으
eu
The Korean expression for "ugh" is 으 (eu).
The term 으 is used to express a feeling of disgust. You may also encounter the informal expression 아이구, which is used to convey annoyance, disappointment or frustration.
Meaning: to express disgust (intj)
How do you pronounce it?
eu
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the sound 으 can be used as a cute or playful way to express slight distaste, known as 애교 or aegyo, rather than genuine hatred.
- If you lengthen the sound to 으으…, it can sometimes mimic the sound of teeth chattering or shivering from cold, moving from disgust to physical sensation.
- The sound 으 is a close back unrounded vowel, which is rare in many languages and requires the mouth to be in a neutral, almost grimacing position.
Examples in context
- 아이고, 다시 실수했어요.Ugh, I made a mistake again.
- 아이구, 기분이 좋지 않아.Ugh, I'm feeling upset.
- 으, 너무 징그러워요.eu, neomu jinggeureowoyo.Ugh, it's so gross.
- 으, 냄새가 너무 심해요.eu, naemsaega neomu simhaeyo.Ugh, the smell is too strong.
- 으, 저 음식 진짜 별로다.eu, jeo eumsik jinjja byeolloda.Ugh, that food is really bad.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyunwoo are looking at a bug on the floor.
- 서연 Seo-yeon으, 저게 뭐야?eu, jeoge mwoya?Ugh, what is that?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그냥 작은 벌레야.geunyang jageun beollyeya.It's just a small bug.
- 서연 Seo-yeon으, 너무 징그러워.eu, neomu jinggeureowo.Ugh, it's so gross.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo내가 치워 줄게.naega chiwo julge.I will clean it up for you.
