What Does 아이고 (Aigoo) Mean in Korean?
10-Second Answer
아이고 (aigoo, also spelled 아이구/aigu) is Korea's all-purpose sigh — "oh dear," "oh my," "oof," and "good grief" rolled into one sound. It covers physical aches, sympathy, exasperation, relief, and even fond exasperation at someone adorable. Grandparents are famous for it, but everyone says it.
Quick Examples
아이고, 허리야.
aigo, heoriya.
Oof, my back.
The classic standing-up-from-the-floor sound.
아이고, 어떡해요...
aigo, eotteokaeyo...
Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear that...
Sympathy at bad news.
아이고, 우리 강아지 귀여워라.
aigo, uri gangaji gwiyeowora.
Aww, our puppy is so cute.
Fond, doting 아이고.
아이고, 또 시작이네.
aigo, tto sijagine.
Good grief, here we go again.
Exasperation.
One Sound, Many Feelings
| Feeling | Example situation |
|---|---|
| Physical strain/pain | Standing up, lifting something heavy |
| Sympathy | Hearing someone's bad news |
| Exasperation | A kid making the same mess again |
| Relief | 아이고, 다행이다 — thank goodness |
| Endearment | Cooing at a baby or pet |
| Grief | At funerals — 아이고 아이고 is the traditional wailing sound |
Tone is everything: the same three syllables can be a groan, a coo, or a lament. K-dramas are a free masterclass in the differences.
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Treating it as 'grandpa slang'
The stereotype is real (Korean parents joke you've become an adult the day 아이고 slips out as you sit down) — but all ages use it naturally.
Mistake #2 — Confusing it with 아이구머니나
That's the extended dramatic version — 'oh my goodness gracious.' Same family, extra theatrics.
Mini Quiz
1. Your Korean friend hears you failed an exam and says "아이고, 어떡해...". What are they expressing?
2. What makes the meaning of 아이고 change?
3. When Koreans joke "you're officially an adult now," what triggered it?
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
아이고, 어떡해 is one of the most common word pairs in Korean — learn the second half.
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Start today's study →Last updated: 2026-08-10 · Written and reviewed by a native Korean speaker.