이모와 삼촌
Imowa samchon
The English phrase "aunt and uncle" is translated into Korean as 이모와 삼촌 (Imowa samchon).
This phrase is used to refer to a maternal aunt (the sister of one's mother) and an uncle (the brother of one's father).
Which one should you use?
In contrast, the phrase 이모와 삼촌 refers to the specific combination of a maternal aunt and an uncle.
How do you pronounce it?
Imowa samchon
Did you know?
- The word 삼촌 literally translates to 'three degrees' because an uncle is three steps of kinship away from you. The steps are from you to your parent, your parent to your grandparent, and your grandparent to your uncle.
- A person might address a stranger in a restaurant as 이모 to get their attention. This is a common, informal way to call a female server, much like calling someone 'auntie' in certain English dialects.
- In Korea, you rarely call your aunt or uncle by their names. Instead, you use their specific title, like 이모 or 삼촌, even when speaking directly to them as if 'uncle' were their name.
Examples in context
- 이모와 삼촌은 아주 친해요.imowa samchon-eun aju chinhayo.The aunt and uncle are very close.
- 이모와 삼촌을 만나러 가요.imowa samchon-eul mannareo gayo.I am going to meet my aunt and uncle.
- 이모와 삼촌이 선물을 주셨어요.imowa samchon-i seonmul-eul jusyeosseoyo.My aunt and uncle gave me a gift.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are talking about their family plans.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이번 주말에 누구를 만나요?ibeon jumare nugureul mannayo?Who are you meeting this weekend?
- 서연 Seo-yeon이모와 삼촌을 만나기로 했어요.imowa samchoneul mannagiro haesseoyo.I decided to meet my aunt and uncle.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 좋겠네요!jeongmal joketneyo!That sounds great!
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 정말 기대돼요.ne, jeongmal gidaedwaeyo.Yes, I am really looking forward to it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 삼촌, CC BY-SA 4.0.
