우리 아이
uri ai
In Korean, "my child" is expressed as 우리 아이 (uri ai).
This phrase is used by a parent to refer to their own son or daughter.
Which one should you use?
While 내 아이 (nae ai) literally translates to "my child", 우리 아이 (uri ai) is the more natural and culturally common way to refer to one's own child.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
우리 아이 is a standard, polite way to refer to one's child in most social situations. In casual conversation, the word 아이 (ai) is often shortened to 애 (ae), making 우리 애 a common informal way to say "my kid".
How do you pronounce it?
uri ai
When do people say it?
Korean speakers often use the word for "our" (우리) instead of "my" (내) when referring to family members or things belonging to them.
Did you know?
- While 우리 아이 is standard, parents often use the word 자식 (jasik) to refer to their children, though this can be an insult when used toward someone else's child.
- Korean speakers use the same 우리 logic for 'my house' (우리 집) and 'my country' (우리 나라), extending the sense of shared ownership to the entire nation.
- The word 아이 has a complex history where it was once mistakenly spelled using Chinese characters as if it were a Sino-Korean word, even though it is a native Korean term.
Examples in context
- 나의 자식My child
- 우리 아이가 정말 잘 자랐어요.uri aiga jeongmal jal jarasseoyo.My child has grown so well.
- 우리 아이는 채소를 싫어해요.uri aineun chaesoreul silheohaeyo.My child dislikes vegetables.
- 우리 아이가 학교에 갔어요.uri aiga hakgyoe gasseoyo.My child went to school.
Example conversation
Two parents are talking at a playground.
- 수빈 Su-bin우리 아이가 여기 있어요!uri aiga yeogi isseoyo!My child is over here!
- 민준 Min-jun정말 귀엽네요, 수빈 씨.jeongmal gwiyeopneyo, Subin ssi.Your child is really cute, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin감사합니다, 민준 씨.gamsahamnida, Minjun ssi.Thank you, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun민준이 아이도 같이 놀아요.Minjun-i aido gatchi norayo.My child wants to play together too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아이, 우리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
