엄마
eomma[ʌ̹mma̠]
엄마 (eomma) is the Korean word for mom.
엄마 is an informal term used to refer to one's mother. It is typically used by children or by adults when speaking in a very casual and intimate setting with their own mother.
Which one should you use?
While 엄마 is the informal way to say 'mom', 어머니 is the more formal and respectful way to say 'mother'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When 엄마 is the subject of a sentence, you add the subject marker –가 to form 엄마가. When it is the direct object of a verb, you add the object marker –를 to form 엄마를.
How do you pronounce it?
eomma
Did you know?
- While 엄마 is a term of endearment, using it to address someone else's mother is considered extremely rude and socially inappropriate.
- The word 엄마 is a fused version of 어미, meaning 'mother', and the vocative particle -아, which is used to call out to someone.
- The word 엄마 sounds remarkably similar to 'mama' in many other languages because it mimics the natural babbling sounds infants make.
Examples in context
- 나는 네 엄마를 안다.I know your mom.This sentence shows how to use the form 엄마 as a direct object.Tatoeba #11106717 by intertime, translation #11165303 by Layla
- 엄마는 운동하는 걸 안 좋아한다.Mom doesn't like to exercise.This sentence shows how to use the form 엄마 as a subject.Tatoeba #4568851 by imjcooper, translation #4568147 by CD
- 우리 엄마는 나보다 동생을 더 좋아해.My mom likes my brother more than me.Tatoeba #8358408 by Eunhee, translation #3419611 by Hybrid
- 어머니, 저녁 식사 준비 도와드릴까요?Mom, may I help with dinner preparations?
- 엄마, 저 오늘 친구 집에 갈 건데요.Mom, I'm going to a friend's house today.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Dohyun are talking about their childhood at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin우리 엄마는 요리를 진짜 잘해.uri eommaneun yorireul jinjja jalhae.My mom is a really good cook.
- 도현 Do-hyeon진짜? 우리 엄마도 요리 잘하셔.jinjja? uri eommadeo yori jalhasyeo.Really? My mom is a good cook too.
- 수빈 Su-bin그럼 다음에 엄마한테 배워야겠다.geureom daeume eommahante baewoya-getda.Then I should learn from her next time.
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋은 생각이야, 수빈아.joeun saenggagiya, Subin-a.That's a good idea, Subin.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 엄마, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 엄마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
