aissi

Also written: aish; aishh; 아이씨; 아이쒸

An informal Korean exclamation of annoyance, frustration, anger, or disbelief, often heard as “aish” by non-Korean viewers.

Literal meaning

an irritated exclamation similar to darn it or damn

Cultural context

Aissi may function as a softened, clipped, or euphemistic expression near stronger profanity. Its force ranges from muttered irritation to a clear verbal warning that someone’s patience is gone.

How dramas use it

Characters mutter it after being interrupted, losing an argument, making a mistake, encountering a rival, or discovering that the plan has failed again.

Usage & formality

It is not polite language and should be used cautiously. The common fan spelling “aish” represents the sound, while aissi more closely romanizes 아이씨.