아
a[a̠]
In Korean, "oh" can be expressed in several ways, most commonly as 아. Wiktionary also lists 오 (o) and 어 (eo).
Meaning: expression of surprise (intj)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 아 | a | [a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 오 | o | [o̞(ː)] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 어 | eo | [ʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
These terms are used as interjections to express surprise or sudden realization.
Which one should you use?
아 is the most common way to express a sudden realization or a mild exclamation of surprise. In contrast, 어 is often used as a filler word or a hesitant "oh" when someone is thinking or reacting to something unexpected. The form 오 is also available as an interjection.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
a
Did you know?
- The interjection 오 can be a homonym for the number 'five', written as 五 in Sino-Korean.
Examples in context
- 아, 메리! 톰이 널 찾고 있었어.Oh, Mary! Tom was just looking for you.This example shows how to use 아 when addressing someone.Tatoeba #8549606 by okja, translation #2592576 by WestofEden
- 아 제발!Oh please!This sentence demonstrates the use of 아 in an exclamation.Tatoeba #8363341 by Eunhee, translation #1349961 by sacredceltic
- 아니 이런!Oh no!This sentence shows 아 being used in an expression of dismay.Tatoeba #8363337 by Eunhee, translation #1299275 by CK
- 아, 정말 놀랐어요!Oh, I was really surprised!
- 어, 이렇게 멋진 걸 처음 봐요.Oh, I've never seen anything so impressive.
- 오호, 이제서야 알았어요.Oh, I finally understand now.
- 어머나, 정말 예쁘게 생겼네요!Oh, you look really pretty!
- 어머나, 어디서 이렇게 다쳤어요?Oh my, where did you get hurt like this?
- 어, 이게 뭐야?Oh, what's this?
- 와, 정말 맛있게 생겼다!Oh, it looks really delicious!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Minjun are talking about a sudden change in plans.
- 수빈 Su-bin민준 씨, 내일 약속 취소됐어요.Minjun-ssi, naeil yaksok chwisodwaesseoyo.Minjun, tomorrow's appointment has been canceled.
- 민준 Min-jun아, 정말요? 갑자기 왜요?a, jeongmal-yo? gapjagi waeyo?Oh, really? Why so suddenly?
- 수빈 Su-bin비가 너무 많이 온대요.biga neomu mani ondaeyo.They say it's going to rain too much.
- 민준 Min-jun아, 그렇군요. 알겠습니다.a, geureokun-yo. algetseumnida.Oh, I see. I understand.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oh” translations and entries 아, 오, 어, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아, 오, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
