Want to know how to call your aunt in Korean? The word you use depends on whether she is your mom’s sister or your dad’s sister.
For your mom’s sister, use 이모 (imo), and for your dad’s sister, use 고모 (gomo).
You can’t use these words for any aunt. Each word tells you which side of the family she is from.
In this article, we’ll explore different terms for “aunt” in Korean, along with examples and tips for using these words. We’ll also talk about other family words and clear up some wrong ideas, like if you can use 아줌마 (ajumma) to mean aunt.
Contents
Quick Summary
- ✅In Korean, the word for an aunt depends on her relationship to your family (이모 (imo) is used for your mother’s sister, while 고모 (gomo) refers to your father’s sister.)
- ✅Additional terms like 숙모 (sungmo) for your father’s brother’s wife and 외숙모 (oesungmo) for your mother’s brother’s wife are also used in Korea.
- ✅These terms are not interchangeable and are used to show clear familial boundaries and respect within the Korean culture.
- ✅The term 아줌마 (ajumma) actually refers to a middle-aged woman and carries no familial connotation.
How to say “aunt” in Korean
In Korean, “aunt” is said as 이모 (imo) for your mother’s sister and 고모 (gomo) for your father’s sister.
고모 (gomo) – Father’s sister
고모 (gomo) is used when addressing your father’s sister.
Example:
저의 고모는 서울에 사세요. (jeoui gomoneun seoure saseyo.)
My aunt (father’s sister) lives in Seoul.
이모 (imo) – Mother’s sister
이모 (imo) is used when addressing your mother’s sister.
Example:
이모한테 전화해야 돼요. (imohante jeonhwahaeya dwaeyo.)
I need to call my aunt (mother’s sister).
Different types of aunt in Korean
In addition to your parents’ sisters, who else can you call an aunt? Well, you will also refer to the wife of your father’s brother or mother’s brother as aunt.
In Korean, 숙모 (sungmo) refers to your father’s brother’s wife.
Example:
우리 숙모가 맛있는 케이크를 만드셨어. (uri sungmoga masinneun keikeureul mandeusyeosseo.)
My aunt (father’s brother’s wife) made a delicious cake.
외숙모 (oesungmo) is used for your mother’s brother’s wife.
Example:
주말에는 외숙모와 함께 쇼핑하러 갔어요. (jumareneun oesungmowa hamkke syopinghareo gasseoyo.)
I went shopping with my aunt (mother’s brother’s wife).
This term highlights the relation through the maternal side, similar to how other family terms are distinctly used to indicate specific familial connections.
Does “ajumma” mean auntie/aunt?
No, 아줌마 (ajumma) does not mean aunt or auntie. It’s a term used to refer to a middle-aged woman. It’s often used to address women, typically those who are married or are of middle age, in a casual or informal way. It doesn’t indicate a family connection, and it’s similar to saying “ma’am” or “madam” in English.
Example:
아줌마, 근처에 지하철역이 있나요? (ajumma, i gillo gamyeon jihacheollyeogi innayo?)
Ma’am, is there a subway station nearby?
For more words related to the topic of aunt in Korean, you may check out this list below.
| English | Korean |
|---|---|
| Cousin | 사촌 (sachon) |
| Nephew | 조카 (joka) |
| Niece | 조카딸 (jokattal) |
| Relatives | 친척들 (chincheokdeul) |
| Uncle (father’s brother) | 삼촌 (samchon) |
| Uncle (mother’s brother) | 외삼촌 (oesamchon) |
What to do next after learning how to say “aunt” in Korean
Now, you can add different ways to say “aunt” in Korean to your vocabulary! Next, how about learning more about Korean culture and family terms?
- Korean Family Terms – Explore how to address various family members in Korean, which is useful for talking to people and understanding Korean shows.
- Korean Culture – Discover more about Korean customs and traditions that shape the language and familial relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below, we’ve covered the most common questions related to using the word “aunt” in Korean.
How do Korean children typically address their aunts?
Korean children typically address their aunts by their specific titles (이모 or 고모), often followed by their name or simply the title itself. This is both a sign of familiarity and respect.
Can I use “고모 (gomo)” and “이모 (imo)” interchangeably in Korean?
No, these terms are not interchangeable. 고모 (gomo) specifically refers to your father’s sister, while 이모 (imo) refers to your mother’s sister. Using them correctly is important for clarity and respect in family contexts.
What is the proper way to address the husband of an aunt in Korean?
The husband of 이모 (imo), your mother’s sister, is called 이모부 (imobu), and the husband of 고모 (gomo), your father’s sister, is referred to as 고모부 (gomobu). These terms are specific and respectful, reflecting the familial hierarchy.
Can 고모 (gomo) and 이모 (imo) be used for someone not family related?
In Korean culture, 고모 (gomo) and 이모 (imo) are usually used for real family members, specifically aunts. They are important for showing family relationships clearly. However, in casual settings or among close friends, people might use these terms to refer to older non-relatives they respect or feel close to.
For example, a young person might call an older woman who is a friend of the family or a close neighbor “이모” even if she’s not actually their aunt. This is more about showing warmth and respect than following strict rules.
Conclusion
As we finish our discussion, we discovered that the Korean words for aunt depend on whether she’s your mom’s sister or your dad’s sister. We use 이모 (imo) for your mom’s sister and 고모 (gomo) for your dad’s sister. These terms show how Korean culture pays close attention to family connections.
Remember, knowing these terms helps you understand more about Korean family relationships and shows respect in conversations. It’s a great way to see how important family is in Korean culture.
Do you have any questions or thoughts about these Korean family terms? Feel free to share them below!
