아저씨
ajeossi[a̠d͡ʑʌ̹ɕ͈i]
The English phrase "middle-aged man" is translated into Korean as 아저씨 (ajeossi).
아저씨 is a term used to refer to a man who is no longer young, often used as a general address for a stranger. 아저씨 can be used to address strangers politely.
Which one should you use?
While it can be used as a polite way to get a stranger's attention, using it toward someone much older or in a high social position can sometimes feel overly familiar or even slightly disrespectful compared to more formal titles.
How do you pronounce it?
ajeossi
Did you know?
- In modern pop culture, the term 아저씨 has evolved into a romanticized trope describing a rugged, protective older man, often seen in K-dramas and films like 'Uncle'.
- While it is a polite term for strangers, calling your own father 아저씨 is a major social faux pas in Korea.
- In some contexts, 아저씨 is used to refer to a man who is not actually middle-aged, but simply any man who is older than the speaker, including those in their twenties.
Examples in context
- 아저씨, 길을 좀 잃었어요.ajusshi, gil-eul jom il-eoss-eo-yo.Excuse me, sir, I am a little lost.
- 저 아저씨는 누구세요?jeo ajusshi-neun nu-gu-se-yo?Who is that middle-aged man?
- 아저씨, 이것 좀 도와주세요.ajusshi, i-geot jom do-wa-ju-se-yo.Sir, please help me with this.
Example conversation
Seoyeon approaches a stranger to ask for directions.
- 서연 Seo-yeon아저씨, 혹시 서울역이 어디인가요?ajusshi, hok-si seo-ul-yeok-i eo-di-in-ga-yo?Excuse me, sir, do you know where Seoul Station is?
- 민준 Min-jun저기 길 건너편에 있어요.jeo-gi gil geon-neo-pyeon-e iss-eo-yo.It is just across the street over there.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 감사합니다, 아저씨.jeong-mal gam-sa-ham-ni-da, ajusshi.Thank you very much, sir.
- 민준 Min-jun아니에요, 조심히 가세요.a-ni-e-yo, jo-sim-hi ga-se-yo.No problem, go safely.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 아저씨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
