사촌들
sachondeul
The English phrase "cousins" is translated into Korean as 사촌들 (sachondeul).
The term is used to refer to the children of one's aunts or uncles. In natural Korean conversation, the plural marker is often omitted because the context usually makes it clear.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun 사촌, which literally means "fourth degree relative" (referring to the genealogical distance in the family tree) and the plural suffix 들.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix 들 is a plural marker added to the noun 사촌 to indicate plurality, making it 'cousins'.
How do you pronounce it?
sachondeul
Did you know?
- If a cousin is older than you, you might call them 오빠 (older brother) or 언니 (older sister) rather than using the word for 'cousin' at all.
- There are different words for cousins depending on which side of the family they are on, such as 고종사촌 for paternal aunts' children versus 이종사촌 for maternal aunts' children.
- In Korean culture, the term 사촌 specifically refers to first cousins. There are unique, distinct terms for second 육촌 and third 팔촌 cousins that are used far more frequently than in English.
Examples in context
- 우리 사촌들끼리 모여서 재미있는 시간을 보냈어요.We had a great time together with our cousins.
- 사촌들은 다 친해요.sachondeureun da chinhaeyo.My cousins are all close.
- 우리 사촌들은 서울에 살아요.uri sachondeureun seoure sarayo.My cousins live in Seoul.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are talking about family gatherings.
- 민지 Min-ji민준 씨, 사촌들 많이 만나요?Minjun ssi, sachondeul mani mannayo?Minjun, do you see your cousins often?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 사촌들은 다 모여서 놀아요.Ne, sachondeureun da moyeoseo norayo.Yes, my cousins all gather and hang out.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 즐겁겠어요.Jeongmal jeulgeopgesseoyo.That sounds like fun.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨도 사촌들이 많아요?Minji ssi-do sachondeuri manayo?Do you have many cousins too, Minji?
