사위
sawi[sʰa̠ɥi]
The Korean word for "son-in-law" is 사위 (sawi).
Meaning: son-in-law (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
sawi
Did you know?
- Korean has a specific cultural concept where the son-in-law is seen as a 'guest' even after marriage, leading to a historically polite and slightly distant relationship with the in-laws.
- The word 사위 is etymologically linked to the Sino-Korean characters meaning 'four sides' or 'surrounding', suggesting the person who occupies the space around the family.
- The social dynamics surrounding a 사위 are often contrasted with those of a 며느리 (daughter-in-law), who historically faced much stricter expectations and duties within the home.
Examples in context
- 그분은 저희 사위입니다.That person is our son-in-law.
- 우리 사위는 아주 착해요.uri sawineun aju chakhaeyo.My son-in-law is very kind.
- 사위가 내일 집에 온대요.sawiga naeil jibe ondaeyo.They say the son-in-law is coming home tomorrow.
- 새 사위를 소개할게요.sae sawireul sogaehalgeyo.I will introduce my new son-in-law.
Example conversation
Ji-eun is talking to Ji-hun about her daughter's husband.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 우리 사위 좀 봐요.Ji-hun ssi, uri sawi jom bwayo.Ji-hun, look at my son-in-law.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 멋진 분이시네요!Jeongmal meotjin bunisineyo!He is a really wonderful person!
- 지은 Ji-eun성격도 정말 좋은 사위예요.Seonggyeokdo jeongmal joeun sawiyeyo.He is a son-in-law with a great personality, too.
- 지훈 Ji-hun지은 씨가 정말 자랑스러워하시겠어요.Ji-eun ssiga jeongmal jarangseureowohasigesseoyo.You must be very proud of him, Ji-eun.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “son-in-law” translations and entries 사위, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 사위, CC BY-SA 4.0.
