매형
maehyeong
The English phrase "brother-in-law" is translated into Korean as 매형 (maehyeong).
The term 매형 is specifically used by a male speaker to refer to the husband of his older sister.
Which one should you use?
While 매형 is used by a man to refer to his older sister's husband, 매부 is a more general term for a sister's husband that can be used in different contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
형님 is the general term used in most regions of Korea for a brother-in-law.
How do you pronounce it?
maehyeong
Did you know?
- Korean has many distinct words for 'brother-in-law' that English lacks. Separate words exist for a younger sister's husband, a wife's older brother and a wife's younger brother.
- Because Korean culture places high importance on social rank, calling a brother-in-law by his name instead of a title like 매형 would be considered a significant social error.
- The word 매형 is a Sino-Korean word derived from the characters for 'sister' and 'brother'.
Examples in context
- 저의 형부는 정말 멋진 분입니다.My brother-in-law is a really great guy.
- 도련님, 오늘은 어떤 일이 있으셨나요?Brother-in-law, what happened today?
- 형님, 오늘 같이 축구 볼래요?Brother-in-law, do you want to watch soccer together today?
- 매형은 정말 다정하신 분이에요.maehyeong-eun jeongmal dajeonghasin bun-ieyo.My brother-in-law is a very kind person.
- 우리 매형은 요리를 아주 잘해요.uri maehyeong-eun yori-reul aju jalhaeyo.My brother-in-law is very good at cooking.
- 내일 매형을 만나기로 했어요.naeil maehyeong-eul mannagiro haesseoyo.I decided to meet my brother-in-law tomorrow.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about Subin's sister's husband.
- 민준 Min-jun수빈 씨, 매형은 요즘 어떻게 지내세요?Subin ssi, maehyeong-eun yojeum eotteoke jinaeseyo?Subin, how is your brother-in-law doing lately?
- 수빈 Su-bin매형은 회사 일로 조금 바쁘세요.Maehyeong-eun hoesa il-lo jogeum bappuseyo.My brother-in-law is a little busy with work.
- 민준 Min-jun그래도 건강은 괜찮으시죠?Geuraedo geongang-eun gwaenchaneusijyo?But he is healthy, right?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 건강하셔서 다행이에요.Ne, geonganghasyeoseo dahaeng-ieyo.Yes, I am glad that he is healthy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 매형, CC BY-SA 4.0.
