우리 엄마
uri eomma
The English phrase "my mother" can be 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 phrase consists of 우리, which literally means "our".
Which one should you use?
The most common and neutral word to refer to your mother in Korean is 어머니, and an affectionate and slightly casual way to address your mother in Korean is by using 엄니.
How do you pronounce it?
uri eomma
When do people say it?
In Korean, it is more natural to use 'our' (우리) instead of 'my' (나의) when referring to family members.
Did you know?
- Koreans often use 우리 for things they don't actually share, such as saying 우리 집 ('our house') even if they are the sole owner.
- In Korean culture, using 'our' (우리) instead of 'my' (나의) for family reflects a collective identity where the family is viewed as a shared unit rather than a collection of individuals.
- The word 엄마 is actually a fused version of the word for mother 어미 and the vocative particle -아 used when calling out to someone.
Examples in context
- 우리 엄마는 우유를 맛보셨다.My mother tasted the milk.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 우리 엄마 in a sentence about tasting milk.Tatoeba #11105993 by intertime, translation #320653 by CK
- 우리 엄마는 그렇게 열심히 공부하지 말래.My mother told me not to study so hard.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 우리 엄마 when reporting what your mother said about studying.Tatoeba #3674950 by Eunhee, translation #3954013 by KoreanBeaver
- 우리 엄마는 요리를 정말 잘하세요.uri eommaneun yorireul jeongmal jalhaseyo.My mother is really good at cooking.
Example conversation
Jieun and Dohyun are talking about their families.
- 지은 Ji-eun우리 엄마가 만든 케이크 먹어볼래?uri eommaga mandeun keikeu meogeobollae?Do you want to try some cake my mother made?
- 도현 Do-hyeon응, 정말 맛있겠다!eung, jeongmal masitgetda!Yes, that sounds delicious!
- 지은 Ji-eun우리 엄마는 베이킹을 좋아하시거든.uri eommaneun beiking-eul joahashigeodeun.My mother loves baking.
- 도현 Do-hyeon다음에 나도 꼭 먹어보고 싶어.daeume nado kkok meogeobogo sipeo.I really want to try it next time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 엄마, 우리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
