엄마 안녕
eomma annyeong
The English phrase "hi mom" is translated into Korean as 엄마 안녕 (eomma annyeong).
This phrase is an informal greeting used when speaking to one's mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 엄마 (mom) and 안녕 (hi/bye).
Which one should you use?
While 엄마 안녕 is the casual version, 엄마 안녕하세요 is a more polite way to greet a mother, often used to show a higher degree of respect.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
엄마 안녕 is informal. If you wish to show a higher degree of respect or are in a specific social context, you may use the polite form 엄마 안녕하세요.
How do you pronounce it?
eomma annyeong
Did you know?
- The word 안녕 is not just a greeting, but literally means 'peace' or 'tranquility'. By saying it, you are essentially asking if your mother is in a state of peaceful repose.
- In Korean, the way you address your mother changes depending on who you are talking to. While you say 엄마 안녕 to her, you would never use this informal version when talking about her to a stranger or a superior.
- The term 엄마 is a highly affectionate, 'baby-talk' version of the more formal word 어머니. Using it implies a very close, intimate, and comfortable bond between the child and the mother.
Examples in context
- 안녕, 엄마.Hi, mom.
- 엄마, 안녕?Mom, hi.
- 엄마 안녕!eomma annyeong!Hi mom!
- 엄마 안녕, 나 왔어.eomma annyeong, na wasseo.Hi mom, I'm home.
- 엄마 안녕, 잘 있었어?eomma annyeong, jal isseosseo?Hi mom, have you been well?
Example conversation
Subin arrives at home and sees her mother in the kitchen.
- 수빈 Su-bin엄마 안녕, 배고파요.Eomma annyeong, baegopayo.Hi mom, I'm hungry.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo어서 와, 곧 밥 먹자.Eoseo wa, got bap meokja.Welcome back, let's eat soon.
- 수빈 Su-bin오늘 저녁 메뉴는 뭐예요?Oneul jeonyeok menyuneun mwoyeyo?What is the dinner menu for today?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네가 좋아하는 불고기야.Nega joahaneun bulgogiya.It is the bulgogi that you like.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 안녕, 엄마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
