Korean · Difficult words
How to pronounce 어머니 in Korean
어머니
Romanization: eomeoni
Mother
Standard South Korean; reference: SK-Standard, Seoul · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
어머니 is pronounced [ʌ̹mʌ̹ni] in Korean. In 어머니: Use a single open back-to-central vowel. The spelling “eo” in romanization represents one vowel. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in 어머니
The reference transcription for 어머니 is [ʌ̹mʌ̹ni]. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. Korean pronunciation changes when sounds meet. Follow the spoken transcription and connected example rather than reading each Hangul letter in isolation.
1.The eo vowel /ʌ/
In 어머니: Use a single open back-to-central vowel. The spelling “eo” in romanization represents one vowel.
Watch out: Do not read eo as an e followed by o.
2.Front-vowel position
In 어머니: Listen for the distinction between the closer /i/ and the more relaxed /ɪ/ when shown. Keep your tongue toward the front.
Watch out: Do not decide vowel quality from English spelling alone.
Hear it in context
제 어머니가 집에 계세요.
je eomeoniga jibe gyeseyo.
My mother is at home.
Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.
Pronunciation and variety
어머니 is presented in standard South Korean pronunciation. Everyday speech can vary in vowel quality and consonant realization. Treat the romanization as a reading aid and follow the Hangul, IPA, and recording together.
The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.
Meaning and everyday use
Questions about 어머니
How do you pronounce 어머니?
어머니 is pronounced [ʌ̹mʌ̹ni] in Korean. In 어머니: Use a single open back-to-central vowel. The spelling “eo” in romanization represents one vowel. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In 어머니: Use a single open back-to-central vowel. The spelling “eo” in romanization represents one vowel. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
