아이고
aigo
The English phrase "jeez" can be translated into Korean as 아이고 (aigo).
아이고 is a versatile exclamation used to express a wide range of emotions including surprise, frustration, exhaustion or sympathy. Depending on the tone, it can function as "jeez", "oh my" or "goodness".
Which one should you use?
While "jeez" in English is often a mild exclamation, the intensity of 아이고 can be scaled by lengthening the vowel sound to express much deeper distress or shock.
How do you pronounce it?
aigo
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean culture, the exclamation 아이고 is often accompanied by a physical gesture of slapping one's thighs or forehead to emphasize distress.
- The phrase 아이고 is of native Korean origin and does not derive from any Chinese characters, unlike much of the Korean vocabulary.
- In certain contexts, particularly when spoken with a specific rising tone, 아이고 can be used to express sarcastic disbelief or to patronize someone's actions.
Examples in context
- 아이고, 정말 힘들다.aigo, jeongmal himdeulda.Jeez, this is really hard.
- 아이고, 깜짝이야!aigo, kkamjjak-iya!Jeez, you scared me!
- 아이고, 벌써 시간이 이렇게 됐네.aigo, beolsseo sigani ireoke dwaetne.Jeez, it's already this late.
Example conversation
Dohyeon and Subin are looking at a very long grocery list.
- 도현 Do-hyeon아이고, 살 게 왜 이렇게 많아?aigo, sal ge wae ireoke mana?Jeez, why is there so much to buy?
- 수빈 Su-bin그러게, 정말 많네.geureoge, jeongmal manne.I know, there really is a lot.
- 도현 Do-hyeon오늘 장보기 정말 힘들겠다.oneul jangbog-i jeongmal himdeulgetda.Grocery shopping is going to be tough today.
- 수빈 Su-bin도현 씨, 힘내요!Dohyeon ssi, himnaeyo!Hang in there, Dohyeon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아이고, CC BY-SA 4.0.
