아줌마
ajumma[a̠d͡ʑumma̠]
In Korean, middle-aged woman is 아줌마 (ajumma).
The term 아줌마 is a colloquial way to refer to a middle-aged woman. While it can be used as a neutral term, it can sometimes be perceived as slightly rude or overly familiar depending on the tone and context. For a straightforward, neutral and most common way to translate 'middle-aged woman', you can use 중년 여성 (jungnyeon yeoseong).
Which one should you use?
아주머니 is the more polite and respectful version of 아줌마 when addressing a middle-aged woman.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아줌마 is an informal way to address or refer to a middle-aged woman.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be careful using 아줌마 to address strangers, as it can sound dismissive. Using 아주머니 or a title based on their social role is safer.
Did you know?
- There is a cultural phenomenon known as 'ajumma power' that refers to the formidable organization and collective influence middle-aged women wield in local neighborhoods and schools.
- The historical predecessor of 아줌마 was recorded as 丫子彌 in the 1103 text 계림유사.
- The term 아줌마 can be used to refer to any married woman, even if she is not yet 'middle-aged' by Western standards.
Examples in context
- 저 아줌마는 정말 친절해요.jeo ajumma-neun jeongmal chinjeolhaeyo.That middle-aged woman is very kind.
- 길에서 아줌마를 만났어요.gil-eseo ajumma-reul mannasseoyo.I met a middle-aged woman on the street.
- 옆집 아줌마는 요리를 잘해요.yeopjip ajumma-neun yori-reul jalhaeyo.The middle-aged woman next door is good at cooking.
Example conversation
Subin and Jihun are at a traditional street market.
- 수빈 Su-bin저기 계신 아줌마가 파는 떡볶이가 맛있대.jeogi gyesin ajumma-ga paneun tteokbokki-ga masitdae.I heard the tteokbokki sold by that middle-aged woman over there is delicious.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말? 빨리 가서 사 먹자.jeongmal? ppalli gaseo sa meokja.Really? Let's go buy some quickly.
- 수빈 Su-bin아줌마, 여기 떡볶이 이 인분 주세요.ajumma, yeogi tteokbokki i inbun juseyo.Ma'am, please give us two servings of tteokbokki here.
- 지훈 Ji-hun냄새가 정말 좋네!naemsae-ga jeongmal jonne!It smells really good!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 아줌마, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아줌마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
