우리 아들
The English phrase "my boy" is 우리 아들 in Korean.
You can also use the term 꼬맹이 to refer to a small, cute child.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 우리 아들 literally translates to 'our son' because Korean often uses the possessive 'our' (우리) instead of 'my' (내/제) when referring to family members.
Which one should you use?
While 내 아들 (my son) is grammatically correct, it sounds more individualistic and less natural in standard Korean social contexts than 우리 아들.
When do people say it?
In Korean, it is much more natural to use 우리 (our) than 내 (my) when talking about one's own family members, such as a son, daughter or spouse.
Did you know?
- While 우리 means 'our', it is also a common Korean noun meaning 'fence' or 'cage'.
- In Korean culture, the use of 우리 (our) extends beyond family to include things like 'our house' or 'our school', even if the speaker is the sole owner or student.
- The word for son 아들 and the word for daughter 딸 share a common ancient suffix -ól. In old records from 1103, they appeared as 丫妲 and 寶妲.
Examples in context
- 저는 제 아들을 사랑합니다I love my son
- 내 아들은 너무 재미있어My boy is so fun
- 우리 아들이 미래에 대통령이 될 거예요Our boy will become the president in the future
- 내 꼬맹이 정말 사랑해I really love my little boy
- 내 아들, 너 정말 대단해!My boy, you're really amazing!
- 우리 아들은 정말 착해요.uri adeureun jeongmal chakhaeyo.My boy is very kind.
- 우리 아들이 벌써 초등학생이에요.uri adeuri beolsseo chodeunghaksaeng-ieyo.My boy is already an elementary school student.
- 우리 아들, 사랑해!uri adeul, saranghae!My boy, I love you!
Example conversation
A mother and father are talking about their son's school project.
- 민준 Min-jun서연 씨, 이것 좀 봐요.Seoyeon ssi, igeot jom bwayo.Seoyeon, look at this.
- 서연 Seo-yeon와, 우리 아들이 직접 만들었나요?wa, uri adeuli jikjeop mandeureonnayo?Wow, did my boy make this himself?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 어제 밤새워서 만들었대요.ne, eoje bamsae-woseo mandeureotdaeyo.Yes, he said he stayed up all night making it.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 대단한 우리 아들이네요!jeongmal daedanhan uri adeul-ineyo!My boy is truly amazing!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아들, 우리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
