우리 엄마
uri eomma
The English phrase "my mom" is translated into Korean as 우리 엄마 (uri eomma).
우리 엄마 is a phrase used to refer to one's own mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 우리 literally means "our" rather than "my".
How do you pronounce it?
uri eomma
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 내 엄마 because of the English possessive "my", but 우리 엄마 is the standard idiomatic expression.
When do people say it?
In Korean, it is more natural to say "our mom" (우리 엄마) instead of "my mom" when referring to one's own mother.
Did you know?
- Korean speakers use 우리 for other shared entities, such as 우리 집 for 'my house' and 우리 나라 for 'my country'.
- The word 엄마 originated as a fused vocative, combining the word for mother 어미 and the calling particle -아.
- Even if you are an only child, you should still say 우리 엄마 rather than 'my mom', because the concept of 'our' applies to the family identity rather than the number of siblings.
Examples in context
- 우리 엄마는 나보다 동생을 더 좋아해.My mom likes my brother more than me.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 우리 엄마 to talk about preferences.Tatoeba #8358408 by Eunhee, translation #3419611 by Hybrid
- 우리 엄마는 나이에 비해 여전히 젊어 보여요.My mom still looks a lot younger than her age.This sentence is useful for using 우리 엄마 to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #11112125 by Eunhee, translation #12965015 by Uwe
- 엄마는 아주 친절한 분이에요.My mom is a very kind person.
- 엄마는 최고야!My mom is the best!
- 우리 엄마는 요리를 정말 잘해.uri eommaneun yorireul jeongmal jalhae.My mom is really good at cooking.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are talking about their weekend plans.
- 민지 Min-ji이번 주말에 우리 엄마 집에 가요.ibeon jumare uri eomma jibe gayo.I am going to my mom's house this weekend.
- 민준 Min-jun정말요? 같이 가도 될까요?jeongmalyo? gachi gado doelkkayo?Really? Can I go with you?
- 민지 Min-ji우리 엄마가 좋아하실 거예요.uri eommaga joahasil geoyeyo.My mom will like that.
- 민준 Min-jun감사합니다. 그럼 같이 가요!gamsahamnida. geureom gachi gayo!Thank you. Let's go together then!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 엄마, 우리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
