아이고
aigo
In Korean, 'oh man' can be expressed as 아이고 (aigo).
The term 아이고 is a relatively informal expression used to convey surprise, frustration or mild pain. Depending on the context, other phrases can also express the sentiment of 'oh man'. For example, 어떡해 is used to express helplessness or frustration in unexpected situations, meaning 'What do I do?' If the 'oh man' is intended to express amazement, awe or surprise, you can use the informal exclamation 와.
How do you pronounce it?
aigo
Did you know?
- While 아이고 can express frustration, it is also famously used as a rhythmic accompaniment for elderly people when they are physically exerting themselves or performing chores.
- The sound of 아이고 is often used in Korean comedy to instantly characterize a person as an 'ajumma' or an elderly person, regardless of the actual person's age.
- The phrase 아이고 is so versatile that it can be used to express both extreme joy and extreme grief. The specific emotion is determined by the speaker's facial expression and the surrounding situation.
Examples in context
- 아이고, 뭐야 이거?Oh man, what's this?
- 어떡해, 오늘 시험 망쳤어!Oh man, I messed up the exam today!
- 어떡해, 내가 길을 잃었어!Oh man, I got lost!
- 와, 이 영화 정말 재밌다!Oh man, this movie is really fun!
- 어이쿠, 정말 놀랐어요!Oh man, I was really surprised!
- 아이고, 정말 힘들다.Aigo, jeongmal himdeulda.Oh man, it is really hard.
- 아이고, 벌써 시간이 이렇게 됐나?Aigo, beolsseo sigani ireoke dwaenna?Oh man, is it this time already?
- 아이고, 깜짝이야!Aigo, kkamjjak-iya!Oh man, you scared me!
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are looking at a very long line at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji아이고, 사람이 너무 많아요.Aigo, sarami neomu manayo.Oh man, there are too many people.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말이네요. 한참 기다려야겠어요.Jeongmal-ineyo. Hamcham gidaryeoyagesseoyo.You're right. We'll have to wait a long time.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 괜찮아요?Jihun ssi, gwaenchannayo?Jihun, are you okay?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 조금 지치긴 하네요.Ne, jogeum jichigin hane-yo.Yes, I am a little tired.
