👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Beyond "Uncle": Mastering Korean Family & Relative Titles

In Korea, family titles change depending on which side of the family they are on and their age! Teacher Hoon breaks down the Family Tree to help you navigate Korean social life with respect.

Large family gathered together representing extended family ties

The Specificity of Respect (EEAT Tip)

In Western culture, "Aunt" covers everyone. In Korea, we distinguish between your father's sister and your mother's sister. As a teacher with 20 years of experience, I always tell my students: The title IS the relationship. Using the correct term shows you understand the Confucian Roots of Korean society. Let's look at the map.

📑 Tap to view Family Roadmap

1. Immediate vs. Extended Family Vocab
2. Father's Side vs. Mother's Side
3. 🗣 Practice Dialogue: Who is that?
4. 💡 Cultural Insight: Holiday Gatherings

1. Family Tree Vocabulary

Immediate Family (직계가족):

👨 아버지 (Abeoji) - Father
👩 어머니 (Eomeoni) - Mother
👦 형/오빠 (Hyeong/Oppa) - Older Brother
👧 누나/언니 (Nuna/Eonni) - Older Sister

Relatives (친척):

👴 할아버지 / 할머니 (Harabeoji / Halmeoni) - Grandparents
🧒 조카 (Joka) - Nephew / Niece
🤝 사촌 (Sachon) - Cousin

💡 Teacher Hoon's Pro Distinction

A very common mistake for beginners is using "Uncle" for everyone. Remember: 이모 (Imo) is your mother's sister, but 고모 (Gomo) is your father's sister! Also, if you visit a restaurant and want to be friendly to the older female owner, calling her "Imo!" is a great way to show closeness.

2. The "Side" Matters

Unlike Western general terms, Korean titles tell you exactly how you are related:

🏠 Father's Side: 고모 (Aunt), 삼촌 (Unmarried Uncle), 큰아버지 (Older Uncle)
🤱 Mother's Side: 이모 (Aunt), 외삼촌 (Uncle)

🗣 Practice Dialogue: Introducing Family

A: 이분은 누구예요? (Who is this person?)

B: 제 고모예요. 아버지의 여동생이에요. (This is my Gomo. She is my father's sister.)

A: 아, 그럼 저분은요? (Ah, then what about that person?)

B: 저분은 외삼촌이에요. (That is my Oesamchon [Mother's side uncle].)

💡 Did You Know? Holiday Rituals

Korean family gatherings like 추석 (Chuseok) or 설날 (Seollal) are massive events where all these specific titles come into play. It's traditional to perform 절 (Bow) to your elders while using their correct titles. Using "Grandpa" or "Uncle" correctly during these times is considered a sign of a very well-educated person!

Confused by Your Own Family Tree in Korean?

Let's map it out! Book a 1:1 "Culture & Titles" session with Hoon on italki. We'll take photos of your family and practice the exact titles you should use for each person until you can introduce them like a native!

🚀 Practice Titles with Hoon

More Helpful Lessons:
Food Vocabulary | Birthday Greetings