저희 어머니 성함은
jeohui eomeoni seonghameun
The English phrase "my mother's name is" is translated into Korean as 저희 어머니 성함은 (jeohui eomeoni seonghameun).
This phrase is used to introduce the name of one's mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 저희 (jeohui) literally means "our".
Which one should you use?
Depending on the level of politeness required, you might use different forms: 어머니의 성함은 [Mother's Name]입니다. is a more formal way to express your mother's name to show respect, while 우리 엄마 이름은 [Mother's Name]야. is used in informal situations.
How do you pronounce it?
jeohui eomeoni seonghameun
When do people say it?
In Korean, it is more natural and polite to use the plural "our" (저희) instead of "my" (제) when referring to family members to a listener.
Did you know?
- Historically, speaking a parent's given name aloud was often considered taboo or unlucky in Korea, which is why honorific titles became so deeply embedded in the language.
- While 저희 (jeohui) means 'our', it is used as a humble form of 'my' to lower the speaker's status relative to the listener, rather than implying collective ownership of the mother.
- Using the word 엄마 ('eomma') in a formal introduction can make an adult speaker sound childishly intimate.
Examples in context
- 엄마 이름은 예리입니다.My mother's name is Yeri.
- 어머니의 성함은 혜진입니다.My mother's name is Hyejin.
- 우리 엄마 이름은 지희야.My mother's name is Jihee.
- 저희 어머니 성함은 김지수예요.jeohi eomeoni seonghameun gimjisu-yeyo.My mother's name is Ji-su Kim.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are talking about their families.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 어머니는 뭐 하세요?Minjun ssi, eomeonineun mwo haseyo?Minjun, what does your mother do?
- 민준 Min-jun선생님이에요. 저희 어머니 성함은 이영숙이에요.Seonsaengnim-ieyo. Jeohi eomeoni seonghameun iyeongsuk-ieyo.She is a teacher. My mother's name is Young-sook Lee.
- 민지 Min-ji아, 성함이 정말 예쁘시네요.A, seonghami jeongmal yeppeusinneyo.Oh, her name is really beautiful.
- 민준 Min-jun감사합니다.Gamsahamnida.Thank you.
