아이
ai[a̠i]
The Korean word for kid is 아이 (ai).
아이 is a noun used to refer to a child in a conversational way.
Meaning: child (colloq.) (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 아이 is conversational, 어린이 is a more formal and polite term often used in educational contexts or public announcements. For a more playful or colloquial way to say "tot", you can use 꼬마.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make 아이 plural, you can add the suffix '-들' to form 아이들.
How do you pronounce it?
ai
Did you know?
- The word 어린이 was coined in the early 20th century by 방정환 to replace the older term 아이 in formal settings to show more respect to children.
- Koreans often refer to their own children as 우리 아이 meaning 'our child' even if they are the only parent present, reflecting a collectivist culture.
- In some Korean dialects, 아이 is used as an exclamation similar to 'Oh!' or 'No way!' and has nothing to do with children.
Examples in context
- 우린 아이가 한 명 있다.We have one kid.This sentence shows how to express having one 아이.Tatoeba #3676976 by ssuss32, translation #2856278 by Amastan
- 그는 학급에서 가장 둔한 아이이다.He is the dumbest kid in the class.This sentence uses 아이 to describe a student in a class.Tatoeba #5526760 by raining211, translation #72014 by CK
- 칼은 한 번도 본 적 없는 아이와 마주 보고 있었어.Karl was face to face with a kid he had never seen before.This sentence describes a person facing an 아이 they have never seen before.Tatoeba #13756447 by qlTmalffk, translation #11637802 by Amastan
- 오늘 아이들은 학교에 갔어요.The kids went to school today.
- 어린이들은 도서관에서 책을 읽어요.The children are reading books at the library.
- 저희 자녀는 학교에서 열심히 공부해요.Our child studies hard at school.
- 꼬마들은 크리스마스 선물을 기다리고 있어요.The kids are waiting for Christmas presents.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihoon are watching children at a playground.
- 서연 Seo-yeon저 아이는 누구예요?jeo ai-neun nuguyeyo?Who is that kid?
- 지훈 Ji-hun제 조카예요.je jokayeyo.He is my nephew.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 예쁜 아이네요!jeongmal yeppeun ai-neyo!He is such a pretty kid!
- 지훈 Ji-hun고마워요, 서연 씨.gomawoyo, Seoyeon ssi.Thank you, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 아이, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
