김 양
Gim yang
In Korean, "miss kim" is expressed as 김 양 (Gim yang).
김 양 is a polite way to address an unmarried woman with the surname Kim.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 양 (yang) literally means 'young lady' or 'miss' and is used as a title for unmarried women.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Korean, the surname comes before the title, so 'Miss Kim' is expressed as 'Kim yang' (Surname + Title).
How do you pronounce it?
Gim yang
Did you know?
- In Korea, the word 김 is also the name for the dried seaweed known as 'lavers'.
- While the title 양 is used in 김 양, the same character is used in the concept of 'yin and yang' to represent the active, masculine, or bright principle of the universe.
- In modern Korea, calling a woman 김 양 in a professional environment may actually come across as patronizing or condescending.
Examples in context
- 김양~ 토요일에 같이 영화를 볼까?Hey, Miss Kim~ Would you like to watch a movie together on Saturday?
Example conversation
An older male manager is talking to a young female employee in the office.
- 도현 Do-hyeon김 양, 오늘 회의 준비는 다 됐나요?Gim yang, oneul hoeui junibune da dwaennayo?Miss Kim, is the preparation for today's meeting finished?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 이미 다 끝냈습니다.Ne, imi da kkeunnaessseumnida.Yes, I have already finished everything.
- 도현 Do-hyeon역시 믿음직하군요. 고마워요.Yeoksi mideumjik-hagunyo. Gomawoyo.As expected, you are reliable. Thank you.
- 수빈 Su-bin별 말씀을요. 제가 더 감사합니다.Byeol malsseumeullyo. Jega deo gamsahamnida.Don't mention it. Thank you as well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 김, 양, CC BY-SA 4.0.
