Korean word

아이쿠

Pronunciation

Romanizationaiku

Meaning

  • interjectionoh

Example

아이쿠, 정말요?a i ku cheong ma ryo

Oh, really?

Illustration for 아이쿠 (oh)

More examples

아이쿠, 아프겠다.a i ku a peu get tta

Oh, that must hurt.

Core concept

A light startled or sympathetic reaction to a sudden problem or small mistake.

Common phrases

  • 아이쿠, 다쳤어요?a i ku ta cheo sseo yo

    Oh, are you hurt

  • 아이쿠, 조심하세요a i ku cho sim ha se yo

    Oh, be careful

Similar words

아이고aigo: A brief lament when something goes wrong, hurts, or becomes difficult.
앗at: A quick cry when something is suddenly noticed and needs attention.
어머eomeo: A gentle exclamation of surprise at something unexpected, often with warm admiration.
아이구aigu: A short exclamation expressing sympathy or concern.

Definition in Korean

갑작스러운 일이나 실수에 놀라거나 안타까움을 가볍게 나타내는 감탄사.kap jjak sseu reo un i ri na sil su e nol la geo na an ta kka u meul ka byeop kke na ta nae neun kam tan sa

Word origin

The formation of this conversational interjection is uncertain, so it is best learned as a single expression rather than through an unconfirmed word history.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, it can soften a response to someone else's mistake or an unexpected event, while formal writing usually avoids it.

Other meanings

  • oh myinterjection
  • dear meinterjection

Related words

Word lists with this word