엄마
eomma[ʌ̹mma̠]
The English word 'mummy' is translated into Korean as 엄마 (eomma). Wiktionary also lists 어머니 (eomeoni).
Meaning: child's term for mother (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 엄마 | eomma | [ʌ̹mma̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 어머니 | eomeoni | [ʌ̹mʌ̹ni] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
엄마 is primarily a child's term for mother, equivalent to 'mummy' or 'mommy'. While it is the standard way for children to address their mothers, many adults also use 엄마 when speaking to their own mothers in casual, intimate settings.
Which one should you use?
엄마 is an informal and affectionate term.
How do you pronounce it?
eomma
Did you know?
- The term 엄마 is actually a fused form of the word for mother 어미 and the vocative particle -아, which is used when calling out to someone.
- While 엄마 is the child's term, the underlying root 어미 can be used in different contexts to refer to the mother of an animal.
- The formal version 어머니 can be even more respectful by adding the honorific suffix -님 to create 어머님. This is often used when a person is referring to someone else's mother rather than their own.
Examples in context
- 엄마, 감기에 걸리지 않게 조심하세요.Mom, be careful not to catch a cold.
- 어머니, 감기 조심하세요.Mummy, take care of yourself and avoid catching a cold.
- 엄마, 배고파요.eomma, baegopayo.Mummy, I'm hungry.
- 우리 엄마는 정말 예뻐요.uri eommaneun jeongmal yeppayo.My mummy is really pretty.
- 엄마한테 전화해 봐.eommahante jeonhwahae bwa.Try calling your mummy.
Example conversation
Ji-hun is looking for his mother in the living room.
- 지훈 Ji-hun엄마, 여기 있어요?eomma, yeogi isseoyo?Mummy, are you here?
- 민지 Min-ji응, 지훈아. 여기 있단다.eung, jihuna. yeogi ittanda.Yes, Ji-hun. I'm here.
- 지훈 Ji-hun엄마, 같이 놀아요!eomma, gachi norayo!Mummy, let's play together!
- 민지 Min-ji좋아, 지금 같이 놀자.joha, jigeum gachi nolja.Okay, let's play now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mummy” translations and entries 엄마, 어머니, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 어머니, 엄마, CC BY-SA 4.0.
