오
o[o̞(ː)]
The Korean phrase 오 translates to "o" in English.
How do you pronounce it?
o
Did you know?
- Korean has two entirely different number systems, and 오 is only used in the Sino-Korean system, not the native Korean system.
- The sound 오 is used as an imitative expression, similar to how English speakers use 'oh' to express realization or surprise.
- The single syllable 오 can refer to an ancient military unit known as a 'troop of five soldiers', derived from the character 伍.
Examples in context
- 오, 정말요?O, jeongmal-yo?Oh, really?
- 오, 깜짝이야!O, kkamjjak-iya!Oh, you startled me!
- 오, 멋진데요!O, meotjin-deyo!Oh, that's cool!
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are looking at a new photo.
- 민준 Min-jun이 사진 어때요?I sajin eottaeyo?How is this photo?
- 수빈 Su-bin오, 정말 예뻐요!O, jeongmal yeppeoyo!Oh, it's really pretty!
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨가 좋아하니 다행이네요.Subin-ssiga jo-hani dahaeng-ineyo.I'm glad you like it, Subin.
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 아주 마음에 들어요.Ne, aju maeume deureoyo.Yes, I like it a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 오, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오, CC BY-SA 4.0.
