어머나
eomeona
The English phrase "oh my goodness" is translated into Korean as 어머나 (eomeona).
어머나 is used to express mild shock, surprise or dismay, similar to 'oh my' or 'oh dear' in English. Other informal ways to express surprise or amazement include 와우!, an informal adaptation of the English word 'Wow' and 대박!, an informal way to convey excitement, surprise or amazement.
Which one should you use?
While 어머나 is a complete exclamation, the shorter 어머 is often used for a quicker, more clipped reaction to a surprise. 세상에 (literally 'in the world') is a more gender-neutral alternative to 어머나 when expressing shock or disbelief.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expression 어머나 is most commonly used by women or in a way that sounds feminine. 세상에 is a more gender-neutral alternative.
How do you pronounce it?
eomeona
Did you know?
- Because 어머나 carries a distinctly feminine nuance, a man using it might be perceived as intentionally acting 'cute' or 'soft' rather than just being surprised.
- While 어머나 is a standard reaction, it is often accompanied by a specific physical gesture where the speaker places a hand over their mouth to signal modesty or genuine shock.
- If you want to sound more theatrical or dramatic, you can combine two different exclamations into one powerful phrase: 어머나 세상에.
Examples in context
- 우리 수학성적이 전국 1위래! / 와우! 그래도 열심히 했으니 당연한 결과겠지?Our math grades are ranked first in the country! / Oh my goodness! But it's only natural since we worked so hard, right?
- 날씨가 정말 좋네! / 대박! 나들이 가기 딱 좋은 날이네.The weather is really nice! / Oh my goodness! It's the perfect day for an outing.
- 어머나, 세상에!eomeona, sesange!Oh my goodness, my goodness!
- 어머나, 정말 예뻐요.eomeona, jeongmal yeppeoyo.Oh my goodness, it is really pretty.
- 어머나, 깜짝이야!eomeona, kkamjjagiya!Oh my goodness, you scared me!
Example conversation
Ji-eun sees a surprise gift on the table.
- 지은 Ji-eun어머나, 이 예쁜 꽃은 누구 거예요?eomeona, i yeppeun kkoteun nugu geoyeyo?Oh my goodness, whose beautiful flowers are these?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨를 위해서 준비했어요.jieun ssi-reul wihaeseo junbihaesseoyo.I prepared them for you, Ji-eun.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말요? 너무 감사해요!jeongmallyo? neomu gamsahaeyo!Really? Thank you so much!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo마음에 들었으면 좋겠어요.maeume deureosseumyeon jokgesseoyo.I hope you like them.
