아이고
aigo
The English phrase "geez" can be translated into Korean as 아이고 (aigo).
아이고 is a versatile exclamation used to express a wide range of emotions, such as surprise, frustration, exhaustion or even sympathy. Another casual expression of surprise or frustration is 와.
Meaning: exclamation denoting surprise or frustration (intj)
Which one should you use?
The way you pronounce 아이고 changes its nuance: a short, sharp 아이고! typically expresses sudden shock or a quick reaction to a mistake, whereas a long, drawn-out 아이고… often expresses exhaustion or deep frustration.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아이고 is widely used across all social classes, but using it with a very high pitch or an exaggerated tone can make the speaker sound more casual or even slightly complaining. The expression 와 is specifically labeled as informal.
How do you pronounce it?
aigo
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean funerals, professional mourners were sometimes hired to wail 아이고 rhythmically to ensure the atmosphere was sufficiently grief-stricken.
- Even though it is a native Korean expression, the specific cadence of 아이고 is so iconic that it is frequently used by non-Korean speakers in Korea to humorously imitate 'grandmotherly' or 'grandfatherly' personas.
- While 아이고 is a general exclamation, Koreans use a specific variation called 아이구 to sound slightly more cute, softened or endearing.
Examples in context
- 저녁에 만나자고 했잖아요! / 어이쿠, 저 어떡해요? 이미 예약을 했어요.Let's meet in the evening! / Geez, what should I do? I already made a reservation.
- 이 문제를 어떻게 해결할 수 있을까요? / 아이고, 정말 까다로워요.How can we solve this problem? / Geez, it's really challenging.
- 오늘 아무래도 비올 것 같아. / 아이쿠, 우산 좀 가져와야겠네.I think it'll rain today. / Geez, I should bring an umbrella.
- 아이고, 깜짝이야!aigo, kkamjjak-iya!Geez, you startled me!
- 아이고, 정말 힘들다.aigo, jeongmal himdeulda.Geez, this is so exhausting.
- 아이고, 왜 이래?aigo, wae irae?Geez, what's wrong with this?
Example conversation
Minjun sees Seoyeon struggling with many heavy bags.
- 민준 Min-jun아이고, 짐이 정말 많네요.aigo, jimi jeongmal mannneyo.Geez, you have so many bags.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 너무 무거워요.ne, neomu mugeowoyo.Yes, they are too heavy.
- 민준 Min-jun제가 좀 도와줄게요.jega jom dowajulgeyo.I will help you a bit.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 감사합니다, 민준 씨.jeongmal gamsahamnida, Minjun ssi.Thank you so much, Minjun.
