앗
at
The English word "oops" can be translated into Korean as 앗.
앗 is used as a sudden, reflexive exclamation when you realize a small mistake or experience a sudden realization, similar to a sharp "ah!" or "oops!" in English.
Meaning: acknowledging a minor mistake (intj)
Which one should you use?
While 앗 is a neutral, sharp exclamation for a sudden mistake, 어머 is a more expressive "oh my" often used by women to express surprise or a minor blunder.
How do you pronounce it?
at
Did you know?
- Unlike English 'oops', which can be used to describe a mistake someone else made, 앗 is almost exclusively a first-person reaction to one's own surprise or error.
- The exclamation 앗 is often lengthened to 아앗 in webtoons and online comics to visually represent a lingering moment of shock or realization.
- The sound of 앗 is very similar to the way one might express a sudden physical pain, such as a sharp pinch, making the line between 'oops' and 'ouch' very thin in certain contexts.
Examples in context
- 어머! 커피를 쏟았어요.Oops! I spilled the coffee.
- 이런! 시간을 잊었어요.Oops! I forgot the time.
- 앗, 실수했어.at, silsu-haesseo.Oops, I made a mistake.
- 앗, 깜빡했다.at, kkamppak-haetda.Oops, I forgot.
- 앗, 너무 뜨거워요.at, neomu tteugeowo-yo.Oops, it's too hot.
Example conversation
Jihoon accidentally drops a pen while studying with Seoyeon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun앗, 펜을 떨어뜨렸네.at, pen-eul tteoreotteuryeonne.Oops, I dropped my pen.
- 서연 Seo-yeon괜찮아, 지훈아.gwaenchanha, jihoon-a.It's okay, Jihoon.
- 지훈 Ji-hun다시 주울게.dasi jueulge.I'll pick it up again.
- 서연 Seo-yeon조심해.josimhae.Be careful.
