Everyday Slang Stage 1 · Recognition
아이고
aigo
Oh my / Goodness / Oof
🗣️ How to say it
Three clear sounds: a-i-go. Some say "aigu" — same word, softer feel.
📊 Meaning spectrum
oh dear →oof →good grief
💬 When to use it
A sigh in word form. Sympathy, mild frustration, or reacting to something tiring or pitiful.
아이고, 힘들겠다. 🔊
Oh my, that must be tough.
🧠 Culture note
Spans all generations — grandparents say it warmly, young people half-ironically. Always gentle, never rude.
✅ Use it / ❌ Don't
✅ Sympathizing when someone's exhausted
✅ Reacting to a small mishap
🎬 Where you've heard it
🎯 Quick quiz
What does 아이고 mean?