이모 고마워요
imo gomawoyo
In Korean, "thank you auntie" is 이모 고마워요 (imo gomawoyo).
An expression of gratitude used when speaking to a maternal aunt or a close older woman.
Which one should you use?
Use 이모 (imo) for a maternal aunt.
How do you pronounce it?
imo gomawoyo
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, it is common to show appreciation with a small gift or a handwritten thank you card.
Did you know?
- While 이모 refers specifically to a maternal aunt, you might hear it used by strangers in a restaurant to address a female server. This creates a sense of familial warmth in service environments.
- Korean has distinct words for aunts based on whether they are related to the mother or father. While 이모 is for the mother's side, 고모 is used for the father's side.
- In many Korean households, calling a close female friend's mother 이모 is a way to signal that you are practically part of the family.
Examples in context
- 이모 고마워요, 선물 정말 좋아요.imo gomawoyo, seonmul jeongmal joayo.Thank you auntie, the gift is really great.
- 이모 고마워요, 덕분에 잘 먹었어요.imo gomawoyo, deokbun-e jal meogeosseoyo.Thank you auntie, I enjoyed the meal thanks to you.
- 이모 고마워요, 다음에 또 올게요.imo gomawoyo, da-eume tto olgeyo.Thank you auntie, I will come again next time.
Example conversation
Minjun is visiting his aunt Jieun's house for a snack.
- 민준 Min-jun이모 고마워요, 쿠키 정말 맛있어요!imo gomawoyo, kuki jeongmal masisseoyo!Thank you auntie, the cookies are really delicious!
- 지은 Ji-eun민준이가 잘 먹으니 이모가 좋다.minjun-i jal meogeuni imo-ga jota.I'm happy that you're eating well, Minjun.
- 민준 Min-jun더 주세요, 이모!deo juseyo, imo!Please give me more, auntie!
- 지은 Ji-eun그래, 많이 먹으렴.geurae, mani meogeuryeom.Sure, eat a lot.
