Korean word

아유

Pronunciation

Romanizationayu

Meaning

  • interjectionoh dear

Example

아유, 많이 다쳤네.a yu ma ni ta cheon ne

Oh dear, you are badly hurt.

Illustration for 아유 (oh dear)

More examples

아유, 그런 일이 있었어요?a yu keu reon i ri i sseo sseo yo

Oh dear, did something like that happen?

Core concept

A small, warm reaction that shows pity for someone facing trouble.

Common phrases

  • 아유, 괜찮아요?a yu kwaen cha na yo

    Oh dear, are you all right

  • 아유, 고생했네a yu ko saeng haen ne

    oh dear, what a struggle

  • 아유, 안됐네a yu an dwaen ne

    oh dear, what a shame

Similar words

아이고aigo: A sudden exclamation used for sympathy when something goes wrong or hurts.
아이구aigu: A short, mild cry of regret about bad news, trouble, or a failed attempt.
에구egu: A gentle sound of disappointment when an unfortunate result cannot be changed.
어휴eohyu: A brief sigh expressing weariness, mild annoyance, or relief.

Definition in Korean

아유는 짧고 부드러운 감탄사로, 놀람보다는 동정과 안타까움을 먼저 드러내는 표현이다.a yu neun jjal kko pu deu reo un kam tan sa ro nol lam bo da neun tong jeong gwa an ta kka u meul meon jeo teu reo nae neun pyo hyeo ni da

Word origin

The history of this expressive form is uncertain, so it is safest to learn it as a traditional Korean exclamation with no firmly established derivation.

Usage tips

  • This expression fits an injury or bad news better than a sudden exciting discovery, because its main feeling is shared concern.

Word lists with this word