Learning a new language involves understanding not just grammar and vocabulary, but also the cultural nuances that come with it. Korean, in particular, has rich terms for family and relationships, reflecting the culture’s deep values of familial ties and social hierarchy. Here, we’ll explore some of these essential Korean terms related to family and relationships, which will be particularly useful for anyone looking to connect more deeply with Korean culture or communicate better in Korean.
가족 (Gajok) – This means ‘family’ in a general sense.
우리 가족은 매년 여행을 갑니다.
부모님 (Bumonim) – This term is used to respectfully refer to one’s parents.
부모님께서는 항상 저를 지지해 주셨습니다.
아버지 (Abeoji) – This is the formal term for ‘father.’
아버지께서는 회사에서 일하고 계십니다.
어머니 (Eomeoni) – This is the formal term for ‘mother.’
어머니는 맛있는 요리를 잘하세요.
형 (Hyeong) – Used by a male to refer to an older brother.
형과 저는 같은 학교에 다녔습니다.
오빠 (Oppa) – Used by a female to refer to an older brother.
오빠가 저를 학교에 데려다 줄 거예요.
누나 (Nuna) – Used by a male to refer to an older sister.
누나는 저보다 세 살 많습니다.
언니 (Eonni) – Used by a female to refer to an older sister.
언니와 저는 쇼핑을 자주 갑니다.
동생 (Dongsaeng) – This term refers to a younger sibling, regardless of gender.
동생과 저는 같은 방을 씁니다.
할아버지 (Harabeoji) – This is the term for ‘grandfather.’
할아버지는 젊었을 때 농사를 지으셨어요.
할머니 (Halmeoni) – This is the term for ‘grandmother.’
할머니는 제가 좋아하는 떡을 만드셨어요.
손자 (Sonja) – This term refers to a ‘grandson.’
할머니는 손자가 공부를 잘하기를 바라세요.
손녀 (Sonyeo) – This term refers to a ‘granddaughter.’
손녀는 할아버지께 편지를 자주 씁니다.
아저씨 (Ajeossi) – A respectful term used for a middle-aged man who is not a relative.
아저씨, 이 길로 가면 지하철역이 있나요?
아줌마 (Ajumma) – A respectful term used for a middle-aged woman who is not a relative.
아줌마, 이 물건 얼마예요?
친구 (Chingu) – This means ‘friend.’
친구와 저는 매주 영화를 봅니다.
남자친구 (Namjachingu) – This term means ‘boyfriend.’
제 남자친구는 음악을 좋아해요.
여자친구 (Yeoja chingu) – This term means ‘girlfriend.’
제 여자친구는 미술관에 갔어요.
배우자 (Baeuja) – This means ‘spouse’ or ‘life partner.’
배우자와 저는 결혼기념일을 축하하러 갑니다.
Understanding these terms not only enriches your vocabulary but also gives insight into the familial structures and social etiquette prevalent in Korean culture. Whether you’re interacting with native speakers or diving into Korean media, knowing these terms enhances your comprehension and appreciation of the language and its cultural context.
