What does 엄마 (eomma) mean?
- 엄마eomma
Mom
Casual: friends and people younger than you
엄마 (eomma) means "mom" or "mommy" and is the everyday word Koreans use for their mother. It is the first word many Korean babies learn, and plenty of adults keep calling their mother 엄마 their whole life.
Where it comes from
엄마 is a native Korean word. The fuller, more respectful word for mother is 어머니.
How to use 엄마
엄마 is warm and casual. Children, teens and many grown adults use it at home, especially daughters. In formal situations, such as talking to a boss or writing a speech, adults switch to 어머니.
Koreans often say 우리 엄마, literally "our mom," even when they mean "my mom." This is completely normal and does not mean the mother is shared with the listener.
Do not call someone else's mother 엄마. For a friend's mother, say 어머님 or 어머니. 엄마야! on its own is also a common startled cry, like "Oh my gosh!"
Examples
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A child coming home from school
Texting home while studying abroad
Bragging about your mother's cooking
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 어머니 | mother | More respectful, used by adults and in formal speech. |
| 엄마야 | Oh my gosh! | Startled exclamation, not a way to call your mom. |
| 울 엄마 | my mom | Casual, typed shortening of 우리 엄마. |
| 엄마들 | moms | Plural. |
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between eomma and eomeoni?
Both mean mother. 엄마 is warm and casual, like "mom," while 어머니 is more respectful, like "mother," and is used in formal speech.
Do Korean adults still say eomma?
Yes, very often. Many adults call their mother 엄마 at home, though they may say 어머니 in formal settings.
Why do Koreans say "our mom"?
Korean often uses 우리 (our) for things closely tied to you, like your family or home. 우리 엄마 simply means "my mom."