Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 어 | eo | [ʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 저어 | jeo'eo |
These terms function as fillers or pauses during conversation. For example, the expression 어라 is used to show surprise or confusion or as a filler conveying a sense of "uh" or "hmm" while thinking. Additionally, although the word 그러니까 literally means "so" or "therefore", it is often used as an informal filler to organize thoughts or gain a moment to continue speaking.
Which one should you use?
어 is a standard filler, whereas 저어 is a more hesitant or softened version used to avoid sounding too blunt or rude in semi-polite contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 어 is used in informal or casual speech. In contrast, 저어 is a more hesitant or softened version used to avoid sounding too blunt or rude in semi-polite contexts. While 어 is a standard filler, using it in a formal setting with a superior can sound dismissive or overly casual.
How do you pronounce it?
eo
Did you know?
- While 어 is a filler like 'uh', it is also the casual way to say 'yes' in Korean. The meaning depends entirely on the length of the sound and the speaker's intonation.
- In modern digital Korean, the filler 어 is often replaced by the consonant ㅇ in text messages to represent a quick, casual acknowledgment or a thinking pause.
- Depending on the Chinese character used, 어 can refer to 'language' or even a specific ancient percussion instrument called an 'ngu'.
Examples in context
- 네, 음… 그곳에 먼저 가 보세요.Yes, uh… Please go there first.
- 저… 죄송한데요, 조금 기다려 주시겠어요?Uh… I'm sorry, could you wait a moment?
- 무슨 말씀을 드렸다… 어… 기억이 안 나시는군요.I said something… uh… you don't seem to remember.
- 어, 그러니까 그게 아니에요.eo, geureonikka geuge anieyo.Uh, I mean, that's not it.
- 어, 잠깐만 기다려 주세요.eo, jamkanman gidaryeo juseyo.Uh, please wait a moment.
- 어, 생각이 잘 안 나요.eo, saenggagi jal an nayo.Uh, I can't quite remember.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is trying to remember a specific word during a conversation with Subin.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo어, 그 단어가 뭐였지?eo, geu daneoga mwoyeotji?Uh, what was that word?
- 수빈 Su-bin현우 씨, 기억이 안 나요?Hyunwoo-ssi, gieogi an nayo?Hyunwoo, don't you remember?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo어, 갑자기 생각이 안 나네.eo, gapjagi saenggagi an nane.Uh, it's suddenly not coming to me.
- 수빈 Su-bin천천히 생각해도 괜찮아요.cheoncheonhi saenggakhaedo gwaenchannayo.It's okay to take your time thinking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uh” translations and entries 어, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
