🟢 Talking About Family Members and Relatives in Korean | Beginner Level (TOPIK 1–2)
Do you know how to say “uncle,” “aunt,” or “cousin” in Korean? In Western cultures, we usually use one word for ‘uncle’ and ‘aunt.’ But in Korea, there are different words depending on whether they are from your mom’s or dad’s side, and even if they are older or younger! Let’s explore these words and understand the cultural meaning of family in Korea compared to Western countries.
- Learn Korean words for extended family members (relatives)
- Understand family tree structure in Korean culture
- See differences between Korean and Western family concepts
- Use polite forms when talking about relatives
📚 Table of Contents
📝 Family Tree Vocabulary
Immediate Family (직계가족):
- 아버지 (abeoji) – father
- 어머니 (eomeoni) – mother
- 형/오빠 (hyeong/oppa) – older brother
- 누나/언니 (nuna/eonni) – older sister
- 동생 (dongsaeng) – younger sibling
Extended Family (친척):
- 할아버지 (harabeoji) – grandfather
- 할머니 (halmeoni) – grandmother
- 삼촌 (samchon) – uncle (father’s younger brother)
- 이모 (imo) – aunt (mother’s sister)
- 고모 (gomo) – aunt (father’s sister)
- 사촌 (sachon) – cousin
- 조카 (joka) – nephew/niece
👉 Note: In Korean, the title changes depending on the side of the family and age order. For example, your father’s younger brother is 삼촌, but your father’s older brother is 큰아버지 (big father).
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🌏 Korean vs Western Family Concept
In Western countries, “uncle” and “aunt” are general terms, no matter which side of the family they belong to. In Korea, family titles are much more specific:
- Father’s side: 고모 (aunt), 삼촌 (uncle), 큰아버지 (older uncle)
- Mother’s side: 이모 (aunt), 외삼촌 (uncle)
Also, Korean family gatherings (like 설날 Lunar New Year or 추석 Chuseok) are big events where extended family members meet. Respecting elders is very important; you bow (절) and use polite speech when greeting them.
In Western culture, family events are usually smaller and more casual, and titles like “uncle” don’t change based on which side of the family they come from.
🗣 Practice Dialogue
A: 이분은 누구예요?
I buneun nugu-yeyo?
Who is this person?
B: 제 고모예요. 아버지의 여동생이에요.
Je gomo-yeyo. Abeoji-ui yeodongsaeng-ieyo.
This is my aunt. She is my father’s younger sister.
A: 아, 그럼 저분은요?
A, geureom jeobuneun-yo?
Ah, then what about that person?
B: 저분은 외삼촌이에요. 어머니의 남동생이에요.
Jeobuneun oesamchon-ieyo. Eomeoni-ui namdongsaeng-ieyo.
That is my uncle. He is my mother’s younger brother.
🎯 Pop Quiz
1. How do you say “cousin” in Korean?
Answer
사촌 (sachon)
2. Which Korean title is used for your mother’s sister?
Answer
이모 (imo)
3. What is the main difference between Korean and Western family titles?
Answer
Korean titles are more specific (different for father’s/mother’s side), while Western titles like “uncle” and “aunt” are general.
📦 Final Thoughts
Learning Korean family titles helps you show respect and connect better with Korean culture. At first, it may feel complicated, but with practice, you’ll start using them naturally when meeting relatives or talking about your family tree.
📘 More Posts You’ll Find Helpful!
Keep exploring more posts like these and grow your Korean skills step by step!
📚 Want to practice talking about your relatives naturally?
Book a lesson with me on italki and learn how to use polite expressions for family in real-life conversations.
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