어머
eomeo
The Korean phrase for "omo" is 어머 (eomeo).
어머 is an exclamation used to express surprise, shock or dismay.
Which one should you use?
The variant 어머나 is used to show surprise, shock or disbelief with a slightly stronger, more emphasized emotional tone compared to 어머.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
어머 is an informal exclamation that is primarily used by women and is considered to have a feminine tone.
How do you pronounce it?
eomeo
Did you know?
- When used as a greeting of surprise upon seeing a friend unexpectedly, 어머 is often accompanied by a light clap of the hands or a gasp.
- The sound of 어머 is quite similar to the Korean word for 'mother', which is 어머니, though they are spelled and used differently in context.
- While 어머 is a common way to express shock, it is so strongly associated with feminine speech that a man using it in a serious situation might be perceived as joking or being performative.
Examples in context
- 어머, 정말 이런 일이 생겼어요?Oh my, did something like this really happen?
- 어머나, 너 정말 대단해!Oh my, you're really amazing!
- 어머, 정말 예뻐요!eomeo, jeongmal yeppeoyo!Oh my, it's really pretty!
- 어머, 깜짝이야!eomeo, kkamjjakiya!Oh my, you startled me!
- 어머, 세상에!eomeo, sesange!Oh my, my goodness!
Example conversation
Seoyeon sees a cute puppy in the park.
- 지훈 Ji-hun저 강아지 좀 봐요.jeo gangaji jom bwayo.Look at that puppy.
- 서연 Seo-yeon어머, 너무 귀여워요!eomeo, neomu gwiyeowoyo!Oh my, it's so cute!
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨도 좋아하네요.Seoyeon ssido joahane-yo.You like it too, Seoyeon.
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 정말 사랑스러워요.ne, jeongmal sarangseureowoyo.Yes, it's truly lovely.
