음
eum[ɯm]
The Korean phrase for "um" is 음 (eum).
음 is a filler word used to indicate hesitation or to give a speaker a moment to think while they are speaking.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is eum.
Did you know?
- The syllable 음 can also represent the 'yin' in the 'yin and yang' philosophy, symbolizing the female principle, darkness and cold.
- Depending on the tone, 음 can be used as a non-verbal way to say 'yes' or 'I agree' during a conversation, acting as a back-channel signal.
- When written as 음?, the phrase shifts from a filler word to a questioning sound, similar to 'Huh?' or 'What?' in English.
Examples in context
- 음, 그게 뭐라고 했지?eum, geuge mworago haetji?Um, what did you say that was?
- 음, 조금 더 생각할게요.eum, jogeum deo saenggakhalgeyo.Um, I will think a little more.
- 음, 뭐라고 해야 할까요?eum, mworago haeya halkkayo?Um, how should I say this?
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-u are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- 지은 Ji-eun현우 씨, 오늘 저녁 뭐 먹을까요?Hyeon-u ssi, oneul jeonyeok mwo meogeulkayo?Hyeon-u, what shall we eat for dinner today?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo음, 글쎄요. 파스타 어때요?eum, geulsseyo. pasuta eottaeyo?Um, well. How about pasta?
- 지은 Ji-eun음, 저는 오늘은 면이 별로예요.eum, jeoneun oneureun myeoni byeolloyeyo.Um, I'm not really in the mood for noodles today.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 고기 먹으러 갈까요?geureom gogi meogeureo galkkayo?Then, shall we go eat meat?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 음, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 음, CC BY-SA 4.0.
