세자빈
sejabin
The English phrase 'crown princess' is translated into Korean as 세자빈 (sejabin).
The term refers to the heiress apparent to the throne in a monarchy.
Meaning: the heiress apparent to the throne in a monarchy (noun)
Which one should you use?
세자빈 is the default form, but 황태자비 is also used to mean 'crown princess'. Additionally, if you are referring to a princess in a general sense, you would use 왕녀, whereas 황후 refers specifically to an empress.
How do you pronounce it?
sejabin
Did you know?
- In historical Korean contexts, the term 세자빈 specifically designates the wife of the Crown Prince rather than a female heir in her own right. While English uses 'crown princess' for both a daughter of a monarch and the wife of a future king, Korean titles are strictly tied to the woman's relationship to the male heir.
- The character 빈 in 세자빈 is actually a high-ranking honorific title for a concubine or a secondary wife of a king, but when attached to the Crown Prince, it elevates the woman to the status of the primary official consort. This creates a linguistic tension between a term of status and a term of rank.
- Using the title 황태자비 instead of 세자빈 was historically a massive political statement, as the character 황 changed the status of the country from a kingdom to an empire.
Examples in context
- 항상 황태자비들의 삶에 놀라움을 느꼈습니다.I've always been fascinated by the lives of crown princesses.
- 그녀는 세자빈이 될 예정입니다.geunyeoneun sejabin-i doel yejeong-imnida.She is scheduled to become the crown princess.
- 세자빈의 옷이 정말 아름답네요.sejabin-ui osi jeongmal areumdapneyo.The crown princess's clothes are truly beautiful.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Seoyeon are discussing a historical drama they are watching.
- 지훈 Ji-hun이 드라마의 세자빈 캐릭터가 정말 매력적이야.i deurama-ui sejabin kaerikteoga jeongmal maeryeokjeogiya.The crown princess character in this drama is really charming.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아, 지훈아. 연기를 정말 잘하시더라고.maja, jihoon-a. yeongireul jeongmal jalhasideorago.You're right, Jihoon. She acts really well.
- 지훈 Ji-hun세자빈이 결국 시련을 극복할 수 있을까?sejabin-i gyeolguk siryeoneul geukbokhal su isseulkka?Will the crown princess be able to overcome the hardships eventually?
- 서연 Seo-yeon내 생각엔 꼭 행복해질 것 같아.nae saenggagen kkok haengbokhaejil geot gata.I think she will definitely become happy.
