Korean Dictionary
How to say "Child" in Korean
“Child” in Korean is 아이 (pronounced "Ai").
아이
Ai
Usage & Context
A young person from infancy to early teens. In Korean society, children are highly valued and education is a major focus.
Example Sentence
아이들이 학교에 갑니다.
The children go to school.
How to use 아이 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Child” is 아이, romanized as Ai.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
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 아이.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'ah-ee' — 'ah' like the sound you make at the doctor, and 'ee' like the 'ee' in 'see'. It's two vowel sounds blended into a near-single syllable.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
어린이
eorini
어린이 is the polite, written form seen on signs, at children's events, and in official contexts like 어린이날 (Children's Day). Use it when referring to children respectfully.
Casual (반말)
애
ae
애 is the shortened, everyday form — '애가 울어요' (the kid is crying). Parents often use it among themselves about their own kids.
More Example Sentences
Casual conversation with a new acquaintance
아이가 둘 있어요.
I have two children.
A parent venting to close friends
아이 키우기가 쉽지 않아요.
Raising a child isn't easy.
Describing a neighborhood afternoon scene
아이들이 놀이터에서 놀아요.
The children are playing at the playground.
Cultural Context
아이 is the most neutral, everyday word Koreans use for 'child' — it works for one's own kid, someone else's, or kids in general. When speaking about one's own child affectionately, parents often say '우리 아이' (our child) regardless of how many kids they have. For a more formal or respectful tone — such as on public signs, in news, or at official events — '어린이' is used, as in 어린이집 (daycare) and 어린이날 (Children's Day on May 5th).
Editorial note
We review entries like 아이 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
아이가 몇 살이에요?
How old is your child?
아이를 돌봐 주세요.
Please look after the child.
아이가 착해요.
The child is well-behaved.
Related Expressions
어린이
eorini
child (polite/written)
자녀
janyeo
one's children (formal)
꼬마
kkoma
little kid (cute, informal)
자식
jasik
son/daughter / offspring
Frequently asked questions
How do I correctly pronounce '아이' (Ai) in Korean for clear communication?+
The Korean word '아이' (Ai) is pronounced by combining two distinct vowel sounds. '아' (a) sounds like the 'a' in 'father', and '이' (i) sounds like the 'ee' in 'see'. When put together, it's a smooth 'ah-ee'. There's no complex consonant involved, making it relatively straightforward for English speakers. Focus on clear articulation of each vowel. It's a simple, two-syllable word.
Is '아이' considered formal or informal when referring to a child in Korea?+
'아이' (Ai) is generally considered a neutral term, widely acceptable in most contexts without being overly formal or informal. For more formal situations, especially in written form or when referring to someone's offspring, '자녀' (janyeo) is used. Conversely, '아가' (aga) is a cuter, more affectionate term for babies or very young children. '아이' balances formality, making it versatile.
What are some other common Korean words related to 'child' besides '아이'?+
Beyond '아이' (Ai), several terms relate to children. '어린이' (eorini) specifically refers to younger children, often used for elementary school age. '아기' (agi) means 'baby' and is used for infants and toddlers. When referring to multiple children, you'd use '아이들' (aideul), adding the pluralizer '들'. These distinctions help specify age or number, enriching your vocabulary for family discussions.
Are there any common pitfalls or subtle nuances when using the word '아이'?+
One nuance is that '아이' (Ai) can sometimes be shortened to '애' (ae), which is slightly more informal but very common. Also, while primarily meaning 'child', '아이' can occasionally refer to 'a person' in certain contexts, like '좋은 아이' (joeun ai - a good person), especially when describing someone young. Be mindful of context to distinguish between 'child' and a broader 'person' meaning.
How is '아이' typically used in everyday Korean parenting and family conversations?+
In Korean parenting, '아이' (Ai) is central. Common phrases include '우리 아이' (uri ai - our child), showing affection. Parents might say '아이를 키우다' (aireul kiuda - to raise a child) or '아이를 돌보다' (aireul dolboda - to care for a child). It's a versatile term used in discussions about education, health, and daily life, reflecting the high value placed on children in Korean society and family units.
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