음
[ɯm]hangeul
In Korean, "hmm" can be expressed as 음. Wiktionary also lists 으음 (eueum).
Meaning: indicating thinking or pondering (intj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 음 | [ɯm] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | hangeul | |
| 으음 | eueum |
The word 음 is an interjection used to indicate that a person is thinking or pondering. It can also be used as a stand-alone expression in informal speech.
Which one should you use?
The form 으음 is a longer, more drawn-out version of 음, often used to indicate deeper or more prolonged hesitation or thinking.
Did you know?
- In highly formal Korean contexts, making an audible 음 sound while a superior is speaking can be perceived as rude or as if you are judging them.
- The word 음 is also the Sino-Korean term for the 'yin' principle in 'yin and yang', representing the female or dark element.
- In many Korean text-based conversations, people use 음… to soften a rejection or a disagreement. It acts as a social buffer to avoid appearing too blunt or rude.
Examples in context
- 음, 맞는 말인 거 같아.Hmm, I think you're right.This sentence is useful for seeing how 음 is used when agreeing with a statement.
- 그 길은 복잡하군요.That road seems complicated.
- 제 생각에는 그게 답이 아닌 것 같습니다.Personally, I don't think that's the answer.
- 음… 어디로 갈까요?Hmm… Where should we go?
- 글쎄, 그거 좋은 생각인 것 같아.Hmm, that sounds like a good idea.
- 글쎄, 아직은 모르겠어.Hmm, I'm not sure yet.
- 음, 조금 더 생각해 볼게.eum, jogeum deo saenggakhae bolge.Hmm, I will think about it a little more.
- 음, 그건 좀 어려운 문제네.eum, geugeon jom eoryeoun munjene.Hmm, that is a bit of a difficult problem.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Jieun are deciding which movie to watch.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은아, 어떤 영화를 볼까?Jieun-a, eotteon yeonghwa-reul bolkka?Jieun, which movie should we watch?
- 지은 Ji-eun음, 액션 영화가 좋을 것 같아.Eum, aeksyeon yeonghwa-ga joeul geot gata.Hmm, I think an action movie would be good.
- 지훈 Ji-hun음, 요즘 재미있는 액션 영화가 있나?Eum, yojeum jaemiitneun aeksyeon yeonghwa-ga inna?Hmm, are there any interesting action movies lately?
- 지은 Ji-eun한번 찾아볼게, 지훈아.Hanbeon chajabolge, Jihoon-a.I will look it up, Jihoon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hmm” translations and entries 음, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 음, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
