Korean interjections

아이고 (aigo) is an all-purpose interjection for surprise, pain, sympathy or tiredness. People say it when lifting something heavy, getting hurt or hearing sad news. It can even express happy surprise, as in 아이고, 오랜만이에요! (aigo, oraenmanieyo!), 'Oh my, long time no see!' Older people use it especially often.

와 (wa) is the most common exclamation of amazement, like 'Wow!' People say it when they see a beautiful view or taste great food, as in 와, 대단하다! (wa, daedanhada!), 'Wow, that's amazing!' Stretching it out, as in 와아, makes the reaction even bigger.

헐 (heol) expresses shock or disbelief, similar to 'OMG' or 'No way.' People say it when they hear something surprising or ridiculous. It is casual and associated with younger speakers, so avoid it with older people or in formal situations.

어머 (eomeo) is an exclamation of surprise, used more often by women. A longer form is 어머나 (eomeona). It works for both pleasant surprises and awkward moments, similar to 'Oh my!' You may hear it often in dramas when a character is caught off guard.

에이 (ei) shows doubt or disappointment. 에이, 설마 (ei, seolma) means 'Come on, no way,' and 에이, 아쉽다 (ei, aswipda) means 'Aw, that's a shame.' People also use it playfully to brush off a compliment or tease a friend who is exaggerating.

어휴 (eohyu) is a sigh-like interjection for frustration, exhaustion or relief. After a hard task you might say 어휴, 힘들다 (eohyu, himdeulda), 'Phew, that was tough.' It can also follow good news after worry. Depending on tone, it may sound irritated, so be mindful.

앗 (at) is a quick sound of sudden surprise or a small slip, like 'Oops!' 아차 (acha) is used when you realize you forgot something or made a mistake, like 'Oh no, I forgot!' For example, leaving your wallet behind might make you say 아차, 지갑! (acha, jigap!).

우와 (uwa) is similar to 와 (wa) but sounds a bit bigger and more excited, a little like 'Whoa!' People often use it for childlike wonder or when something is truly impressive. The meanings overlap, so you can choose whichever feels natural in the moment.

오 (o) shows mild interest or approval, like 'Oh, nice.' A typical line is 오, 좋은데? (o, joeunde?), 'Oh, that's pretty good.' Dragging it out as 오~ can sound teasing or impressed, for example when a friend shows up looking dressed up.

아싸 (assa), also written 앗싸, is a cheer like 'Yes!' or 'Yay!' People say it, often with a fist pump, when something goes their way. It sounds the same as the slang 아싸 meaning 'outsider,' but the meaning is completely different, so context tells you which one is meant.

얏호 (yatho) is a joyful shout, similar to 'Yahoo!' or 'Hooray!' People say it when a holiday starts or good news arrives. It has a slightly cute, playful feel, so you will hear it often from children or in comics and animations.

쉿 (swit) means 'Shh!' and asks someone to be quiet. People usually say it while putting an index finger to their lips. You will hear it in libraries, theaters or when a baby is sleeping. It works the same way as in English, so it is easy to understand.

응? (eung?) is casual and used with friends; 네? (ne?) is polite. Both, said with a rising tone, mean 'Huh?' or 'Sorry?' when you didn't catch something. With strangers or older people, always use 네?. Saying 뭐? (mwo?) instead can sound rude.

Yes. 음 (eum) is the sound of thinking or hesitating, just like 'hmm' or 'um.' 음… 잘 모르겠어요 (eum… jal moreugesseoyo) means 'Hmm… I'm not sure.' Koreans also use 그… (geu) and 저… (jeo) as fillers while searching for words.

글쎄 (geulsse) means 'Well…' or 'I'm not sure,' used when hesitating. The polite form is 글쎄요 (geulsseyo). It can also be a soft, indirect way of saying no without refusing outright, so pay attention when someone answers a suggestion with 글쎄요.

엥 (eng) expresses confusion at something unexpected, like 'Huh?' or 'Wait, what?' For example, 엥? 벌써 끝났어? (eng? beolsseo kkeunnasseo?) means 'Huh? It's already over?' It is light and casual, so keep it for friends. It is light and casual, so keep it for friends and informal chats.

저런 (jeoreon) shows sympathy when you hear someone's bad news, like 'Oh dear' or 'That's too bad.' It is usually followed by a caring comment, such as 저런, 많이 아팠겠다 (jeoreon, mani apatgetda), 'Oh no, that must have hurt a lot.' Older speakers use it often.

휴 (hyu) is a sigh of relief, like 'Phew.' People say it when a worry disappears or a hard task is over. It often comes with 다행이다 (dahaengida), 'What a relief,' as in 휴, 다행이다 (hyu, dahaengida). It is natural in both casual and polite conversations.

아야 (aya) is the sound people make when they feel sudden pain, like 'Ouch!' A short 아! (a!) works too, and adding 아파 (apa) means 'It hurts.' You will often hear children say it after bumping into something. Polite speech would be 아파요 (apayo).

Most interjections don't change for politeness, but some fit certain situations better. 헐 (heol) and 엥 (eng) feel young and casual, while 아이고 (aigo) and 저런 (jeoreon) sound more natural from older speakers. Around elders or in formal settings, it is best to tone down very casual interjections.