엄마 아빠
eomma appa
In Korean, "mom and dad" is 엄마 아빠 (eomma appa).
엄마 아빠 is an informal phrase used by both children and adults to refer to their parents. While children use it naturally, adults in Korea also continue to use this phrase in casual settings.
Which one should you use?
엄마 아빠 is the standard way to say "mom and dad," but for a more formal and respectful tone, you should use the terms 어머니 (mother) and 아버지 (father) instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking, adding the particle 랑 (rang) between the two words to form 엄마랑 아빠 makes the phrase sound more natural and conversational.
How do you pronounce it?
eomma appa
Did you know?
- The words 엄마 and 아빠 actually contain hidden 'hey' particles. They evolved from the older terms 어미 and 아비 combined with the vocative particle -아, which is used when calling out to someone.
- In Korean culture, adults often continue to use 엄마 and 아빠 well into adulthood to emphasize a close and affectionate emotional bond with their parents.
- Even though 엄마 아빠 are technically informal, many Korean adults use them when talking to their own parents to show warmth. However, if an adult refers to someone else's parents as 엄마 아빠, it would be considered quite rude.
Examples in context
- 아버지는 오늘 회의에 참석하셨어요.Father attended a meeting today.
- 엄마, 오늘 영화 보러 갈래요?Mom, do you want to go watch a movie today?
- 아빠, 저녁 식사 뭐 먹을까요?Dad, what would you like to eat for dinner?
- 엄마 아빠 보고 싶어요.eomma appa bogo sipeoyo.I miss mom and dad.
- 엄마 아빠는 어디에 계세요?eomma appaneun eodie gyeseyo?Where are mom and dad?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend plans.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이번 주말에 뭐 해?ibeon jumare mwo hae?What are you doing this weekend?
- 민지 Min-ji엄마 아빠랑 여행 가요.eomma apparang yeohaeng gayo.I'm going on a trip with mom and dad.
- 도현 Do-hyeon정말 좋겠다!jeongmal joketda!That sounds great!
- 민지 Min-ji도현이 너도 같이 갈래?dohyeoni neodo gachi gallae?Do you want to come along, Dohyun?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아빠, 엄마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
