아야
aya[a̠ja̠]
The Korean way to say ouch is 아야 (aya).
아야 is an expression used to signify one's own physical pain. Other exclamations like 아이고 can also be used to express a range of emotions including pain, surprise or frustration.
Meaning: expression of one’s own physical pain (intj)
Which one should you use?
아야 is a specific exclamation for physical pain, whereas 아이고 is a more versatile exclamation that can express pain, surprise or even frustration. To express more intense or prolonged pain, you can double the phrase to 아야야.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아야 and 아파 are casual and informal ways to express ouch. If you wish to be polite or formal when expressing that something hurts, you should use 아파요. 아이고 is an informal exclamation used for various emotions.
How does it change in a sentence?
Doubling the phrase to 아야야 is a common way to express more intense or prolonged pain.
How do you pronounce it?
aya
Did you know?
- If you stub your toe, your reaction might involve more than just 아야. Many Koreans instinctively add sounds like 'ss-ss' or 'sh-sh' while breathing through the pain, which is a common non-verbal accompaniment to the phrase.
- If you experience a sharp pain in a formal setting, simply shouting 아야 might be seen as too childish or lacking in respect for your listener.
- Using 아야야 in written form, such as in webtoons, often indicates a 'throbbing' or 'lingering' pain rather than a sharp, instantaneous sting.
Examples in context
- 아야, 다친 곳이 있어요.Ouch, I have an injury.
- 아파! 제발 도와주세요.Ouch! Please help me.
- 아이고, 발이 너무 아프다.Ouch, my feet hurt so much.
- 아야!aya!Ouch!
- 아야, 너무 아파요.aya, neomu apayo.Ouch, it hurts so much.
Example conversation
Ji-eun accidentally bumps into Min-jun in the hallway.
- 지은 Ji-eun아야! 미안해요, 민준 씨.aya! mianhaeyo, Min-jun ssi.Ouch! I'm sorry, Min-jun.
- 민준 Min-jun괜찮아요? 어디 다쳤어요?gwaenchanayo? eodi dachyeosseoyo?Are you okay? Did you get hurt?
- 지은 Ji-eun그냥 조금 놀랐어요.geunyang jogeum nollasseoyo.I was just a little startled.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 다행이네요.jeongmal dahaengineyo.That is a relief.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ouch” translations and entries 아야, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
