or a woman in a service role with more formality.
How do you pronounce it?
imo
Did you know?
- In many Korean restaurants, female staff members are often addressed as 이모 regardless of whether they are actually related to the customer.
- The term 이모 can also be used to refer to a woman who is not a biological aunt but is a very close friend of one's mother.
- The word 이모 is a Sino-Korean term derived from the Chinese characters for 'maternal aunt'.
Examples in context
- 우리 이모는 정말 친절해요.uri imoneun jeongmal chinjeolhaeyo.My aunt is very kind.
- 이모가 맛있는 음식을 해주셨어요.imoga masinneun eumsigeul haejusyeosseoyo.My aunt made me delicious food.
- 이모한테 선물 드릴 거예요.imohante seonmul deuril geoyeyo.I am going to give a gift to my aunt.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are talking about family members at a cafe.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 이모랑 같이 살아요?Jieun ssi, imorang gatchi sarayo?Jieun, do you live with your aunt?
- 지은 Ji-eun아니요, 혼자 살아요.Aniyo, honja sarayo.No, I live alone.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이모는 어디에 사세요?Imoneun eodie saseyo?Where does your aunt live?
- 지은 Ji-eun부산에 사세요.Busane saseyo.She lives in Busan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 이모, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 이모, CC BY-SA 4.0.
