Korean Conversation · Level 187
15 words
Korean word
어휴
Pronunciation
Romanizationeohyu
Meaning
- interjectionoh man
Example
어휴, 또 늦었네.eo hyu tto neu seon ne
Oh man, I'm late again.
More examples
한숨 섞인 어휴, 일이 너무 많다.han sum seo kkin eo hyu i ri neo mu man ta
"Oh man, there is too much work," I sighed.
Core concept
A brief sigh that releases tiredness, mild frustration, or occasional relief.
Common phrases
한숨 섞인 어휴han sum seo kkin eo hyu
oh man, with a sigh
지친 듯한 어휴chi chin teu tan eo hyu
oh man, in a tired tone
Similar words
아휴ahyu: A weary exclamation that conveys fatigue and resigned acceptance of a situation.
에휴ehyu: A disappointed sigh that expresses discouragement when something has not gone well.
Definition in Korean
어휴는 짧게 내는 한숨 소리의 감탄사로, 피곤함이나 답답함·작은 불만을 간단히 드러낼 때 쓰이는 말이다.eo hyu neun jjal kke nae neun han sum so ri ui kam tan sa ro pi gon ha mi na tap tta pam cha geun pul ma neul kan dan hi teu reo nael ttae sseu i neun ma ri da
Word origin
The interjection is generally understood as an expressive Korean formation that imitates a short exhalation rather than a Sino-Korean or English borrowing.
Usage tips
- Its tone depends on delivery, with a short utterance sounding like a small sigh and a drawn-out one sounding more exasperated, so it fits casual conversation better than formal speech.