🇰🇷 Korean phrases

How to Say "Mother" in Korean

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
어머니
"Mother" in Korean · say it like uh-muh-nee

The most natural way to say "Mother" in Korean is 어머니. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

엄마
used in casual or affectionate contexts
모친
more formal or literary term

When to use it

Use '어머니' when speaking respectfully or in formal situations. '엄마' is more common in everyday conversation, especially among children. '모친' is rarely used in daily life and is more appropriate in written or formal contexts.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Mother" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Korean

KoreanEnglish
어머니, 저 왔어요.Mother, I am back.
엄마, 나 배고파요.Mom, I am hungry.
Common mistake
Some learners confuse '어머니' with '엄마' and use them interchangeably in all contexts.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear 어머니, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Korean with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between '어머니' and '엄마'?

'어머니' is formal and respectful, while '엄마' is casual and affectionate.

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