Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 삼촌 | samchon | [sʰa̠mt͡ɕʰo̞n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 아저씨 | ajeossi | [a̠d͡ʑʌ̹ɕ͈i] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
In Korean, the term for uncle depends on whether you are discussing a family relationship or addressing a man in a social context. 삼촌 is used to refer to a biological or legal uncle within a family structure, typically specifically a father's brother. In practice, more specific terms like 큰아버지 or 작은아버지 are used depending on whether the uncle is older or younger than the father.
Which one should you use?
삼촌 is the familial term used for an actual uncle. In contrast, 아저씨 is a social term used to address or refer to a middle-aged man or a 'mister' who is not a family member, typically someone of a similar age to one's parents.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
아저씨 can be used as a polite way to address a stranger, but it can also feel slightly condescending or overly casual depending on the context and the person's age.
How do you pronounce it?
samchon
Did you know?
- The word 삼촌 literally translates to 'three degrees of kinship'. This calculates the distance from the speaker to the parent, from the parent to the grandparent, and from the grandparent to the uncle.
- Depending on the uncle's marital status and age relative to the father, the specific term used changes. An unmarried uncle is often called 삼촌, but once he marries, he is usually called 큰아버지 or 작은아버지.
- While 아저씨 is a common way to address a middle-aged man, calling a man 아저씨 when he believes he is still young or stylish can be perceived as a subtle insult regarding his age.
Examples in context
- 그녀의 삼촌은 유명한 의사입니다.Her uncle is a famous doctor.This sentence shows how to use 삼촌 to identify a relative's profession.Tatoeba #7965068 by EstasKorea, translation #308970 by CK
- 난 톰이 삼촌네에 방문하러 호주에 갔으면 좋겠어.I want Tom to go to Australia to visit his uncle.This sentence uses 삼촌 in the context of visiting a relative.Tatoeba #8533675 by Eunhee, translation #8532686 by CK
- 2019년, 스가 총리는 일본의 새 연호를 공개하면서 "레이와 아저씨"라는 별명과 함께 악명을 얻었다.In 2019, Suga gained notoriety as well as the nickname “Uncle Reiwa,” after unveiling the name of Japan’s new imperial era.This sentence uses 아저씨 as part of a nickname.Tatoeba #11106906 by intertime, translation #9038195 by Hybrid
- 삼촌, 안녕하세요?Hello uncle.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Seoyeon are looking at an old family photo together.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 사진 속에 있는 분이 삼촌이야?i sajin soge inneun buni samchon-iya?Is the person in this photo your uncle?
- 서연 Seo-yeon응, 우리 삼촌은 정말 재미있으신 분이야.eung, uri samchon-eun jeongmal jaemi-isseusin bun-iya.Yes, my uncle is a very funny person.
- 도현 Do-hyeon삼촌은 지금 어디에 사셔?samchon-eun jigeum eodie sasyeo?Where does your uncle live now?
- 서연 Seo-yeon삼촌은 부산에서 살고 계셔.samchon-eun busan-eseo salgo gyesyeo.My uncle is living in Busan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries 삼촌, 아저씨, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 삼촌, 아저씨, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
