연장자
yeonjangja
The English phrase "elder" is translated into Korean as 연장자 (yeonjangja).
연장자 is used to refer to an elder or senior, often in the context of social etiquette, rights or hierarchies, such as when discussing the concept of respecting one's elders.
Meaning: old person (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 연장자 focuses on a person being older within a social hierarchy, the term 노인 is a more neutral or clinical term for an 'old person' and can sometimes feel more blunt.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
연장자 is a formal and respectful term suitable for official, legal or polite social contexts. For a more formal way to say "elder", you can use 어르신.
How do you pronounce it?
yeonjangja
Did you know?
- In traditional Korean culture, the 연장자 is typically the first person to lift their chopsticks or take a sip of drink at a meal.
- In Korea, being an 연장자 can grant a person the social right to speak more informally to others, regardless of whether they are family or strangers.
- In Korean culture, even a one-year difference can turn someone into an 연장자 in a social group, a distinction that is much more rigid than in many English-speaking cultures.
Examples in context
- 어르신께서 오셨습니다.The elder has arrived.
- 어머님이 어르신을 존경합니다.Mother respects the elder.
- 할머니, 오늘 기분이 어때요?Grandma, how are you feeling today?
- 연장자를 존중해야 합니다.yeonjangjareul jonjunghaeya hamnida.You must respect your elders.
- 그분은 우리 팀의 연장자입니다.geubuneun uri timui yeonjangjaimnida.He is the elder of our team.
- 연장자에게 먼저 양보하세요.yeonjangjage meonjeo yangboyaseyo.Please yield to the elder first.
Example conversation
At a community center, discussing manners during a group activity.
- 도현 Do-hyeon연장자를 대할 때 예의를 갖춰야 해요.yeonjangjareul daehal ttae ye-uireul gatchwoya haeyo.You should be polite when dealing with elders.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨 말씀이 맞아요.Dohyeon ssi malsseumi majayo.You are right, Dohyeon.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 씨도 그렇게 생각하죠?Minji ssi-do geureoke saenggakhajyo?You think so too, Minji?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 항상 조심할게요.ne, hangsang josilhalgeyo.Yes, I will always be careful.
