엄마
eomma[ʌ̹mma̠]
The English phrase "momma" is translated into Korean as 엄마 (eomma).
엄마 is an informal or affectionate word used to address a mother. While it is primarily used by children, adults also use 엄마 when speaking to their mothers in a close, casual or affectionate manner.
Which one should you use?
엄마 is an affectionate, informal term, whereas 어머니 (eomeoni) is the more formal and standard way to say "mother".
How do you pronounce it?
eomma
Did you know?
- In many Korean households, an adult might suddenly switch from the polite 어머니 to the childlike 엄마 to express sudden distress or a desire for comfort.
- The word 엄마 is actually a linguistic fusion of the ancient word for 'mother', 어미, and a calling particle -아.
- While English speakers use 'momma' primarily as a term of endearment, calling your mother 엄마 in a formal setting like a business dinner could be seen as a sign of emotional immaturity.
Examples in context
- Eomeoni, kamsahamnida. (어머니, 감사합니다.)Thank you, mom.
- 엄마, 배고파요.eomma, baegopayo.Momma, I'm hungry.
- 엄마는 지금 집에 있어요.eommaneun jigeum jibe isseoyo.Momma is at home right now.
- 우리 엄마는 정말 예뻐요.uri eommaneun jeongmal yeppeoyo.My momma is really pretty.
Example conversation
A son is telling his friend about his mother.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo엄마가 선물 보내주셨어.eommagga seonmul bonaejusyeosseo.Momma sent me a gift.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말? 진짜 좋겠다!jeongmal? jinjja joketda!Really? That must be nice!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo응, 우리 엄마는 최고야.eung, uri eommaneun choegoya.Yeah, my momma is the best.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 너는 정말 효자구나.hyeonu neoneun jeongmal hyojaguna.Hyunwoo, you are such a devoted son.
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.
