Honorific @ Korea

FAMILY RELATIONSHIP AND HONORIFIC

Honorific is a title that conveys respect for position or rank used in addressing to a person. In Korean culture, the relationship between people are extremely important. Honorifics can be used formally and informally. Usage is based on the relationship between speakers.

The Family

• The family unit is an integral part of customs and life in South Korea
• Arranged marriages are common
• Marriage is regarded as a rite of passage
• Divorce was rare but has become more common in recent years
• Patriarchal lineage is ubiquitous and links ancestors through the husband’s line
• Traditionally, the eldest son inherited, however, this has recently altered and is now equal by law.
• The eldest son bears extra responsibility to his family and it is supposed that he will care for his parents in their old age

Communication style

• Communication can be complicated in South Korea due to an inherent dislike of saying ‘no’ as it is considered poor etiquette
• Discussions can be prolonged due to the avoidance of declining or refusing
• If disquiet is verbally or visibly displayed it is a sure sign that something is amiss
• Good posture and positive body language is most beneficial in meetings; patience and politeness must be maintained throughout
• Do not use excessive or overt body language
• Use two hands, or support your right arm with your left, when passing on business cards, gifts, or when receiving an item
• Respect, trust and satisfaction are displayed through a deeper bow

Titles of Family

These are the Korean titles people use to call members in their family. It can be complicated to keep straight, because sometimes there are two or three titles used for the same person.

Basic Family titles

Hangeul	Romanization	English Meaning
어머니	[eomeoni]	Mother
엄마	[eomma]	Mom
어머님	[eomeonim]	Honorific form of mother
아버지	[abeoji]	Father
아빠	[appa]	Dad
아버님	[abeonim]	Honorific form of father
형	[hyeong]	Older brother (used by a younger brother)
형님	[hyeongnim]	Honorific form of older brother (used by a younger brother)
오빠	[oppa]	Older brother (used by a younger sister)
누나	[nuna]	Older sister (used by a younger brother)
언니	[eonni]	Older sister (used by a younger sister)
동생	[dongsaeng]	Younger Brother or sister (used by an older brother or sister)
여동생	[yeodongsaeng]	Younger sister (used by an older brother or sister)

Father’s Side Family Titles

Hangeul	Romanization	English Meaning
할머니	[halmeoni]	Grandmother (used by grandchildren)
할머님	[halmeonim]	Honorific form of grandmother (used by grandchildren)
할아버지	[harabeoji]	Grandfather (used by grandchildren)
큰아버지	[keunabeoji]	Father’s oldest brother/oldest Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
큰어머니	[keuneomeoni]	Wife of father’s oldest brother/oldest Aunt (used by nieces and nephews)
작은아버지	[jageunabeoji]	Father’s younger brother/younger Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
작은어머니	[jageuneomeoni]	Wife of father’s younger brother/younger uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
삼촌	[samchon]	Father’s younger brother/Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
숙모	[sungmo]	Wife of father’s younger brother/Aunt (used by nieces and nephews)
사촌	[sachon]	Cousins (father’s brothers’ sons or daughters) (used by other cousins)
사촌형	[sachonhyeong]	Old cousin brother (used by a younger male cousin)
사촌오빠	[sachonoppa]	Old cousin brother (used by a younger female cousin)
사촌누나	[sachonnuna]	Old cousin sister (used by a younger male cousin)
사촌언니	[sachoneonni]	Old cousin sister (used by a younger female cousin)
사촌동생	[sachondongsaeng]	Younger cousin (used by older cousins)
조카	[joka]	Nephew or niece (used by aunts or uncles)
고모	[gomo]	Father’s sister/Aunt (used by nieces or nephews)
고모부	[gomobu]	Husband of father’s sister/Uncle (used by nieces or nephews)
고종사촌	[gojongsachon]	Cousins (father’s sisters’ sons or daughters) (used by other cousins)

Mother’s Side Family Titles

Hangeul	Romanization	English Meaning
외할아버지	[oeharabeoji]	Mother’s father/Grandfather (Used by grandchildren)
외할머니	[oehalmeoni]	Mother’s mother/Grandmother (Used by grandchildren)
외삼촌	[oesamchon]	Mother’s brother/Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
외숙모	[oesungmo]	Wife of mother’s brother/Aunt (used by nieces and nephews)
외사촌	[oesachon]	Cousins (mother’s brothers’ sons or daughters)
이모	[imo]	Mother’s female sibling/Aunt (used by nieces and nephews)
이모부	[imobu]	Husband of mother’s female sibling/Uncle (used by nieces and nephews)
이종사촌	[ijongsachon]	Cousins (mother’s sisters’ sons or daughters)

References 

WorknPlay Inc. Titles of coworkers, People, and Family in Korean. Retrieved from http://www.worknplay.co.kr/index.php/article/titles-of-coworkers-people-and-family-in-korean/mod/article/act/showArticle/art_no/163

Commisceo Global Consultancy Ltd 2017. Retrieved from https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/south-korea-guide