Korean word

에구

Pronunciation

Romanizationegu

Meaning

  • interjectionoh dear

Example

우산을 잃어버렸네. 에구.u sa neul i reo beo ryeon ne e gu

I lost my umbrella. Oh dear.

Illustration for 에구 (oh dear)

More examples

아이를 다쳤다니. 에구.a i reul ta cheot tta ni e gu

Oh dear, the child got hurt.

Core concept

A brief sound of regret for an unexpected mishap or a result that cannot be helped.

Common phrases

  • 에구, 참 안됐다e gu cham an dwaet tta

    oh dear, that's too bad

Similar words

아이구aigu: A short exclamation of disappointment when something turns out badly.
아이고aigo: A sudden exclamation showing surprise at something unexpected.
어휴eohyu: A sighing exclamation that shows tiredness or mild frustration.

Definition in Korean

갑작스러운 안타까움이나 아쉬운 상황에 대해 짧게 탄식하며 내는 감탄사.kap jjak sseu reo un an ta kka u mi na a swi un sang hwang e tae hae jjal kke tan si ka myeo nae neun kam tan sa

Word origin

The word comes from Korean colloquial speech, and its exact historical development is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • Repeating the interjection can make the reaction sound more emphatic or sympathetic in relaxed conversation.

Word lists with this word