Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 할아버지 | harabeoji | [ha̠ɾa̠bʌ̹d͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 친할아버지 | chinharabeoji | [t͡ɕʰinɦa̠ɾa̠bʌ̹d͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 외할아버지 | oeharabeoji | [we̞ɦa̠ɾa̠bʌ̹d͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [ø̞ɦa̠ɾa̠bʌ̹d͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
할아버지 is the standard term used to refer to a grandfather regardless of whether he is from the paternal or maternal side of the family. It can also be used as a respectful way to address any elderly man, even if there is no biological relation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 할아버지 literally means grandfather.
Which one should you use?
While 할아버지 is the general term, you can be more specific: use 친할아버지 to refer specifically to your paternal grandfather (your father's father) and 외할아버지 to refer specifically to your maternal grandfather (your mother's father).
How does it change in a sentence?
To create a highly respectful form, you can add the suffix –님 to the word to get 할아버님. This is often used when speaking about someone else's grandfather or in very formal settings.
How do you pronounce it?
harabeoji
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, it is common to use 할아버지 as a respectful way to address elderly men in society, even those who are not your relatives.
Did you know?
- The distinction between paternal and maternal grandfathers is marked by the character 외, meaning 'outside'. In traditional Korean kinship structures, the maternal side of the family was historically viewed as being 'outside' the primary household.
- Calling an elderly man 할아버지 can sometimes be perceived as slightly rude if the man considers himself 'young at heart' or is in a professional setting where a title is expected.
- The term 외할아버지 is a cognate of the Chinese term 外祖父, both utilizing the same concept of an 'outside' grandfather.
Examples in context
- 나는 할아버지를 돌보고 있어.I take care of my grandfather.This sentence shows how to use 할아버지 when talking about taking care of a grandfather.Tatoeba #8358597 by Eunhee, translation #65097 by CK
- 톰은 마치 자기 할아버지같아.Tom is like his grandfather.This sentence uses 할아버지 to make a comparison.Tatoeba #8363506 by Eunhee, translation #6269206 by CK
- 할아버지는 아침 일찍 일어나셔요.My grandfather gets up early.This sentence uses 할아버지 to describe a grandfather's habit.Tatoeba #13250260 by qiwiwi, translation #250234 by CK
- 할아버지, 안녕하세요?Hello, grandfather!
- 할아버님은 오늘 어떻게 지내셨어요?How have you been today, grandfather?
- 할아버님께 선물을 사주려고 생각 중이에요.I'm thinking of buying a gift for my grandfather.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are looking at an old family photo.
- 지은 Ji-eun이분은 누구세요?Ibun-eun nuguseyo?Who is this person?
- 지훈 Ji-hun우리 할아버지세요.Uri harabeoji-seyo.This is my grandfather.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 멋지시네요!Jeongmal meotjisineyo!He looks really cool!
- 지훈 Ji-hun감사해요. 할아버지는 젊을 때 모델이었어요.Gamsahaeyo. Harabeoji-neun jeolm-eul ttae model-ieosseoyo.Thank you. My grandfather was a model when he was young.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandfather” translations and entries 할아버지, 친할아버지, 외할아버지, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 외할아버지, 친할아버지, 할아버지, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
