Learning how to say “cousins” in Korean can be a helpful addition to your vocabulary, whether you have Korean relatives or just want to expand your language skills. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this concept, along with some useful tips and examples. Let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say Cousins in Korean
If you’re in a formal setting or speaking to someone older or of higher status, it’s important to use the appropriate language. In Korean, the term for cousins in a formal context is “조카” (jo-ka).
Example:
저의 조카들은 매우 귀여워요. (Jeoui jokadeul-eun maeu gwiyeowoyo.)
My cousins are very cute.
Using “조카” (jo-ka) for cousins is widely understood in formal situations and shows respect for older family members.
Informal Ways to Say Cousins in Korean
When talking to your cousins or in more casual settings, you can use the term “사촌” (sa-chon) to refer to cousins in Korean.
Example:
우리 사촌들끼리 모여서 재미있는 시간을 보냈어요. (Uri sachondeulkkiri moyeoseo jaemiissneun siganeul bonaess-eoyo.)
We had a great time together with our cousins.
“사촌” (sa-chon) is a more colloquial term used among friends and family members of the same age group.
Tips:
- Remember to use formal language when addressing older relatives or in more formal situations.
- In Korean culture, family is highly valued, so understanding familial terms can help you connect better with Korean people.
- If you’re unsure about someone’s age or the appropriate way to address them, it’s better to err on the side of formality.
- Using vocabulary words in context and practicing with native speakers can greatly improve your fluency and help you retain what you’ve learned.
Additional Vocabulary:
While the primary focus of this guide is on the term “cousins,” it might also be useful to learn a few related words:
- 형제 (hyeongje) – brothers
- 자매 (jamae) – sisters
- 삼촌 (samchon) – uncles
- 이모 (imo) – aunts
- 조부 (jobu) – paternal grandfather
- 할아버지 (harabeoji) – maternal grandfather
- 조모 (jomo) – paternal grandmother
- 할머니 (halmeoni) – maternal grandmother
Expanding your knowledge of family-related vocabulary will help you navigate conversations about relatives with ease.
Now that you have learned both formal and informal ways to say “cousins” in Korean, use them in conversations with your Korean-speaking friends or relatives to practice and reinforce your learning. Remember, language skills develop over time with practice, so keep seeking opportunities to immerse yourself in the language.
Happy learning!
