남편
nampyeon[na̠mpʰjʌ̹n]
In Korean, "my husband" is expressed as 남편 (nampyeon).
남편 is a term used by a woman to refer to the man she is married to. When referring to one's own husband in conversation, it is much more natural to use 우리 남편 (our husband) than 내 남편 (my husband).
How does it change in a sentence?
When 남편 is the subject of a sentence, the particle 이 is attached to form 남편이. To say "He is my husband" in a polite, standard way, you can use the form 남편이에요.
How do you pronounce it?
nampyeon
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often say 내 남편 (my husband) when they should say 우리 남편 (our husband) because Korean culture uses 우리 (our) instead of 내 (my) for family members.
When do people say it?
Couples may use terms of endearment when addressing each other directly to express affection, such as jagi or yeobo.
Did you know?
- If you are talking to someone much older or of higher social status, you might use the more honorific term 바깥사람 (bakkat-saram), which literally translates to 'the person outside'.
- Older generations of women may use the term 영감 (yeonggam) to refer to their husbands, which historically referred to a high-ranking government official.
- The term 여보 (yeobo), used to address a husband, is derived from a phrase meaning 'look at me' or 'answer me'.
Examples in context
- 우리 남편도 선생님이야.My husband is a teacher, too.This is useful for mentioning that your husband also has the profession of a teacher.Tatoeba #8367161 by Eunhee, translation #8341253 by CK
- 우리 남편은 선생님이야.My husband is a teacher.This is a simple way to state your husband's profession.Tatoeba #8367171 by Eunhee, translation #8341252 by CK
- 남편이에요.He is my husband.This is used to politely state that someone is your husband.Tatoeba #13260822 by atitarev, translation #3534048 by nurendra
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji is introducing her husband to a new acquaintance.
- 민지 Min-ji이쪽은 제 남편이에요.Ijjogeun je nampyeonieyo.This is my husband.
- 민준 Min-jun반갑습니다. 처음 뵙겠습니다.Bangapsumnida. Cheoeum boepgetsumnida.Nice to meet you. It is my first time meeting you.
- 민지 Min-ji제 남편은 요리를 아주 잘해요.Je nampyeoneun yorireul aju jalhaeyo.My husband is very good at cooking.
- 민준 Min-jun정말 멋진 분이시네요.Jeongmal meotjin bunisineyo.He is truly a wonderful person.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 남편, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
