Learn Must-Know Words, Common Phrases, and Cultural Tips for Describing Family in Korean (κ°μ‘±)
Talking about your family is one of the most common topics in daily conversation, Korean classes, and even small talk in Korea. In this guide, youβll learn how to describe your family in Korean with accurate vocabulary (κ°μ‘± μ΄ν), respectful expressions, and cultural context.
π Must-Know Family Vocabulary in Korean
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| κ°μ‘± | ga-jok | Family |
| λΆλͺ¨λ | bu-mo-nim | Parents (honorific) |
| μλ²μ§ / μλΉ | a-beo-ji / a-ppa | Father / Dad |
| μ΄λ¨Έλ / μλ§ | eo-meo-ni / eom-ma | Mother / Mom |
| ν | hyeong | Older brother (used by males) |
| μ€λΉ | o-ppa | Older brother (used by females) |
| λλ | nu-na | Older sister (used by males) |
| μΈλ | eon-ni | Older sister (used by females) |
| λ¨λμ | nam-dong-saeng | Younger brother |
| μ¬λμ | yeo-dong-saeng | Younger sister |
| νμ | hyeong-je | Siblings (brothers) |
| μ맀 | ja-mae | Sisters |
| λ°°μ°μ | bae-u-ja | Spouse |
| λ¨νΈ | nam-pyeon | Husband |
| μλ΄ / λΆμΈ | a-nae / bu-in | Wife |
| μμ / μλ | ja-sik / ja-nyeo | Children (general / honorific) |
| μλ€ | a-deul | Son |
| λΈ | ttal | Daughter |
| μ‘°λΆλͺ¨ | jo-bu-mo | Grandparents |
| ν μλ²μ§ | hal-a-beo-ji | Grandfather |
| ν λ¨Έλ | hal-meo-ni | Grandmother |
π£οΈ Common Korean Expressions for Talking About Family
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| κ°μ‘±μ΄ λͺ λͺ μ΄μμ? | ga-jok-i myeot myeong-i-e-yo? | How many people are in your family? |
| λΆλͺ¨λκ³Ό ν¨κ» μ΄μμ. | bu-mo-nim-gwa ham-kke sal-a-yo | I live with my parents. |
| νμ κ° μμ΄μ? | hyeong-je-ga iss-eo-yo? | Do you have any siblings? |
| μ λ μΈλμ΄μμ. | jeo-neun oe-dong-i-e-yo | I’m an only child. |
| μ λ λ μμ΄κ° μμ΄μ. | jeo-neun du a-i-ga iss-eo-yo | I have two children. |
| κ²°νΌνμ΄μ. | gyeol-hon-haess-eo-yo | Iβm married. |
| μμ§ κ²°νΌ μ νμ΄μ. | a-jik gyeol-hon an haess-eo-yo | Iβm not married yet. |
| μ κ°μ‘±μ λ€ λͺ μ΄μμ. | je ga-jok-eun ne myeong-i-e-yo | My family has four people. |
π― Describing Your Family in Full Sentences (with Templates)
- μ κ°μ‘±μ [λͺ
μ] λͺ
μ΄μμ.
β My family has [number] members. - μλ²μ§λ [μ§μ
]μ΄μκ³ , μ΄λ¨Έλλ [μ§μ
]μ΄μΈμ.
β My dad is a [job], and my mom is a [job]. - νμ΄ ν λͺ
μκ³ , μ¬λμλ μμ΄μ.
β I have one older brother and a younger sister. - μλ΄μ μλ€ νλκ° μμ΄μ.
β I have a wife and one son. - κ°μ‘±κ³Ό μμ£Ό μ°λ½ν΄μ.
β I often keep in touch with my family.
π‘ Cultural Notes & Social Tips
π 1. Respectful Terms Matter
Use -λ when referring to parents or elders (e.g. λΆλͺ¨λ, μ΄λ¨Έλ). Itβs common to refer to your own parents humbly and others’ family members with honorifics.
π§Ύ 2. Family Roles Reflect Social Structure
Titles are specific depending on gender and age. For example:
- λ¨μμκ²λ ν, λλ
- μ¬μμκ²λ μ€λΉ , μΈλ
π§βπ» 3. Common Small Talk
Koreans often ask about your family early in conversation. Itβs polite and can build rapport, especially in work, homestay, or school environments.
π΅ 4. Grandparents and Extended Family
Extended family members have very specific vocabulary:
- μΈν λ¨Έλ = maternal grandmother
- μμ΄λ¨Έλ = mother-in-law (husband’s side)
- μ²ν = sister-in-law (wife’s side)
π Let me know if youβd like a separate post on in-laws and extended family!
𧩠Bonus Vocabulary for Talking About Family in Detail
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| μΈλμλ€ / μΈλλΈ | oe-dong-a-deul / oe-dong-ttal | Only son / Only daughter |
| μ΄νΌ | i-hon | Divorce |
| μ¬νΌ | jae-hon | Remarriage |
| μ μ | ip-yang | Adoption |
| ν°μλ²μ§ | keun-a-beo-ji | Uncle (fatherβs older brother) |
| μ¬μ΄ | sa-chon | Cousin |
| μΉκ° / μΈκ° | chin-ga / oe-ga | Father’s side / Mother’s side (family) |
| κ°μ‘± λͺ¨μ | ga-jok mo-im | Family gathering |
| ν¨λ | hyo-do | Filial duty / Respect to parents |
| μ₯λ¨ / μ₯λ | jang-nam / jang-nyeo | First son / First daughter |
π Vocabulary Quiz
- What do you call your older sister if you are a female?
- How do you say βI have one younger brotherβ in Korean?
- Translate: βMy father is a teacher.β
π¬ Comment your answers and share how you would describe your family in Korean!
π Want to Learn More?
βοΈ Texting vocabulary
βοΈ Having a baby & Pregnancy
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