Korean word

음

Pronunciation

Romanizationeum

Meaning

  • interjectionhmm

Example

음 그건 좀 생각해볼게.eum keu geon chom saeng ga kae bol kke

Hmm, I'll think about that.

Illustration for 음 (hmm)

More examples

음 잠깐만요, 확인해볼게요.eum cham kkan ma nyo hwa gin hae bol kke yo

Hmm, just a moment, I'll check.

Core concept

A brief thinking sound that keeps the speaker's answer open.

Common phrases

  • 음 잠깐만요eum cham kkan ma nyo

    Hmm, just a moment

  • 음 글쎄요eum keul sse yo

    Hmm, I'm not sure

Similar words

응eung: A casual reply that shows agreement or that a message has been understood.
글쎄keulsse: A hesitant word used when a clear answer is difficult to give.
흠heum: A low thinking sound that shows hesitation or doubt about something.

Definition in Korean

머릿속으로 답을 정리할 때 잠깐 소리 내어 하는 표현으로, 보통 긍정이나 부정의 뜻을 바로 나타내지 않는다.meo rit sso geu ro ta beul cheong ni hal ttae cham kkan so ri nae eo ha neun pyo hyeo neu ro po tong keung jeong i na pu jeong ui tteu seul pa ro na ta nae ji an neun da

Word origin

The origin of 음 (eum, "thinking sound") is uncertain, and it is best understood as a natural vocal sound made while organizing a thought.

Usage tips

  • Korean 음 (eum, "thinking sound") does not by itself mean yes or no, so a learner should listen for the rest of the reply.

Other meanings

  • soundnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word