우리 아버지
uri abeoji
The phrase for "my father" in Korean is 우리 아버지 (uri abeoji).
우리 아버지 is the term used to refer to one's own father.
Which one should you use?
우리 아버지 is a more formal or standard way to refer to one's father compared to the more casual 우리 아빠. 우리 아빠 is the informal, more affectionate way to say "my dad" used primarily in casual speech or by children.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the father is the subject of a sentence in a formal or respectful context, the honorific subject marker 께서 is often used instead of 가, resulting in the form 우리 아버지께서.
How do you pronounce it?
uri abeoji
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the possessive pronoun 내 (my) instead of the collective 우리 (our) when referring to family members.
When do people say it?
In Korean, it is more natural to use 우리 (our) instead of 내 (my) when referring to family members, even if you are the only child.
Did you know?
- While 우리 means 'our' and is used here for 'my father', it is also the standard Korean word for a 'cage' or 'pen' for livestock.
- In Korean culture, using 우리 instead of 'my' reflects a Confucian emphasis on the group and the family unit over the individual.
- Beyond family, Koreans often use 우리 for things they don't actually share, such as 우리 집 ('our house') even if they live alone.
Examples in context
- 우리 아버지는 집에 계신다.My father is home.This sentence is useful for stating that 우리 아버지 is at home.Tatoeba #3684923 by intertime, translation #2431429 by turtletonsure
- 우리 아버지는 비행기를 몰 줄 안다.My father can fly an airplane.This sentence is useful for describing a skill possessed by 우리 아버지.Tatoeba #11106635 by intertime, translation #251726 by CK
- 제 아버지는 참 멋진 분입니다.My father is a truly amazing person.
- 저희 아버지는 대학 교수예요.Our father is a university professor.
- 우리 아버지는 요리를 잘 하세요.uri abeojineun yorireul jal haseyo.My father is good at cooking.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Seoyeon are talking about their families.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo우리 아버지는 지금 회사에 계세요.uri abeojineun jigeum hoesae gyeseyo.My father is at work right now.
- 서연 Seo-yeon아, 그러시군요. 무슨 일을 하세요?a, geureosigunyo. museun ireul haseyo?Oh, I see. What does he do?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo우리 아버지는 선생님이세요.uri abeojineun seonsengnimiseyo.My father is a teacher.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말 멋진 직업이네요!jeongmal meotjin jigeobineyo!That is a really cool job!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
