Ajumma is like a female warrior with a kind heart.
Here is what ajumma means, what they’re like, and how to politely address them in Korean!
Quick Summary
- Ajumma in Korean refers to middle-aged women, often married.
- Ajumma typically have similar styles of a tight perm, vivid hiking outfit, a visor, and sleeve protectors.
- Ajumma are known for their active personality, mental strength, and hardworking nature, often juggling multiple roles within the family and community.
What Does Ajumma Literally Mean?
Ajumma typically refers to women in their 40s to 60s.
They’re often mothers, housewives, or women who have reached a stage in life where they stop giving a hoot.
The term doesn’t necessarily show marital status, but it is most often associated with married or older women.
The word ajumma is derived from ajumeoni, which is a more polite and formal way to address a middle-aged woman.
While ajumeoni carries a respectful tone, ajumma is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversations.
Even though the word itself isn’t inherently negative, it can sometimes be perceived as lacking refinement, depending on the context and tone in which it is used.
What’s Typical Ajumma Fashion Style?
Ajumma have a distinctive fashion sense that is both functional and recognizable.
One of the most iconic aspects of their style is their love for bright, floral-patterned clothing.
Whether it’s loose-fitting blouses, pants with bold prints, or colorful cardigans, ajumma fashion is all about comfort and durability.
Another key element of ajumma style is their love for vivid hiking outfits.
Many ajumma are enthusiastic hikers, often seen in neon-colored windbreakers, sun visors, and gloves.
Even when they’re not in the mountains, you’ll find them wearing hiking outfits as everyday clothing.
Speaking of sun visors, ajumma have a serious dedication to sun protection.
They often wear oversized visors and long sleeve protectors, while driving, walking to the market, or doing chores.
More than blocking UV rays, visors are a symbol of seasoned experience and an unbothered attitude.
My best friend and I joke about how we’re turning into ajumma now, especially when she finds sun visors and sleeve protectors useful!
No discussion of ajumma style is complete without mentioning the iconic ajumma perm.
This short, tightly curled hairstyle is a low-maintenance, long-lasting choice that requires little daily styling.
What Are Some Stereotypes and Perceptions of Ajumma?
Ajumma can carry both endearing and stereotypical connotations.
On one hand, ajumma are seen as hardworking, self-sufficient, and strong-willed women who have spent years raising families, managing households, and contributing to society.
On the other hand, they are sometimes stereotyped as loud, assertive, and even pushy, especially in public settings like markets, subway stations, and grocery stores.
One of the most well-known stereotypes is that some ajumma have no problem using their elbows to secure a seat on the subway or tossing their purse onto a seat to reserve it.
It’s somewhat humorous until I really need to sit down after wearing high heels all day.
Ajumma still have an active, resilient, and hardworking spirit. Many ajumma work tirelessly in markets, restaurants, and small businesses.
They are also the backbone of many communities, actively participating in neighborhood events and taking care of extended family members.
How to Politely Address Ajumma in Korean
Most women in South Korea don’t want to be called ajumma.
I know I’m getting older every day, but I’ll be sad to be called ajumma.
Here’s how to politely address them instead:
- A married woman with a kid, especially if you’re a teacher: [A child’s name] + eomeoni
- An old lady who is a stranger: ajumeoni
- An old woman that you need to show respect: samonim or yeosanim
- A middle-aged woman at a restaurant: sajangnim (boss), emo (auntie to be friendly), or jeogiyo (the safest choice that means more like “excuse me” at a restaurant)
In summary, ajumma refers to middle-aged women in Korea.
While sometimes associated with stereotypes, the term acknowledges their strength, resilience, and essential role.
