조부모
jobumo[t͡ɕo̞bumo̞]
The Korean word for grandparents is 조부모 (jobumo).
The term refers to the parents of a person's father or mother. While 조부모 is a standard term, speakers often specify maternal relatives using 외할아버지 (maternal grandfather) or 외할머니 (maternal grandmother).
Which one should you use?
조부모 is a standard term often used in formal contexts such as academic writing or official documents. In daily speech, people are more likely to use specific titles for grandfathers and grandmothers instead.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To make the term more respectful in polite conversation, you can add the honorific suffix –님 to create 조부모님. This is the standard way to refer to one's own or others' grandparents when being polite.
How do you pronounce it?
jobumo
Did you know?
- The term 외할아버지 for a maternal grandfather contains the character 외, which means 'outside'. This stems from a historical patriarchal structure where the mother's side of the family was viewed as being 'outside' the primary lineage.
- The word 할머니 (grandmother) is sometimes used as a friendly or slightly teasing way to address elderly women who are not actually related to the speaker.
- In some highly traditional families, children may even use different titles for a grandfather depending on whether he is the 'first' or 'second' grandfather in the family tree, going beyond just the maternal/paternal distinction.
Examples in context
- 얼마나 자주 조부모님을 방문하니?How often do you visit your grandparents?This sentence is useful for asking about the frequency of visiting 조부모.Tatoeba #8533714 by Eunhee, translation #8529563 by CK
- 조부모님께 선물을 드리고 싶어요.jobumonimke seonmureul deurigo sipeoyo.I want to give a gift to my grandparents.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are talking about their family plans for the holiday.
- 민준 Min-jun이번 명절에 조부모님 댁에 가니?ibeon myeongjeore jobumonim daeke gani?Are you going to your grandparents' house this holiday?
- 지은 Ji-eun응, 내일 가족들과 같이 가.eung, naeil gajok-deulgwa gachi ga.Yes, I am going with my family tomorrow.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 좋겠다. 나도 가고 싶어.jeongmal jokgetda. nado gago sipeo.That sounds great. I want to go too.
- 지은 Ji-eun민준이 너도 나중에 꼭 가봐.Minjun-i neodo najunge kkok gabwa.Minjun, you should definitely go later too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 조부모, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
