엄마, 배고파
The English phrase "mom, I am hungry" is translated into Korean as 엄마, 배고파.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using 어머니, 배고파요 increases the level of formality and respect toward the mother by using 어머니 instead of 엄마. Adding the particle 요 to the end of the phrase makes it a polite form (엄마, 배고파요), which is more appropriate if you are speaking to an adult or in a slightly more formal household setting.
Did you know?
- In Korean, 배 is a homonym that can also mean 'pear' or 'ship' depending on the context.
- If you were to use the very formal version 어머니, 배고프옵니다 in a modern setting, you would sound like a character from a historical period drama.
- The word 엄마 (eomma) actually evolved from the formal term 어미 (eomi) by adding a vocative particle, effectively turning a title into a direct call.
Examples in context
- 어머니, 배고파요.Mother, I am hungry.
- 엄마, 배고파.Mom, I am hungry.
- 엄마, 배고파요.eomma, baegopayo.Mom, I am hungry (polite).
Example conversation
Minjun is talking to his mother in the kitchen.
- 민준 Min-jun엄마, 배고파.eomma, baegopa.Mom, I am hungry.
- 민지 Min-ji조금만 기다려, 민준아.jogeumman gidaryeo, Minjun-a.Wait a little bit, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun언제 다 돼?eonje da dwae?When will it be ready?
- 민지 Min-ji지금 다 됐어.jigeum da dwaesseo.It is ready now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 엄마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
