아저씨
ajeossi[a̠d͡ʑʌ̹ɕ͈i]
The Korean term for older man is 아저씨 (ajeossi).
아저씨 is a common term used by both males and females when referring to an older man who is a stranger or of a significantly older age. 형 is a term that younger males can use to address an older brother figure or an older male friend.
Which one should you use?
While 아저씨 is used for strangers or much older men, 형 is used specifically by younger males to address an older male friend or a brother-like figure.
How do you pronounce it?
ajeossi
When do people say it?
Calling a man 아저씨 can sometimes be perceived as slightly blunt or impersonal depending on the social context and the man's age.
Did you know?
- The word 아저씨 was first recorded in a written form using Chinese characters in the 1103 text 계림유사.
- While 아저씨 describes a middle-aged man, the term 아저씨 can also be used to address a taxi driver or a shopkeeper regardless of their actual age.
- In modern Korean pop culture, the term 아저씨 (ajeossi) has evolved from a simple way to address a stranger into a trope representing a protective, charming, or mysterious older man.
Examples in context
- 식당에 가면 아저씨들이 음식을 맛있게 만들어 주세요.When you go to a restaurant, the older men there make delicious food.
- 저 아저씨는 누구예요?jeo ajeossineun nuguyeyo?Who is that older man?
- 아저씨, 길 좀 물을게요.ajeossi, gil jom mureulgeyo.Excuse me, sir, let me ask for directions.
- 옆집 아저씨가 친절해요.yeopjip ajeossiga chinjeolhaeyo.The man next door is kind.
Example conversation
Ji-eun is asking Hyun-woo about a man they just saw.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo저 아저씨가 누구야?jeo ajeossiga nuguya?Who is that man?
- 지은 Ji-eun우리 아버지 친구셔.uri abeoji chingusyeo.He is my father's friend.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아, 그렇구나.a, geureokuna.Ah, I see.
- 지은 Ji-eun인사드리러 가자.insadeurireo gaja.Let's go say hello.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 아저씨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아저씨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
