엄마
eomma[ʌ̹mma̠]
eomma is the Korean term for mom.
엄마 is an informal term used by children or adults to address or refer to their mother. It is the most common way to say 'mom' in Korean.
Which one should you use?
While 엄마 is an intimate and informal term, 어머니 is the more formal and respectful way to say 'mother'. For even higher levels of respect, the term 어머님께서 can be used to imply 'your honorable mother'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
엄마 is an informal term used by children, or by adults when speaking to their mothers in a close, affectionate manner. For formal situations, you should use the respectful term 어머니. Among younger generations, the cute, informal term 맘 is also sometimes used.
How do you pronounce it?
eomma
Did you know?
- The word 엄마 is a linguistic fusion of the word for 'mother' and a vocative particle used to call out to someone. This means the word itself contains a built-in command to pay attention.
- The sound of 엄마 is an example of a linguistic universal where the 'm' sound is common for 'mother' across many unrelated languages. This occurs because 'm' is one of the easiest sounds for human infants to produce while nursing.
- In Korea, the term 엄마 is often used by adults even in their 40s or 50s when speaking to their mothers. This reflects the deep, lifelong emotional bond and child-like intimacy inherent in Korean family dynamics.
Examples in context
- 엄마, 배고파요.eomma, baegopayo.Mom, I'm hungry.
- 우리 엄마는 요리를 잘해요.uri eommaneun yorireul jalhaeyo.My mom is good at cooking.
- 엄마, 이거 봐요!eomma, igeo bwayo!Mom, look at this!
Example conversation
Dohyun is talking to his sister Seoyeon about their mother.
- 도현 Do-hyeon서연아, 엄마 어디 계셔?Seoyeona, eomma eodi gyesyeo?Seoyeon, where is Mom?
- 서연 Seo-yeon엄마 지금 마트 가셨어.eomma jigeum mateu gasyeosseo.Mom went to the grocery store just now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon언제쯤 돌아오신대?eonjejjeum doraosindae?When did she say she'd be back?
- 서연 Seo-yeon금방 오신다고 했어.geumbang osindago haesseo.She said she'd be back soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 엄마, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 엄마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
