시댁
sidaek
The English phrase "in-laws" is translated into Korean as 시댁 (sidaek) when referring specifically to the husband's side of the family.
시댁 is used to describe the family of one's spouse, specifically referring to the husband's side of the family. When you want to show respect or speak in formal occasions, you can use the specific terms 장인님께서 for a spouse's father and 장모님께서 for a spouse's mother.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 시댁 is composed of 시 (husband's) and 댁 (the honorific form of house or family).
Which one should you use?
시댁 refers to the husband's in-laws, whereas 처가 is the term used to refer to the wife's in-laws.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
시댁 is a polite and honorific way to refer to the husband's family. In formal social contexts, using the more casual term 시가 is considered less respectful.
How do you pronounce it?
sidaek
Did you know?
- While 시댁 describes the husband's side, the term for the wife's side 처가 is not an honorific. This linguistic difference reflects traditional Confucian social hierarchies where the husband's lineage was historically prioritized.
- The concept of 시댁 is so central to Korean social life that there are specific 'holiday stress' terms related to the pressure of visiting the husband's family during Chuseok and Lunar New Year.
- The word 댁 in 시댁 literally means 'house' or 'residence', implying that one refers to the husband's family by their physical home to show politeness.
Examples in context
- 어제는 장인님께서 오셨나요?Did your father-in-law come yesterday?
- 네, 저희 장인님과 장모님이 함께 오셨어요.Yes, my father-in-law and mother-in-law came together.
- 시아버지는 어디 사시나요?Where does your father-in-law live?
- 시아버지께서는 서울에 사시고 계세요.My father-in-law lives in Seoul.
- 시댁 식구들과 점심을 먹었어요.sidaek sikgu-deul-gwa jeomsim-eul meogeosseoyo.I had lunch with my in-laws.
- 이번 주말에 시댁에 갈 거예요.ibeon jumal-e sidaek-e gal geoyeyo.I am going to my in-laws' house this weekend.
- 시댁 분위기는 어때요?sidaek bun-wi-gi-neun eottaeyo?How is the atmosphere at your in-laws'?
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their weekend plans.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 이번 주말에 시댁에 갈까요?Dohyeon ssi, ibeon jumare sidaege galkkayo?Dohyun, shall we go to your parents' house this weekend?
- 도현 Do-hyeon좋아요. 부모님이 기다리실 거예요.joyayo. bumonimi gidarisil geoyeyo.Sounds good. My parents will be waiting for us.
- 민지 Min-ji시댁에 가져갈 선물은 뭐로 할까요?sidaeke gajyegal seonmureun mworol halkkayo?What should we get as a gift for your family?
- 도현 Do-hyeon과일 세트가 좋을 것 같아요.gwail setuga joeul geot gatayo.I think a fruit set would be good.
