아이고
aigo
The Korean phrase for "oh dear" is 아이고 (aigo).
아이고 is used to express dismay, concern, worry, disapproval, surprise, disappointment or exasperation.
Meaning: expression of dismay, concern, worry or disapproval (intj)
Which one should you use?
The variation 아이구 is a common phonetic spelling used to represent a more colloquial or drawn-out pronunciation of 아이고.
How do you pronounce it?
aigo
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean mourning rituals, 아이고 is frequently heard as a collective, rhythmic wail by bereaved family members.
- Older generations may use 아이고 as a rhythmic chant while performing heavy physical labor to keep pace and manage exhaustion.
- While it often signals dismay, an elongated 아이고 can actually be used to express relief, similar to saying 'phew' in English.
Examples in context
- 앗! 제가 도와드릴까요?Oh dear! Shall I assist you?
- 어머, 정말요? 축하해요!Oh dear, really? Congratulations!
- 어머, 어떻게 이런 일이?Oh dear, how did this happen?
- 아이고, 어떡해요?Aigo, eotteokhaeyo?Oh dear, what should we do?
- 아이고, 정말 힘들겠네요.Aigo, jeongmal himdeulgenneyo.Oh dear, that must be very hard.
- 아이고, 깜짝이야!Aigo, kkamjjak-iya!Oh dear, you startled me!
Example conversation
Hyunwoo sees Minji struggling with a heavy box.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아이고, 무거워 보이네요.Aigo, mugeowo boineyo.Oh dear, it looks heavy.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 생각보다 너무 무거워요.Ne, saenggakboda neomu mugeowoyo.Yes, it is much heavier than I thought.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제가 좀 도와드릴까요?Jega jom dowadeurilkkayo?Shall I help you a bit?
- 민지 Min-ji정말 감사합니다, 현우 씨.Jeongmal gamsahamnida, Hyunwoo ssi.Thank you so much, Hyunwoo.
