가정부
gajeongbu
In Korean, the English phrase "maid" is translated as 가정부 (gajeongbu).
The term 가정부 refers to a female servant or cleaner. In practice, the word 아줌마 is often used to refer to middle-aged or married women who work as cleaners, housekeepers or provide assistance in households.
Meaning: female servant or cleaner (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 가정부 is composed of 가정 (home/household) and 부 (woman/wife/lady).
Which one should you use?
While 가정부 is a general term, 파출부 is often used specifically for workers who come to a home for a few hours or a day rather than living in or working full-time.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term 가사 도우미 is a more polite and modern way to refer to a domestic worker than 가정부.
How do you pronounce it?
gajeongbu
Did you know?
- Korean language often avoids using the noun 가정부 directly when speaking to the person, opting instead for titles like 이모님, which means 'maternal aunt'.
- The word 가정부 actually has its roots in Japanese, originating from the word kaseifu.
- Depending on the region, some people use the term 식모 to refer to a live-in maid, but this word is now considered archaic and often carries a negative social stigma.
Examples in context
- 그분은 정직한 가정부예요.geubuneun jeongjikhan gajeongbuyeyo.She is an honest maid.
- 가정부를 구하고 있어요.gajeongbureul guhago isseoyo.I am looking for a maid.
- 새로운 가정부가 왔어요.saeroun gajeongbuga wasseoyo.A new maid has arrived.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Jihun are talking about house chores.
- 서연 Seo-yeon집이 너무 더러운데 가정부를 부를까요?jibi neomu deoreounde gajeongbureul bureulkkayo?The house is so dirty, shall we call a maid?
- 지훈 Ji-hun좋은 생각이에요. 제가 알아볼게요.joeun saenggakieyo. jega arabolgeyo.That's a good idea. I'll look into it.
- 서연 Seo-yeon믿을 만한 가정부를 찾아주세요.mideul manhan gajeongbureul chajajuseyo.Please find a trustworthy maid.
- 지훈 Ji-hun걱정 마세요, 서연 씨.geokjeong maseyo, Seoyeon ssi.Don't worry, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가정부, CC BY-SA 4.0.
