Guide: How to Say “Umm” in Korean

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “umm” in Korean! As you may know, “umm” is a filler word used when pausing to gather thoughts or expressing uncertainty. In Korean, there are a few ways to convey this depending on the formality and the situation. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to say “umm” in Korean, providing you with useful tips and examples. Let’s get started!

Formal Ways to Say “Umm” in Korean

If you want to express hesitation politely or professionally, consider using the following phrases:

1. 그럼 (geu-reom) – It’s a neutral way to pause your speech, similar to saying “well…” or “so…” in English. You can use it in various contexts.
2. 어쩌라고요? (eo-jjeo-ra-go-yo?) – This is a more formal expression that can be translated as “well, what should I say?” It is typically used to buy some time before answering a question or responding to a situation.
3. 저요, 음… (jeo-yo, eum…) – This is a polite way of expressing hesitation. It can be used when you are unsure about something or when you need to pause briefly to gather your thoughts.

Informal Ways to Say “Umm” in Korean

When speaking casually with friends or family, you can use the following expressions:

1. 응, 음… (eung, eum…) – This is a casual way to say “umm” or “uhh”. It is more commonly used in informal conversations among friends or close acquaintances.
2. 아, 음… (a, eum…) – Similar to the previous expression, this is also a casual way to express hesitation. It is frequently used in relaxed conversations or when thinking aloud.

Tips for Using “Umm” in Korean

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when using these expressions in Korean:

• 1. Pronunciation: Pay attention to the pronunciation of “umm” in Korean. Focus on pronouncing the “음” part clearly to effectively convey hesitation.
• 2. Pause: While saying “umm” in Korean, remember to pause briefly to indicate your hesitation. This helps to convey your thought process or signal that you need more time to respond.
• 3. Usage: Understand the appropriate situations to use these expressions. Formal phrases like “그럼” or “어쩌라고요?” are suitable for professional settings, while the informal expressions like “응”, “음” or “아” are more appropriate in casual conversations with friends or family.

Example: Imagine you’re in a casual conversation with a friend, and they ask you if you enjoyed a movie. You could reply, “응, 음… 그냥 괜찮았어” (eung, eum… geu-nyang gwaen-chan-ass-eo) which translates to “umm, well… it was just okay”.

Remember, using fillers like “umm” in Korean can help you sound more natural and give you time to gather your thoughts. Practice these phrases in appropriate situations to become comfortable using them.

Wrap Up

Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “umm” in Korean. Whether you need to express hesitation formally or casually, you can use phrases like “그럼,” “어쩌라고요,” “응” or “음” depending on the situation. Remember to pay attention to pronunciation, pause briefly, and use the appropriate expressions based on the level of formality required. Start incorporating these phrases into your Korean conversations for a more fluent and natural flow. Happy learning!