When learning a new language, it’s always important to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary related to family. In Korean culture, family ties hold great significance, and addressing family members using the appropriate terms reflects respect and understanding. In this guide, we will explore how to say “in-laws” in Korean, both formally and informally. Additionally, regional variations will be mentioned if necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say In-Laws
In Korean, the formal way to say “in-laws” is “장인과 장모님” (jang-in-gwa jang-mo-nim). This term refers to both your spouse’s parents collectively as a unit. “장인님” (jang-in-nim) specifically refers to your spouse’s father, while “장모님” (jang-mo-nim) refers to your spouse’s mother. Koreans value maintaining a respectful and polite tone when addressing older family members, hence the usage of the honorific suffix “님” (nim).
When addressing your spouse’s parents in formal occasions or showing respect, you can say “장인님께서” (jang-in-nim-ggeseo) when referring to your spouse’s dad, and “장모님께서” (jang-mo-nim-ggeseo) when referring to your spouse’s mom.
Informal Way to Say In-Laws
For a more casual and familiar setting, Koreans use the term “시아버님” (sia-beo-nim) or “시어머님” (sia-eo-meo-nim) to refer to their in-laws. These terms are used when speaking directly to your spouse’s parents in an informal manner. “시아버지” (sia-beo-ji) specifically refers to your spouse’s father, and “시어머니” (sia-eo-meo-ni) refers to your spouse’s mother.
During casual conversations or gatherings, you can refer to your spouse’s parents by their names directly, adding the suffix “씨” (ssi) to show politeness. For example, if your spouse’s father’s name is “성호” (Seong-ho), you can address him as “성호 씨” (Seong-ho ssi).
Examples and Tips
Let’s take a look at a few examples to better understand these terms:
Example 1:
A: “어제는 장인님께서 오셨나요?” (Eo-je-neun jang-in-nim-ggeseo o-syeot-na-yo?)
B: “네, 저희 장인님과 장모님이 함께 오셨어요.” (Ne, jeo-hee jang-in-nim-gwa jang-mo-ni ham-gge o-syeo-sseo-yo.)
Translation:
A: “Did your father-in-law come yesterday?”
B: “Yes, my father-in-law and mother-in-law came together.”
Example 2:
A: “시아버지는 어디 사시나요?” (Sia-beo-ji-neun eo-di sa-shi-na-yo?)
B: “시아버지께서는 서울에 사시고 계세요.” (Sia-beo-ji-ggeseo-neun seo-ul-e sa-si-go gye-se-yo.)
Translation:
A: “Where does your father-in-law live?”
B: “My father-in-law lives in Seoul.”
Here are some additional tips to remember when using these terms:
- It is important to address your spouse’s parents using appropriate titles to show respect and honor the Korean cultural norms.
- Remember to always use the appropriate level of formality based on the situation and your relationship with your in-laws.
- If you are unsure of which term to use, it is generally safer to opt for the more formal term to avoid any unintentional offense.
By using these terms correctly, you not only demonstrate your language skills but also show respect for Korean customs and values.
Conclusion
Now that you are acquainted with how to say “in-laws” in Korean, both formally and informally, you can confidently address your spouse’s parents in a respectful and appropriate manner. Remember to adjust your level of formality based on the situation, and always aim to show respect when interacting with older family members in Korean culture. By respectfully using these terms, you will undoubtedly strengthen your relationships with your Korean in-laws and gain a deeper understanding of Korean family dynamics.
