Korean Dictionary
How to say "Oh Dear" in Korean
“Oh Dear” in Korean is 아이구 (pronounced "aigoo").
아이구
aigoo
Usage & Context
A variation of aigo expressing sympathy or concern. This exclamation is frequently heard in K-dramas when characters are worried about someone or expressing regret. It conveys emotional depth and cultural authenticity.
Example Sentence
아이구, 너 괜찮아?
Oh dear, are you okay?
How to use 아이구 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Oh Dear” is 아이구, romanized as aigoo.
Usage tip
Drama lines are memorable, but some expressions are emotional or exaggerated compared with everyday Korean.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 아이구.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '아이구' as "ah-ee-goo". 'Ah' is like the 'a' in 'father'. 'Ee' is like the 'ee' in 'see'. 'Goo' is like 'goo' in 'goo-goo ga-ga'. It's very similar to '아이고' but often has a slightly softer, rounder 'goo' sound.
More Example Sentences
Expressing deep concern for someone who is injured or sick.
아이구, 많이 아파? 병원 가봐야 하는 거 아니야?
Oh dear, does it hurt a lot? Shouldn't you go to the hospital?
An older person doting on a cute baby.
아이구, 우리 아기 너무 예뻐라!
Oh my, our baby is so pretty!
Reacting to a surprisingly large amount of food served.
아이구, 이걸 어떻게 다 먹어?
Oh dear, how can I eat all of this?
Cultural Context
While often used interchangeably with '아이고', '아이구' can sometimes carry a slightly more endearing, sympathetic, or even playful tone. It's frequently used by older generations to express affection, concern, or mild exasperation towards younger people or pets. In K-dramas, you'll hear it when characters are worried, showing pity, or gently teasing someone.
Editorial note
We review drama-style expressions like 아이구 for tone, because lines that sound natural in a scene can feel too emotional or direct in everyday Korean.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
아이구 예뻐라
Oh, how pretty (you are)!
아이구 잘한다
Oh, you're doing well!
아이구 짠해라
Oh, how pitiful (you are)!
Related Expressions
아이고
aigo
Alas / Oh dear (variant, often stronger)
어머
eomeo
Oh / My goodness (often used by women, less intense)
웬일이야
weniriya
What's going on? / What brings you here? (can imply surprise/concern)
괜찮아?
gwaenchana?
Are you okay?
More K-Drama Expressions Words
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