형수
hyeongsu[çʌ̹ŋsʰu]
In Korean, sister-in-law is expressed as 형수 (hyeongsu).
The term 형수 is used specifically to refer to the wife of one's older brother.
Which one should you use?
While 형수 refers to the wife of an older brother, the term 올케 is used for a younger brother's wife from a female perspective.
How do you pronounce it?
hyeongsu
Did you know?
- The specific terminology for 'sister-in-law' is so complex that Koreans often use 'family charts' to remember which term to use for different relatives.
- When addressing her husband's older brother's wife directly, a woman uses the term 형님, which literally means 'older sister'.
- Because Korean kinship terms are so specific, using the wrong title for a sister-in-law can actually signal a lack of respect or a misunderstanding of your place in the family tree.
Examples in context
- 형수: 이번 주말에 형수님이 오십니다.This weekend, our sister-in-law will come.
- 형수는 정말 친절해요.hyeong-su-neun jeong-mal chin-jeol-hae-yo.My sister-in-law is very kind.
- 형수님께 선물을 드렸어요.hyeong-su-nim-kke seon-mul-eul deu-ryeot-eo-yo.I gave a gift to my sister-in-law.
- 우리 형수는 요리를 잘해요.u-ri hyeong-su-neun yo-ri-reul jal-hae-yo.My sister-in-law is good at cooking.
Example conversation
Minjun is talking to his sister Minji about their brother's wife.
- 민준 Min-jun민지야, 형수님이 언제 오신대?Minjiya, hyeongsunimi eonje osindae?Minji, when did sister-in-law say she is coming?
- 민지 Min-ji오후 다섯 시쯤에 오신다고 했어.ohu daseot sijimae osindago haesseo.She said she would come around five p.m.
- 민준 Min-jun형수님이 좋아하시는 과일을 준비할까?hyeongsunimi joahashineun gwairireul junbihalkka?Should I prepare some fruit that sister-in-law likes?
- 민지 Min-ji응, 그러면 정말 좋아하실 거야.eung, geureomyeon jeongmal joahashil geoya.Yes, she would really like that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 형수, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
