Like in many other languages, there are several ways to say “father” or “dad” in Korean. The version you choose depends on your relationship with him as well as where you are.
Whether you’re a 교포 (gyopo) or 동포 (dongpo) looking to get back to your roots or you’re learning Korean and want to talk about your family with native speakers, knowing how to say “dad” in Korean is important.
In this article, we explore all the different ways to say “father” or “dad” in Korean, with explanations and example sentences.
1. Most Common Terms for Father in Korean
The most straightforward translations for “father” or “dad” in Korean are 아버지 (abeoji) and 아빠 (appa). These two words are the most commonly used. Which you choose to use depends on your relationship with your dad and the context in which you’re speaking to or about him.
아버지 (Abeoji)
The word 아버지 (abeoji) is the formal way of saying “father” in Korean. It is used in more respectful or formal situations. If you are speaking with someone outside your family about your father, you’re addressing him in a formal setting, or you simply want to show your respect, you would use 아버지.
- Word: 아버지
- Meaning: Father (formal)
- Romanization: Abeoji
Example Sentences
“우리 아버지는 선생님이세요.” (Uri abeojineun seonsaengnim-iseyo.) – “My father works as a teacher.”
“이 편지를 아버지께 보내주세요.” (I pyeonjireul abeojikke bonaejuseyo.) – “Please send this letter to Father.”
In the second example above, “께” (kke) is the honorific version of the particle “에게” or “한테”. It means “to” or “from”.
아빠 (Appa)
- Word: 아빠
- Meaning: Dad (informal)
- Romanization: Appa
아빠 (appa) is the informal and affectionate way of saying “dad.” It is generally used within the family, especially by children, but can also be used to refer to your dad in casual settings. This term is more relaxed and is the equivalent of saying “dad” instead of “father” in English.
You should only use this term to refer to your own dad.
Example Sentences
“아빠, 나 새 핸드폰 사도 돼요?” (Appa, na sae haendeupon sado dwaeyo?) – “Dad, can I get a new phone?”
“집에 계세요, 아빠?” (Jibe gyeseyo, appa?) – “Dad, are you home?”
“아빠, 여기 와!” (Appa, yeogi wa!) – “Dad, come here!”
2. Formal Ways to Say Father
In Korean culture, there is a strong emphasis on respect and politeness, especially when addressing elders or parents. Here are some more formal ways of saying “father” in order to show your respect.
아버님 (Abeonim)
아버님 (abeonim) is a more respectful term than 아버지. It adds the honorific suffix “-님” (-nim), which indicates respect. You might use this term when speaking about someone else’s father or when addressing your own father in a highly formal situation.
- Word: 아버님
- Meaning: Father (formal, honorific)
- Romanization: Abeonim
Example Sentence
“아버님, 제가 돌아왔습니다.” (Abeonim, jega dorawatsseumnida.) – “Father, I have returned.” (Used when you come back home from work, an event, school, or any other activity outside the home)
3. How to Address or Talk About Someone Else’s Father
When speaking about someone else’s father, it’s essential to use a respectful term, given the cultural importance of hierarchy and respect in Korea.
아버님 (Abeonim)
As mentioned earlier, 아버님 is the honorific version of 아버지. You generally use it to refer to someone else’s father, especially in a polite or respectful context, such as when you first meet your father in law. It shows deference and is appropriate in formal conversations.
- Word: 아버님
- Meaning: Father (polite, honorific)
- Romanization: Abeonim
Example Sentence
“아버님은 어떻게 지내세요?” (Abeonim-eun eotteoke jinaeseyo?) – “How is your father?”
4. How to Address Your Father In Law
아버님 (abeonim) is a catch-all term that you can use for father in law. However, there are two specific terms you can use depending on whether you’re married to a man or a woman.
시아버지 (Husband’s Father)
When referring to your husband’s father, the proper term is 시아버님 (si-abeonim). This is an honorific term and is used to show respect.
- Term: 시아버님
- Romanization: Si-abeonim
- Meaning: Father-in-law (husband’s father)
Example Sentence
“시아버님, 오늘 어떻게 지내세요?” (Si-abeonim, oneul eotteoke jinaeseyo?) – “Father-in-law, how are you today?”
장인 or 장어른 (Wife’s Father)
- Term: 장인어른
- Romanization: Jangin-eoreun
- Meaning: Father-in-law (wife’s father)
When you want to refer to or address your wife’s father in a respectful and formal way, the term 장인어른 (jangin-eoreun) is used.
You can also use “장인” (jangin), which means “wife’s father”, which is slightly less formal. Adding “어른” (eoreun), which means “elder” or “respected person”, further enhances the formality.
Example Sentence
“장인어른께서는 어떻게 지내세요?” (Jangin-eoreun-kkeseoneun eotteoke jinaeseyo?) – “How is my father-in-law doing?”
5. Old-Fashioned and Official Terms
Some terms for father are less common today but may still be encountered in formal writings, older texts, or historical contexts.
부친 (Buchin)
부친 is a formal and somewhat archaic way to refer to your father or someone else’s. It is primarily used in formal writing such as in legal documents, old literature, or official contexts.
- Word: 부친
- Meaning: Father (formal, old-fashioned, used in legal documents)
- Romanization: Buchin
Example
부친상. (Buchinsang) – The death of one’s father.
가친 (Gachin)
가친 (gachin) is another old-fashioned term similar to 부친, except it is only used to refer to your own father. It is extremely formal and usually found in historical or traditional settings.
- Word: 가친
- Meaning: Father (formal, old-fashioned, very formal)
- Romanization: Gachin
5. Slang and Regional Variations
Just like in English, where words like “pops” or “old man” are sometimes used, Korean also has slang or regional variations for “dad.”
애비 (Aebi)
애비 (aebi) is a less formal term that is considered slangy and casual. It is not typically used in respectful settings and is more often used in regional dialects, by older generations, or in a jokey way.
It can only be used to refer to your own dad. In some cases, it can be seen as rude or disrespectful.
- Word: 애비
- Meaning: Dad (slang, casual, slightly disrespectful)
- Romanization: Aebi
Example Sentence
“애비가 일찍 들어오라 하셨다.” (Aebi-ga iljjik deureoola hasyeotta.) – “My dad told me to come home early.”
“내가 니 애비다.” (naega ne aebida.) – “I am your father.”
Time to Greet Your Father!
Now you know several different ways to say “father” or “dad” in Korean, ranging from formal to informal and respectful to affectionate. Whether you are addressing your own father or someone else’s, it’s essential to choose the right word based on the context.
If there are two versions you learn today, make them 아버지 (abeoji) for “father” and 아빠 (appa) for “dad” as these are the most commonly used. Next, learn how to say “mom” or “mother” in Korean here!