어머나
eomeona
The Korean way to say "uh oh" is 어머나 (eomeona).
어머나 is an exclamation used to express mild shock, surprise or the realization that a small mistake has occurred. It functions similarly to "Oh my!" or "Oh dear!" in English.
Which one should you use?
While 어머나 is a polite and soft way to express surprise, the informal expression 아이고 can also be used to express surprise, disappointment or frustration.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
어머나 is a polite and relatively neutral expression. It is often used by women or in more formal and polite social settings. In contrast, 아이고 is an informal expression.
How do you pronounce it?
eomeona
Did you know?
- If you use 어머나 in a very serious business meeting, it might come across as being overly 'feminine' or 'cute' rather than professional.
- Unlike the English 'uh oh' which is often used for mistakes, 어머나 is frequently used to react to beautiful or unexpected news.
- While 어머나 is common, the exclamation 아이고 is so versatile that it can express anything from extreme grief and physical pain to relief or simple exhaustion.
Examples in context
- 어머나, 지갑을 집에 두고 왔나 봐요.eomeona, jigabeul jibe dugo wanna bwayo.Uh oh, I think I left my wallet at home.
Example conversation
Minjun and Seoyeon are looking at a cake they baked.
- 민준 Min-jun어머나, 케이크가 다 탔어요!eomeona, keikeuga da tasseoyo!Uh oh, the cake is all burnt!
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 어떡하죠?jeongmalyo? eotteokhajyo?Really? What should we do?
- 민준 Min-jun다시 만들어야겠어요.dasi mandeureoyagesseoyo.I think we have to make it again.
- 서연 Seo-yeon제가 도와줄게요.jega dowajulgeyo.I will help you.
