우리 아빠
The English phrase 'my dad' is translated into Korean as 우리 아빠.
우리 아빠 is used to refer to one's father in an affectionate and informal manner.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 우리 아빠 translates to 'our dad' rather than 'my dad'.
Which one should you use?
우리 아빠 is an informal and affectionate way to say 'my dad', whereas 우리 아버지 is a more formal and respectful way to say 'my father'.
When do people say it?
When referring to family members, Koreans often use the word 'our' (우리) instead of 'my' (내/제).
Did you know?
- The usage of 우리 to mean 'my' extends beyond the family to include things like 우리 집, meaning 'my house' or 'our home'.
- The word 우리 was recorded as early as 1447 in the 용비어천가, one of the earliest works written in the hangul script.
- While 아빠 is very common for children, adults using it in formal settings might be viewed as acting 'childish' or overly 'aegyo' (cute).
Examples in context
- 오늘 저녁에 아빠랑 밥을 먹을 거예요.I'm going to have dinner with my dad tonight.
- 우리 아빠는 요리를 잘해요.uri appaneun yorireul jalhaeyo.My dad is good at cooking.
- 우리 아빠는 지금 회사에 있어요.uri appaneun jigeum hoesae isseoyo.My dad is at work right now.
- 우리 아빠한테 선물했어요.uri appahante seonmulhaesseoyo.I gave a gift to my dad.
Example conversation
Seoyeon and Hyeon-u are talking about their families.
- 서연 Seo-yeon우리 아빠는 정말 친절하세요.uri appaneun jeongmal chinjeolhaseyo.My dad is really kind.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말 좋으시네요.jeongmal joeusineyo.That is really great.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨 아빠는 어떠세요?hyeon-u ssi appaneun eotteoseyo?How is your dad, Hyeon-u?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo우리 아빠는 조금 엄하세요.uri appaneun jogum eomhaseyo.My dad is a bit strict.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 아빠, 우리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
