어머
eomeo
The English phrase "aww" can be expressed in Korean as 어머 (eomeo).
어머 is used to express surprise, shock or the feeling of being charmed by something cute, functioning similarly to "aww" or "oh my" in English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
어머 is an informal or colloquial expression. It is primarily used by women.
How do you pronounce it?
eomeo
Did you know?
- Though 어머 translates to 'aww' or 'oh my', it can be repeated as 어머어머 to signal that the speaker is deeply gossiping or sharing a scandalous secret.
- In Korean dramas, the phrase 어머 is a stereotypical marker used to instantly identify a character as a sophisticated urban woman or a 'middle-aged aunt' figure.
- While 어머 is a reaction to the world around you, the term 심쿵 is a popular slang noun used to describe the actual physical 'thump' in your heart when you see something cute.
Examples in context
- 어머, 정말 귀여워요!eomeo, jeongmal gwiyeowoyo!Aww, it is so cute!
Example conversation
Ji-eun shows Hyun-woo a photo of her kitten.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨, 이 고양이 사진 좀 보세요.Ji-eun ssi, i go-yang-i sa-jin jom bo-se-yo.Ji-eun, look at this photo of a cat.
- 지은 Ji-eun어머, 너무 작고 소중해요!eomeo, neomu jak-go so-jung-hae-yo!Aww, it's so tiny and precious!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 귀엽죠?jeongmal gwi-yeop-jyo?It's really cute, isn't it?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 정말 사랑스러워요.ne, jeongmal sa-rang-seu-reo-wo-yo.Yes, it's truly lovely.
