What does 아씨 (aish) mean?
- 아씨aish
Ugh! / Dang it!
Casual: friends and people younger than you
아씨 (aish) is a Korean exclamation of annoyance that means "Ugh!", "Dang it!" or "Argh!". People mutter it when something goes wrong, like dropping a phone or missing a bus. In K-dramas you often hear it from a frustrated character, sometimes stretched out as 아이씨.
Where it comes from
아씨 has no literal meaning on its own. Many Koreans hear it as a clipped, softened form of a much stronger swear word, which is why it carries a rude edge.
How to use 아씨
Say 아씨 to yourself when you are annoyed: you are late, you forgot something, your team lost. It is a reaction to a situation, a bit like "Ugh" or "Dammit" in English.
It is mild compared to real profanity, but it is still impolite. Never say it to parents, teachers, bosses or anyone older, and do not aim it at a person. Saying 아씨 while looking at someone sounds like you are swearing at them.
Among close friends it is common and usually harmless. If you want a cleaner way to show frustration, 아이고 or 짜증나 are safer choices.
Examples
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Realizing you overslept
Remembering you left your umbrella at home
Losing a video game round
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 아이씨 | Ugh! (drawn out) | Longer form, sounds more irritated. |
| 에이씨 | Aw, dang it | Variant that starts with a disappointed 에이. |
| 아 씨... | Ugh... | Typed with dots to show muttered annoyance. |
Questions learners ask
Is aish a swear word?
It is a mild one. It is not as strong as real profanity, but many people hear it as a softened curse, so it is rude to say around elders or at someone.
Can I say aish in front of my Korean parents or teachers?
No. Keep 아씨 for close friends or for muttering to yourself. Around elders, say 아이고 instead.
What is the difference between aish and aigoo?
아이고 is a general "oh dear" that anyone can say. 아씨 is pure irritation and has a rude edge.