Every language on the planet has its own way to say “mom”.After all, it’s many people’s very first word. 

Wouldn’t learning to address your mother in Korean be a sweet gift?

Whether you’re using the word 엄마 [eom-ma]  for “mother” or a more polite term 어머니 [eom-eo-ni] ,” knowing how to pronounce these words and how to use it, can be a big help if you’re in a Korea.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to say mother in Korean language in informal, polite, and formal situations and all about parents’ day with examples and exercises. 

Let’s dive in. 

how to say  Mother In Korean

Here’s how to say mother in Korean in informal, polite, and formal situations. 

• 엄마 [eom-ma] – Informal
• 어머니 [eom-eo-ni] – Polite
• 어머님 [eom-eo-nim] – Formal

Standard “Mother” In Korean| 

어머니 [eom-eo-ni] is the standard way to say mother in Korean.

You can use it in most situations and you will never sound rude. 

Again, if you wanted to say “my mom” in a polite way, you could use 우리 어머니 (our mother).

When to use

Older/middle-aged generations usually use this form while talking with their parents. 

But the newer generation doesn’t use this when talking directly to their own parents. 

Instead, it’s more common for Koreans to talk to or about someone else’s parents. 

How to use 

She looks just like her mother. 

그녀는 어머니를 꼭 닮았다.

His mother passed away last year. 

그의 어머니는 작년에 돌아가셨다.

Have you sent your mother a postcard yet? 

너 어머니께 엽서를 벌써 보냈니?

Her mother was a lovely woman. 

그녀의 어머니는 정말 인자한 분이셨다.

“Mom” In Korean

The informal way to say mother/mom in Korean is 엄마 [eom-ma]. you can use it with your own mother. 

If you want to say “My mom” in Korean, just say the word 우리 엄마 [u-ri eom-ma] which means ‘our mom’ where  “우리(uri)” means “our”.

“

When to use

You can use this form while Talking to your own parents or talking about your own parents with friends.

How to use 

Mummy, I’ve got a tummy ache. 

엄마, 나 배 아파요.

I’m going now, ma. 

저 지금 가요, 엄마.

Mum, I’m still hungry! 

엄마, 나 아직 배고파요!

Why are you so rude to your mother? 

넌 네 엄마께 왜 그렇게 버릇없이 구니?

Formal “Mother” In Korean-어머님 [Eom-Eo-Nim].

The formal way to say mother in Korean is 어머님 [eom-eo-nim]. As this is a formal word, you can use it when addressing your mother in formal situations, or in situations when you just want to sound extra respectful.

When to use

You can use this form when meeting a friend’s parents for the first time. If you are meeting your girlfriend or boyfriend’s mom for the first few times, you can use “eomeoni” (어머니) to address them with respect. 

How to use 

Mother’s health is excellent. 

어머님의 건강은 아주 좋습니다.

My mother has been nagging me a lot lately. 

요새 어머님이 잔소리를 많이 하세요.

My mother raised five kids, so she was busy. 

어머님은 아이 다섯을 키우느라 바쁘셨어요.

Conclusion

Great job. You finally know how to say mom in Korean.

If you are ever unsure of how to say mother in Korean, then it is best to stick with what you know and use 괜찮아요 (Gwaenchanayo),괜찮아 (Gwaenchana),알았어 (arasseo),네 (ne)

All these words are widely used and accepted in Korea.

Well, it’s time for you to apply it in real life and improve your pronunciation.

So go out and next time you got a chance to say mother in Korean, just use any of these as much as you can.

Koreans will understand you even if you got it wrong

Looking for know more about how to say mothers in korean  and when to use them ,you can check out our this articles on  5 different ways to say mom in korean