How to Say Mom in Korean
Learn how to say mom in Korean. '엄마' (eomma) is the affectionate 'mom', and '어머니' (eomeoni) is the respectful 'mother'. Pronunciation guide and usage tips.
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Quick answer
To say 'mom' in Korean, say '엄마' (eomma, UHM-ma) — the warm, affectionate word children and adults use for their own mother. The more formal, respectful word for 'mother' is '어머니' (eomeoni, uh-MUH-nee), used in polite or formal contexts and when speaking about someone else's mother.
엄마
/UHM-ma/ — Korean
How to Say Mom in Korean
Korean has two main words for “mom” — one warm and intimate, one formal and respectful. Choosing between them is all about the situation and the level of politeness.
The Affectionate Phrase
엄마 — pronounced UHM-ma
This is “mom” / “mommy” — the everyday, loving word children and even adults use for their own mother at home and in casual conversation.
Copy the Phrase
The affectionate Korean word for “mom” is 엄마 (UHM-ma). The respectful word for “mother” is 어머니 (uh-MUH-nee).
Affectionate vs. Respectful
| Korean | Romanization | Pronunciation | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 엄마 | eomma | UHM-ma | Warm/casual — “mom, mommy” (at home) |
| 어머니 | eomeoni | uh-MUH-nee | Formal/respectful — “mother” |
| 어머님 | eomeonim | uh-muh-NEEM | Honorific — someone else’s mother, mother-in-law |
| 엄마야 | eommaya | UHM-ma-ya | Calling out “mom!” (and also an exclamation of surprise) |
Adults commonly still say 엄마 to their own mother. They switch to 어머니 when being formal, introducing her, or showing extra respect — and use 어머님 when speaking to or about someone else’s mother.
Literal Meaning and Roots
Like “mama” in many languages, 엄마 is built from the soft “m” sounds babies make first, making it instinctively affectionate. 어머니 is the fuller, dignified form — the standard word you’d see in writing and hear in formal speech. The honorific suffix -님 (-nim) added to make 어머님 raises the respect level further.
Family Words to Pair With
| Korean | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 아빠 | appa | Dad (affectionate) |
| 아버지 | abeoji | Father (respectful) |
| 부모님 | bumonim | Parents (honorific) |
| 할머니 | halmeoni | Grandmother |
| 언니 / 누나 | eonni / nuna | Older sister (by a female / by a male) |
| 오빠 / 형 | oppa / hyeong | Older brother (by a female / by a male) |
Pronunciation Tips
- 엄마 (eomma): the vowel ㅓ (eo) is like the “u” in “fun” — say “UHM”, then a tensed “ma”.
- 어머니 (eomeoni): three even syllables, “uh-MUH-nee”. Don’t read “eo” as a long “ee-oh”; it’s a single “uh” sound.
- Korean stress is light. Avoid hammering one syllable the way English does.
Cultural Notes
In Korean families, the choice between 엄마 and 어머니 quietly signals tone and respect. A grown child might lovingly call out 엄마! at home, yet refer to “my 어머니” when speaking formally to a boss. When you meet a friend’s mother, greeting her as 어머님 with a small bow is warm and polite. Getting these levels right shows cultural sensitivity and earns goodwill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say mom in Korean?
The affectionate word is '엄마' (eomma, UHM-ma), like 'mom' or 'mommy'. The respectful, more formal word is '어머니' (eomeoni, uh-MUH-nee), like 'mother'. Both refer to your mom; '엄마' is warm and casual, while '어머니' suits polite or formal situations.
How do you pronounce 엄마 and 어머니?
'엄마' is UHM-ma — the 'eo' (ㅓ) sounds like the 'u' in 'fun', and the 'mm' is doubled and slightly tense. '어머니' is uh-MUH-nee: uh-MUH-nee, three even syllables with light stress on the middle one. Keep Korean stress flat and gentle.
What is the difference between 엄마 and 어머니?
'엄마' (eomma) is the intimate, affectionate term, like 'mom' or 'mommy' — used at home and in casual speech, even by adults. '어머니' (eomeoni) is formal and respectful, like 'mother' — used in polite settings, when introducing your mom, or when talking about someone else's mother.
Is it okay for adults to say 엄마 in Korean?
Yes. Many Korean adults still call their own mother '엄마' affectionately throughout life. In more formal or public situations, or when speaking respectfully about her to others, they switch to '어머니'. Calling someone else's mother, you would use '어머니' or add the honorific '어머님' (eomeonim).
How do you say 'mother-in-law' or address a friend's mom in Korean?
For a friend's mother or your mother-in-law, use the honorific '어머님' (eomeonim, uh-muh-NEEM), which adds extra respect. Some also use '아주머니' (ajumeoni) for an older woman who isn't a relative. Within the family, in-law terms get more specific, but '어머님' is the safe, respectful choice.