What does 아이고 (aigo) mean? The Korean "aigoo" explained

Some very useful Korean "words" are not really words. They are sounds people make when they feel something. 아이고 is the most famous one. When you start to notice it, you will hear it everywhere.

What does it mean?

Think of it as a button for feelings. You press it, and the situation gives it a meaning.

People often use the pattern 아이고, ___야 when something hurts. Put the body part in the blank: 아이고 허리야 (my back), 아이고 다리야 (my legs), 아이고 머리야 (my head).

The 야 at the end is an ending for calling someone. It is like you are speaking directly to the part that hurts. It is a little dramatic, but many people do it.

You will also hear 아이고야, 아이구, or a short 에고. 아이구 is a common spoken form, and it has the same feelings. The official romanization is aigo. "Aigoo" is just the spelling many fans use.

It is all in how you say it

With these sounds, the way you say them is the most important part.

• A long, low 아이고… means tired or sad.
• A short, high 아이고! means surprise.
• A flat 와. (wa) can mean "not really impressed." A rising 와! means real excitement.

Watch the face and listen to the voice, not only the subtitles. Subtitles often translate these sounds as just "oh." The actor's voice shows the real feeling.

Here is 아이고 in a real conversation:

• Friend: 나 지갑 잃어버렸어. ("I lost my wallet.")
• You: 아이고, 어떡해! ("Oh no, what will you do!")

When not to say it

아이고 itself is safe almost anywhere. The problem is how it sounds.

When a young person says 아이고 while standing up, people often laugh. It makes them sound much older. People connect this sound with older people, especially grandparents.

You may sound like a grandparent if you do these things:

• Saying 아이고 every time you sit down
• Saying 아이고 허리야 after carrying one small shopping bag
• Touching your knees before you stand up

Some other sounds below do have limits. 헐 is too casual to say to your boss. With older people or your boss, a calmer 정말요? [정말료?] (jeongmallyo?) — "Really?" — is safer.

Why do Koreans make these sounds so often?

Korean conversation has many small reactions. They show that you share the other person's feelings. Silence can feel cold. So a quick 아이고 or 어머 says, "I hear you."

Here are other common sounds. They go from "safe with anyone" to "only with friends."

Some of these need more explanation:

• 어머 often comes before a compliment: 어머, 예쁘다! ("Oh my, it's pretty!").
• 에이 gently disagrees: 에이, 설마. ("Oh, come on. No way.") People also say it after a compliment: 에이, 아니에요. ("Oh, no, not at all.")
• 아싸 is for very small wins, like getting the last seat on the bus. In a serious situation, it sounds childish.
• 앗 is short and sharp. You say it when you drop water or suddenly remember something: 앗, 우산! ("Oh! My umbrella!")

Do you want to learn more about 대박? Read our guide to what 대박 means.

Quick check

1. Your grandmother stands up slowly and touches her back. What might she say? → 아이고, 허리야.
2. You win the last ticket in a prize draw. → 아싸!
3. Your friend says they ate ten bowls of noodles. You do not believe it. → 에이, 설마.