할머니와 할아버지
halmeoniwa harabeoji
The phrase for "grandmother and grandfather" in Korean is 할머니와 할아버지 (halmeoniwa harabeoji).
This phrase is used to refer to the parents of one's father or mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The word consists of 할머니 (grandmother), the particle 와 which means "and" and is used to connect two nouns and 할아버지 (grandfather).
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle 와 is used here to connect the two nouns 할머니 and 할아버지.
How do you pronounce it?
halmeoniwa harabeoji
Did you know?
- In Korea, it is common to call an elderly person who is not related to you 할머니 or 할아버지 as a sign of friendliness and respect.
- The prefix 외 in 외할아버지 literally means 'outside', reflecting an old Confucian social structure where the mother's family was viewed as being outside the primary paternal clan.
- If you are speaking to your grandparents directly, it is much more common to use their titles as names rather than using pronouns like 'you'.
Example conversation
Minji and Dohyun are talking about their weekend plans.
- 민지 Min-ji이번 휴가 때 뭐 해요?ibeon hyuga ttae mwo haeyo?What are you doing this vacation?
- 도현 Do-hyeon할머니와 할아버지를 뵈러 가요.halmeoniwa harabeojireul boireo gayo.I am going to see my grandmother and grandfather.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 좋겠네요!jeongmal joketneyo!That sounds wonderful!
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 빨리 뵙고 싶어요.ne, ppalli boepgo sipeoyo.Yes, I want to see them soon.
