남편
nampyeon[na̠mpʰjʌ̹n]
The Korean word for husband is 남편 (nampyeon). Wiktionary also lists 양반 (yangban).
Meaning: male partner in marriage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 남편 | nampyeon | [na̠mpʰjʌ̹n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 양반 | yangban | [ja̠ŋba̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term 남편 is the standard and neutral noun used to refer to a male partner in marriage. In colloquial conversation, when a person refers to their own husband, they often use the word 우리 (our) instead of 내 (my), resulting in the phrase 우리 남편.
Which one should you use?
While 남편 is the neutral, standard term for a husband, the term 오빠 is used by females to affectionately refer to a husband or boyfriend.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
남편 is a neutral noun suitable for most contexts. In contrast, 오빠 is an informal and affectionate term used by women for a husband or boyfriend.
How do you pronounce it?
nampyeon
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 양반 as a modern synonym for husband. It refers to a historical social class of nobility.
Did you know?
- The word 남편 is composed of the characters for 'male' and 'convenience'.
- Although 양반 was once a rigid social rank, in some modern contexts it can be used as a slightly sarcastic or distanced way to refer to a man.
- Because 남편 is the neutral standard, using it in an overly casual way with a spouse might actually feel a bit cold or distant in a modern household.
Examples in context
- 나폴레옹은 조세핀의 두번째 남편이다.Napoléon was Joséphine's second husband.This sentence shows how to use 남편 to describe a historical relationship.Tatoeba #13118399 by romzzo, translation #8174438 by Hybrid
- 그녀의 남편은 그녀가 내놓은 것이라면 전부 먹는다.Her husband eats everything she puts in front of him.This sentence demonstrates using 남편 to describe a person's habits.Tatoeba #13153598 by SN_H, translation #953319 by CK
- 우리 남편도 선생님이야.My husband is a teacher, too.This sentence illustrates using 남편 to describe a person's profession.Tatoeba #8367161 by Eunhee, translation #8341253 by CK
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ji-hoon and Seo-yeon are talking about a weekend trip.
- 지훈 Ji-hun서연 씨, 남편분도 같이 가시나요?Seoyeon ssi, nampyeonbun-do gat-i gasinayo?Seo-yeon, is your husband coming along too?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 제 남편도 가고 싶어 해요.Ne, je nampyeon-do gago sipeo haeyo.Yes, my husband wants to go too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun그럼 다 같이 가면 좋겠네요.Geureom da gat-i gamyeon jokgenneyo.Then it would be great if we all go together.
- 서연 Seo-yeon맞아요. 남편에게 물어볼게요.Majayo. nampyeon-ege mureobolgeyo.Right. I will ask my husband.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “husband” translations and entries 남편, 양반, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 남편, 양반, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
