우리 가족
uri gajok
In Korean, the phrase for "my family" is 우리 가족 (uri gajok).
This phrase is used to refer to the family that the speaker belongs to.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 우리 가족 is composed of 우리, meaning "our" and 가족, meaning "family".
Which one should you use?
While 내 가족 (nae gajok) literally means "my family," it sounds unnatural in most social contexts compared to 우리 가족. Additionally, 우리 집 can be used casually to refer to one's family.
How do you pronounce it?
uri gajok
When do people say it?
Korean speakers typically use the word for "our" (우리) instead of "my" (내) when referring to things that belong to a collective group, such as family or home.
Did you know?
- The collective 'our' is so strong that a married person will often refer to their spouse as 우리 남편 (our husband) or 우리 아내 (our wife) when talking to others.
- While 우리 가족 means 'my family', the word 우리 can also mean 'cage' or 'pen' for animals in a completely different context.
- The word 가족 is a Sino-Korean word, meaning its roots come from Chinese characters. The first character 가 means 'house' and 족 means 'foot' or 'tribe'.
Examples in context
- 우리 가족은 나와 함께 있다.My family is with me.This sentence uses 우리 가족 to show the family's presence.Tatoeba #11107562 by intertime, translation #8592368 by CK
- 우리 가족은 매년 오스트레일리아에 간다.My family goes to Australia every year.This sentence uses 우리 가족 to describe a recurring family activity.Tatoeba #11104671 by intertime, translation #11104477 by CK
- 가족이 그리워요I miss my family
- 우리 가족은 모두 건강해요.uri gajogeun modu geonganghaeyo.My family is all healthy.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their weekend plans at a cafe.
- 서연 Seo-yeon현우 씨는 이번 주말에 뭐 해요?hyeon-u ssineun ibon jumare mwo haeyo?What are you doing this weekend, Hyunwoo?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo우리 가족이랑 같이 저녁을 먹을 거예요.uri gajogirang gachi jeonyeogeul meogeul geoyeyo.I am going to have dinner with my family.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 즐거운 시간이 되겠네요!jeongmal jeulgeoun sigani doegenneyo!That sounds like a wonderful time!
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 서연 씨도 즐거운 주말 보내세요.ne, seoyeon ssido jeulgeoun jumal bonaeseyo.Yes, you have a wonderful weekend too, Seoyeon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 가족, 우리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
