Stop Saying “My Mom” Wrong! 😱 How to Introduce Your Family in Korean Like a Local

Phase 1: Introduction

Hello! It’s the Senior Editor at Daily Hangul. 👋

Let me tell you about a student of mine, Alex. He was showing a picture of his family to his new Korean language exchange partner. Pointing confidently at his mother, he said, “내 엄마 (Nae Eomma)”.

His partner smiled awkwardly and corrected him: “Ah… you mean 우리 엄마 (Woori Eomma)?”

Alex was confused. “Woori” means “Our”. He thought, “Why is she ‘our’ mom? She’s MY mom! Did we just become siblings?” 🤯

If you’ve ever felt this confusion, you are not alone. Introducing family in Korea isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about culture and relationships. Using the wrong word can make you sound like a selfish child or accidentally rude.

Don’t worry! Today, I’ll teach you the real way to introduce your family members, just like we do in Seoul, without sounding like a textbook robot. Let’s get you ready for that moment when you pull out your phone gallery!

Phase 2: Deep Dive into Core Expressions

Here are the top 3 expressions you need to survive a family introduction.

1. 우리 (Woori)

• Pronunciation: U-ri [Sounds like the ‘oo’ in m’oo’n + ‘ree’ in ‘ree’d but shorter]
• Meaning: Our (but used as My for family)
• Editor’s Insight: This is the most distinct feature of the Korean mindset. We view family as a shared community entity, not an individual possession. Saying “My Mom” (내 엄마) sounds a bit distinct and cold to native ears. Saying “Our Mom” (우리 엄마) sounds warm and natural.
• Situation Check: Used everywhere! Casual to Formal.

2. 이분 (Ibun)

• Pronunciation: Ee-bun [Ee as in ‘ea’sy + bun (not like a burger bun, but closer to the ‘oon’ in spoon)]
• Meaning: This person (Honorific form)
• Editor’s Insight: You shouldn’t say “This thing” or just “This” when pointing at your parents. ‘이분’ is the polite way to say “This person here.” It shows you respect them.
• Situation Check: Must use for parents, grandparents, or anyone older than you.

3. 엄마 / 아빠 vs. 어머니 / 아버지

• Pronunciation: Eomma / Appa vs. Eo-meo-ni / A-beo-ji
• Meaning: Mom / Dad vs. Mother / Father
• Editor’s Insight: Just like in English! Eomma/Appa is for close relationships and childhood (or even as adults with close parents). Eomeoni/Abeoji is more formal.
• Situation Check:
  • Talking to friends about your parents? Eomma/Appa is fine.
  • Talking to your boss about your parents? Use Eomeoni/Abeoji.

Phase 3: Textbook vs. Real Life

Let’s see how the classroom differs from the streets of Hongdae.

💡 Editor’s Note: For A1 beginners, sticking to “우리 엄마예요” (Woori eomma yeyo) is the safest bet. It’s polite enough for strangers but friendly enough to show affection.

Phase 4: Cultural Context & Manners (Nunchi Time)

🚫 The Finger Point of Doom
When introducing your parents in a photo or in person, never point with your index finger. In Korea, pointing with a finger at an older person is considered rude.

• Do this instead: Indicate the person (or the photo) with an open hand, palm facing up/inwards, as if you are presenting a prize. 🫴

The “Shared” Culture
Remember the Woori (Our) concept? Even if you are an only child, you say “Our Mom.” If you say “My Mom” (내 엄마), a Korean might jokily think, “Wow, are you really that possessive?” Embrace the collective spirit!

Phase 5: Real-Life Scenario (Roleplay)

Setting: You show a photo on your phone to your Korean friend, Minji, at a cafe.

Minji: (Looking at phone) 와! 이분 누구세요?
(Wa! Ibun nugu-seyo?)
(Wow! Who is this person?)

You: 우리 엄마예요.
(Woori eomma yeyo.)
(She is my [our] mom.)

Minji: 정말 미인이시네요! 옆에는 누구예요?
(Jeongmal miin-ishi-neyo! Yeop-e-neun nugu-yeyo?)
(She is truly a beauty! Who is next to her?)

You: 아, 제 남동생이에요.
(Ah, je namdongsaeng-ieyo.)
(Ah, that is my younger brother.)

🎭 Acting Tip: When saying “Woori eomma,” smile proudly! When mentioning your younger brother, you can be more casual.

Phase 6: 10-Second Shadowing Drill

Let’s practice the rhythm. Read this out loud in 10 seconds. Focus on the pause!

“This person / is my / mom.”

이분은 / 우리 엄마 / 예요.
Ibun-eun / Woori Eomma / yeyo

Key Point: Don’t stress every syllable. Glid smoothly from Eomma to yeyo.

Phase 7: FAQ (Troubleshooting)

• Q: Can I use “Woori” for my younger brother/sister too?
  • A: Yes! Woori namdongsaeng (Our younger brother) is very common. But unlike parents, it is also perfectly fine to use Nae (My) for siblings or friends. Woori is mandatory for parents; optional for siblings.
• Q: What if I have a stepmother?
  • A: In casual conversation, most people just use Eomma or Eomeoni to be polite and simple unless you need to explain the specific family dynamic.

Phase 8: Wrap-up & Action Item

📝 One-Liner Summary:
Switch “My” to “Our” (Woori) when talking about parents, and use “Ibun” (This person) to show respect!

🚀 Today’s Mission:
Open your phone gallery, find a family photo, and practice presenting them to an imaginary Korean friend using the open hand gesture 🫴 and saying: “이분은 우리 [family member]예요.”

💬 Talk to me:
How do you call your parents in your language? Does it change when you talk to others? Let me know in the comments!

Phase 9: Pop Quiz 🧠

1. Which word should you use to introduce your mother to a Korean friend?
   • A) 내 엄마 (Nae Eomma)
   • B) 우리 엄마 (Woori Eomma)
2. When pointing at a photo of your grandmother, what gesture should you use?
   • A) Index finger ☝️
   • B) Open hand 🫴
3. True or False: “Ibun” (이분) is a rude way to point at someone.
   • A) True
   • B) False

(Scroll down for answers)