아가씨
agassi[a̠ɡa̠ɕ͈i]
The Korean word for "young lady" is 아가씨 (agassi).
아가씨 is a noun used to refer to an adolescent or young female.
Meaning: an adolescent or young female (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English phrase "young lady" can sometimes be used by an elder to reprimand a child, 아가씨 is strictly a noun for a young woman and is not used for children.
How do you pronounce it?
agassi
Did you know?
- While 아가씨 means 'young lady', it is also used as a slang term for a woman working in a host club or a bar.
- The historical form 아기씨 was used to address daughters of high-ranking noble families.
- While 아가씨 describes a young woman, using it to address a stranger can sometimes feel outdated or even slightly patronizing depending on the context.
Examples in context
- 저 아가씨는 정말 친절해요.jeo agassineun jeongmal chinjeolhaeyo.That young lady is very kind.
- 꽃을 든 아가씨가 보입니다.kkocheul deun agassiga boimnida.I see a young lady holding flowers.
- 그 아가씨는 어디에 사나요?geu agassineun eodie sanayo?Where does that young lady live?
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Hyeon-woo are looking at a photo.
- 지은 Ji-eun이 사진 속 아가씨는 누구예요?i sajin sok agassi-neun nugu-yeyo?Who is the young lady in this photo?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제 사촌 동생이에요.je sachon dongsaeng-ieyo.She is my cousin.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 예쁜 아가씨네요.jeongmal yeppeun agassi-neyo.She is a very pretty young lady.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo감사합니다, 지은 씨.gamsahamnida, Ji-eun ssi.Thank you, Ji-eun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 아가씨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아가씨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
