손자녀
손자녀 in 30 Sekunden
- A formal, gender-neutral Korean word for 'grandchildren' used in official and professional settings.
- Combines Hanja for grandson (손), son (자), and daughter (녀) to create an inclusive collective noun.
- Preferred in news, legal documents, and academic discussions over the casual term '손주'.
- Reflects modern Korean linguistic trends toward gender equality and administrative precision.
The term 손자녀 (Son-ja-nyeo) is a comprehensive, formal Korean noun used to refer to one's grandchildren collectively, regardless of gender. In the intricate landscape of Korean kinship terminology, this word serves as a gender-neutral umbrella term, combining the characters for grandson and granddaughter.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The word is composed of three Hanja (Sino-Korean) characters: 孫 (손 - son) meaning grandchild, 子 (자 - ja) meaning son or child, and 女 (녀 - nyeo) meaning daughter. Together, they literally translate to 'grandchildren, sons, and daughters,' but functionally mean 'all grandchildren.'
While everyday conversation might favor the more casual 손주 (Son-ju), 손자녀 is the preferred choice in professional, academic, or administrative contexts. You will encounter it frequently in government documents regarding family benefits, demographic reports, or formal speeches where precision and inclusivity are paramount. It reflects a modern shift in Korean society towards gender-neutral language in official capacities.
정부는 손자녀를 돌보는 조부모에게 수당을 지급하기로 했습니다. (The government decided to pay allowances to grandparents who take care of their grandchildren.)
Historically, Korean family structures were patrilineal, often emphasizing the '손자' (male grandson). However, 손자녀 acts as a linguistic bridge, ensuring that granddaughters are equally recognized in the collective family unit. This is particularly important in legal contexts such as inheritance laws or social welfare eligibility, where the gender of the grandchild should not dictate the terminology used. It is a word that carries the weight of tradition while embracing contemporary values of equality.
- Social Register
- It sits high on the formality scale. If you are talking to a friend about their kids' kids, you'd say '손주'. If you are a news anchor reporting on the aging population, you use '손자녀'.
많은 어르신들이 손자녀의 교육비 지원을 위해 저축을 합니다. (Many seniors save money to support their grandchildren's education expenses.)
Understanding this word also helps in understanding the broader '자녀' (ja-nyeo) concept, which means 'children' (sons and daughters). Adding the prefix '손' (son) simply pushes that concept down one generation. It is a logical, modular part of the Korean lexicon that demonstrates how Hanja roots build complex social meanings. For English speakers, think of it as the difference between saying 'the grandkids' and 'the grandchildren' in a legal deposition.
- Grammatical Note
- As a noun, it can be followed by various particles like -가/이 (subject), -를/을 (object), or -의 (possessive). Because it is a collective noun, it doesn't require a plural marker like -들, though '손자녀들' is sometimes used for extra emphasis on the individuals within the group.
그 할머니는 손자녀 사랑이 지극하십니다. (That grandmother's love for her grandchildren is extreme/immense.)
Using 손자녀 correctly requires an understanding of Korean honorifics and the level of formality of the situation. While the word itself is formal, the verbs and endings you attach to it must match the overall tone of your speech. Because you are often talking about someone else's grandchildren (especially those of an elder), you will frequently use polite or humble verb forms.
- Possessive Constructions
- When referring to someone's grandchildren, use '의' (ui). For example, '김 선생님의 손자녀' (Mr. Kim's grandchildren). In spoken Korean, '의' is often omitted: '김 선생님 손자녀'.
In administrative writing, 손자녀 is used to define relationships. If you are applying for a family visa or a pension benefit, the form will ask for the names of your '손자녀'. Here, the word acts as a category. It is not just a label but a legal definition of lineage. When writing, ensure you don't confuse it with '손주', which is perfectly fine for a diary entry but might look too casual on a loan application or a formal letter to a principal.
이번 행사는 손자녀와 함께하는 전통 놀이 체험입니다. (This event is a traditional play experience to be enjoyed with grandchildren.)
Another common usage is in the context of '손자녀 양육' (grandchild rearing). In modern Korea, with many dual-income families, grandparents often take on the role of primary caregivers. Discussions about this social phenomenon almost always use the term 손자녀 in news reports and sociological studies. It frames the relationship in a way that highlights the generational link and the responsibilities involved.
- Verb Pairing
- Common verbs used with this word include 돌보다 (to take care of), 사랑하다 (to love), 교육하다 (to educate), and 방문하다 (to visit). In formal contexts, use honorific versions if the subject is an elder.
연휴를 맞아 많은 분들이 손자녀의 방문을 기다리고 계십니다. (With the holidays approaching, many people are waiting for their grandchildren's visit.)
Finally, consider the nuances of '외손자녀' (oe-son-ja-nyeo). The prefix '외' (oe) refers to the maternal side (grandchildren through one's daughter). In the past, '손자녀' might have implicitly meant the paternal side, but today, 손자녀 is increasingly used to cover both sides, reflecting a more egalitarian view of family. If you want to be specific about maternal grandchildren in a formal report, you would use '외손자녀', but for a general statement, '손자녀' suffices.
맞벌이 부부의 증가로 손자녀를 돌보는 황혼 육아가 늘고 있습니다. (Due to the increase in dual-income couples, 'twilight childcare'—taking care of grandchildren—is increasing.)
You are unlikely to hear 손자녀 at a playground or a casual family dinner. Instead, this word lives in the public sphere. If you turn on the KBS or MBC news at night, and the topic is South Korea's declining birth rate or the welfare of the elderly, you will almost certainly hear the anchor use 손자녀. It provides a level of professional distance and clarity that '손주' lacks.
- Public Announcements
- In community centers (주민센터) or senior centers (경로당), posters for programs like 'Grandparent-Grandchild Camp' will use '손자녀 캠프'. It signals that the event is organized and official.
In the financial sector, banks often market '손자녀 적금' (Grandchildren's Savings Accounts). These are products designed for grandparents to save money for their grandchildren's future. The use of 손자녀 here makes the financial product sound more serious and trustworthy. It appeals to the grandparent's desire to provide a legacy for the next-next generation.
이 통장은 손자녀의 대학 등록금을 위해 마련된 것입니다. (This bank account was prepared for the grandchildren's college tuition.)
Legal and medical settings are other common venues. A doctor might ask an elderly patient about their '손자녀' during a social history check to assess their support system at home. A lawyer discussing a will (유언장) will use 손자녀 to ensure all descendants are legally accounted for. In these high-stakes environments, the precision of Hanja-based vocabulary is essential to avoid ambiguity.
- Religious Services
- In churches or temples, prayers for the health and success of the '손자녀' are common. It is a respectful way to refer to the younger generation in a sacred space.
목사님은 성도들의 손자녀를 위해 축복 기도를 해주셨습니다. (The pastor offered a blessing prayer for the grandchildren of the congregants.)
Finally, academic lectures in fields like sociology or social work use this term exclusively. When discussing 'intergenerational solidarity' (세대 간 연대), researchers look at the interactions between 조부모 (grandparents) and 손자녀. If you are a student of the Korean language or culture, recognizing this word will unlock a vast amount of formal and academic content that is otherwise obscured by more colloquial terms.
연구 결과는 조부모와의 유대감이 손자녀의 정서 발달에 긍정적인 영향을 미친다는 것을 보여줍니다. (Research results show that bonding with grandparents has a positive impact on the emotional development of grandchildren.)
The most frequent mistake learners make with 손자녀 is using it in the wrong social context. Because it is highly formal, using it when chatting with a close Korean friend about their kids might sound stiff or even slightly robotic. It’s like saying 'How are your descendants faring?' instead of 'How are the grandkids?'. In casual settings, stick to '손주' or specifically '손자' (grandson) and '손녀' (granddaughter).
- Mistake: Gender Exclusion
- Many learners default to '손자' (son-ja) to mean 'grandchildren' because they learned it first. However, '손자' specifically refers to male grandchildren. If you use '손자' in a formal document to refer to both boys and girls, it is technically incorrect and can be seen as outdated or biased.
Another common error is the misapplication of honorifics. While 손자녀 is a formal word, the grandchildren themselves are usually younger and thus lower in the social hierarchy than the speaker. You don't need to use honorific markers *on* the word itself (like adding -님), but you must use honorifics when talking *to* the grandparents *about* their grandchildren. For example, '손자녀분이 참 예쁘시네요' (Your grandchildren are very pretty) uses the polite '분' and the honorific verb ending '시'.
Incorrect: 우리 할머니는 손자녀님들을 좋아해요. (My grandmother likes the 'honorable grandchildren'.) - Over-honorific.
Confusion between '손자녀' and '자녀' is also a pitfall for beginners. Remember that '자' (son) and '녀' (daughter) are the core. '자녀' is one generation down (your children). '손자녀' is two generations down (your grandchildren). The '손' (grand) is the key differentiator. If you leave it out, you're talking about a completely different set of people.
- Spelling and Pronunciation
- Be careful with the pronunciation of '녀'. It’s a soft 'nyeo' sound. Some learners accidentally say '네' (ne) or '나' (na), which changes the meaning or makes the word unrecognizable. Practice the 'n' sound transitioning into the 'yeo' diphthong.
Mistake: 손자들 (Son-ja-deul) used when referring to a group of girls and boys.
Correct: 손자녀 (Son-ja-nyeo) for a mixed or unspecified group.
Lastly, don't over-pluralize. While '손자녀들' is acceptable, '손자녀' is already a collective noun. Adding '-들' (the plural marker) can sometimes feel redundant in formal writing. If the context already implies multiple grandchildren (e.g., '모든 손자녀'), the '-들' is unnecessary. Focus on the context to decide if the plural marker adds value or just clutter.
To master Korean, you must understand the spectrum of words that describe the same concept. For 'grandchildren,' the choice of word depends entirely on the situation, the gender of the children, and the side of the family they belong to.
- 손주 (Son-ju)
- This is the most common alternative. It is gender-neutral and used in daily conversation. If '손자녀' is 'grandchildren,' '손주' is 'grandkids.' It feels warmer and more personal.
- 손자 (Son-ja)
- Specifically refers to a grandson. In a traditional context, this was the 'default' for grandchildren, but today it is strictly gendered.
- 손녀 (Son-nyeo)
- Specifically refers to a granddaughter.
When we look at maternal vs. paternal sides, the vocabulary expands. Traditional Korean culture distinguished heavily between the 'inner' (paternal) and 'outer' (maternal) family. While these distinctions are fading in modern daily life, they remain in the vocabulary, especially in formal settings.
친손자녀 (Chin-son-ja-nyeo): Grandchildren from one's son (paternal).
외손자녀 (Oe-son-ja-nyeo): Grandchildren from one's daughter (maternal).
For a broader perspective, you might encounter '후손' (hu-son), which means 'descendants.' This includes grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone who follows. It is much more formal and often used in historical or genealogical contexts. If '손자녀' is about the next generation but one, '후손' is about the entire future of the bloodline.
- Comparison Table
- 손자녀: Formal, gender-neutral, inclusive.
- 손주: Casual, gender-neutral, friendly.
- 손자/손녀: Specific gender (Grandson/Granddaughter).
- 외손자녀: Specifically maternal grandchildren.
Choosing the right word shows your level of Korean proficiency. If you are writing a letter to a teacher or a boss, use 손자녀. If you are showing a photo to a colleague at lunch, use '손주'. If you are bragging about your specific grandson's soccer skills, use '손자'. This nuanced choice reflects your understanding of Korean social dynamics.
할아버지께서는 손자녀 모두를 똑같이 사랑하십니다. (Grandfather loves all his grandchildren equally.)
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
While the character '子' (ja) originally meant 'son,' in the word '자녀' and '손자녀,' it has evolved to represent 'children' in a general sense, though the addition of '女' (nyeo) specifically ensures gender inclusion.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'nyeo' as 'neo' (missing the 'y' sound).
- Pronouncing 'son' like the English word 'sun' (the Korean 'o' is more closed).
- Adding a stress on the first syllable which makes it sound unnatural.
- Confusing 'nyeo' with 'ne' (yes).
- Making the 'j' in 'ja' too sharp like a 'z'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to read if you know Hanja-based family terms, but the 'nyeo' ending can be tricky for beginners.
Requires knowledge of when to use formal versus casual register to avoid sounding stiff.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but the diphthong in 'nyeo' needs practice.
Can be confused with '손자' if the listener doesn't catch the final syllable.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Honorific Particle '-분'
손자녀분 (Honorable grandchildren)
Possessive '-의'
선생님의 손자녀 (The teacher's grandchildren)
Counter '-명'
손자녀 두 명 (Two grandchildren)
Noun-Modifying '-하는'
손자녀를 돌보는 할머니 (A grandmother who looks after grandchildren)
Dative '-에게'
손자녀에게 선물을 주다 (To give a gift to grandchildren)
Beispiele nach Niveau
할아버지는 손자녀가 많아요.
Grandfather has many grandchildren.
Simple subject-object-verb structure with '많아요' (many).
손자녀는 귀여워요.
The grandchildren are cute.
Topic marker '-는' used with the adjective '귀여워요'.
손자녀가 세 명 있습니다.
There are three grandchildren.
Using the counter '명' (myeong) for people.
손자녀의 이름이 뭐예요?
What are the grandchildren's names?
Possessive particle '-의' (ui) connecting grandchildren and names.
저는 손자녀를 사랑해요.
I love my grandchildren.
Object marker '-를' used with the verb '사랑해요'.
손자녀와 같이 밥을 먹어요.
I eat with my grandchildren.
Particle '-와' (wa) meaning 'with'.
손자녀가 학교에 가요.
The grandchildren go to school.
Subject marker '-가' and the destination particle '-에'.
손자녀가 선물을 받아요.
The grandchildren receive gifts.
Present tense verb '받아요' (receive).
추석에 손자녀들이 할머니 댁에 모였어요.
The grandchildren gathered at their grandmother's house for Chuseok.
Past tense '모였어요' (gathered) and the plural marker '-들'.
손자녀를 돌보는 것은 힘들지만 행복해요.
Taking care of grandchildren is hard but happy.
Gerund form '-는 것' (the act of) as the subject.
할아버지는 손자녀에게 용돈을 주셨습니다.
Grandfather gave pocket money to his grandchildren.
Honorific verb '주셨습니다' (gave) and the indirect object particle '-에게'.
우리 집은 손자녀가 오면 시끄러워져요.
Our house becomes noisy when the grandchildren come.
Conditional '-면' (when/if) and the becoming-verb '-어지다'.
손자녀를 위해 맛있는 음식을 준비했어요.
I prepared delicious food for my grandchildren.
'-를 위해' (for the sake of) structure.
내일은 손자녀의 졸업식이 있는 날이에요.
Tomorrow is the day of the grandchildren's graduation ceremony.
Noun-modifying form '-는' with '날' (day).
손자녀가 그린 그림을 벽에 붙였어요.
I pasted the pictures drawn by my grandchildren on the wall.
Past noun-modifying form '-ㄴ' with '그림' (picture).
할머니는 손자녀의 전화를 받고 기뻐하셨어요.
Grandmother was happy after receiving a call from her grandchildren.
Sequential action '-고' and the honorific emotion verb '기뻐하셨어요'.
맞벌이 부부가 늘면서 손자녀 양육이 사회적 이슈가 되고 있습니다.
As dual-income couples increase, grandchild rearing is becoming a social issue.
'-면서' (while/as) indicates two simultaneous trends.
정부는 손자녀를 양육하는 조부모에게 수당을 지원합니다.
The government supports grandparents who raise their grandchildren with an allowance.
Noun-modifying form '-하는' describing '조부모'.
손자녀와의 세대 차이를 줄이기 위해 노력해야 합니다.
We must make an effort to reduce the generational gap with grandchildren.
'-기 위해' (in order to) and '-해야 하다' (must).
많은 노인들이 손자녀의 성공을 인생의 보람으로 여깁니다.
Many elderly people consider their grandchildren's success as the reward of their lives.
'A를 B로 여기다' (to consider A as B).
손자녀가 방학을 맞아 할머니 댁을 방문했습니다.
The grandchildren visited their grandmother's house for the school vacation.
'-를 맞아' (on the occasion of / for).
디지털 시대에 손자녀로부터 스마트폰 사용법을 배웁니다.
In the digital age, people learn how to use smartphones from their grandchildren.
'-로부터' (from) indicating the source of information.
손자녀의 건강한 성장은 모든 조부모의 바람입니다.
The healthy growth of grandchildren is the wish of all grandparents.
Noun '바람' (wish/hope) derived from the verb '바라다'.
손자녀에게 전통 예절을 가르치는 프로그램이 인기입니다.
Programs that teach traditional etiquette to grandchildren are popular.
Noun-modifying form '-는' and the noun '인기' (popularity).
조부모와 손자녀 간의 정서적 유대감은 아이의 자존감 형성에 큰 영향을 미칩니다.
The emotional bond between grandparents and grandchildren significantly influences the child's self-esteem formation.
'A와 B 간의' (between A and B) and '영향을 미치다' (to influence).
고령화 사회에서 손자녀는 노년기 삶의 질을 높여주는 활력소입니다.
In an aging society, grandchildren are a source of energy that improves the quality of life in old age.
'-아/어 주는' (doing something for) and the noun '활력소' (source of energy).
손자녀의 교육 방식을 두고 부모와 조부모 사이에 갈등이 생기기도 합니다.
Conflicts sometimes arise between parents and grandparents over the method of educating grandchildren.
'-를 두고' (over/concerning) and '-기도 하다' (sometimes does).
현대 사회에서는 손자녀와 떨어져 사는 노인 가구가 증가하고 있습니다.
In modern society, elderly households living apart from their grandchildren are increasing.
'-어/아 있다' (state of being) and '-고 있다' (progressive).
손자녀에게 재산을 상속하는 과정에서 법적인 절차가 복잡할 수 있습니다.
The legal procedures can be complex in the process of inheriting property to grandchildren.
'-는 과정에서' (in the process of) and '-ㄹ 수 있다' (can/possibility).
손자녀의 돌봄 노동이 조부모의 건강에 미치는 긍정적, 부정적 측면을 고찰해야 합니다.
We must examine the positive and negative aspects of grandchild-care labor on the health of grandparents.
Formal verb '고찰해야 하다' (must examine/consider).
손자녀가 성인이 된 후에도 조부모와의 관계는 지속적으로 유지되어야 합니다.
Even after grandchildren become adults, the relationship with grandparents should be maintained continuously.
'-ㄴ 후에도' (even after) and passive '유지되어야 하다'.
전통적인 가족 제도 내에서 손자녀는 가문의 대를 잇는 중요한 존재였습니다.
Within the traditional family system, grandchildren were important beings who carried on the family line.
Past tense '-였습니다' and '대를 잇다' (to carry on the lineage).
손자녀의 양육을 전담하는 '황혼 육아'는 노년층의 사회적 고립을 방지하는 기제가 되기도 합니다.
'Twilight childcare,' which involves taking full charge of raising grandchildren, also serves as a mechanism to prevent social isolation among the elderly.
Advanced noun '기제' (mechanism) and the verb '전담하다' (to take full charge of).
조부모의 가치관이 손자녀에게 전수되는 과정은 문화적 정체성 보존에 핵심적인 역할을 합니다.
The process by which grandparents' values are passed down to their grandchildren plays a key role in preserving cultural identity.
Passive '전수되는' and '핵심적인 역할을 하다' (to play a key role).
손자녀에 대한 법적 부양 의무는 국가별 가족법의 판도에 따라 상이하게 나타납니다.
The legal obligation to support grandchildren appears differently depending on the landscape of family law in each country.
Advanced vocabulary '판도' (landscape/domain) and '상이하게' (differently).
세대 간 자원 이전의 관점에서 볼 때, 손자녀에게 행해지는 투자는 미래 사회의 인적 자본 형성으로 이어집니다.
From the perspective of intergenerational resource transfer, investments made in grandchildren lead to the formation of human capital in future society.
'-ㄴ 관점에서 볼 때' (from the perspective of) and '인적 자본' (human capital).
손자녀의 출현은 노년기 자아 통합 단계에서 심리적 안정을 제공하는 주요 변수 중 하나입니다.
The emergence of grandchildren is one of the main variables that provide psychological stability in the stage of ego integrity in old age.
Psychological term '자아 통합' (ego integrity) and '변수' (variable).
정보화 사회에서 조부모와 손자녀 간의 '디지털 격차'를 해소하기 위한 정책적 배려가 필요합니다.
In the information society, policy considerations are needed to bridge the 'digital divide' between grandparents and grandchildren.
'격차를 해소하다' (to bridge/resolve a gap) and '정책적 배려' (policy consideration).
손자녀의 정서적 결핍을 보완하기 위한 조부모의 역할이 현대 가족 구조에서 재조명되고 있습니다.
The role of grandparents in compensating for the emotional deficiencies of grandchildren is being re-examined in modern family structures.
'재조명되고 있다' (is being re-examined/spotlighted).
손자녀와의 상호작용은 노인의 인지 기능 저하를 늦추는 인지적 자극제로 작용할 수 있습니다.
Interaction with grandchildren can act as a cognitive stimulant that slows down the decline of cognitive function in the elderly.
'A로 작용하다' (to act/function as A) and '인지 기능 저하' (cognitive decline).
손자녀라는 존재는 단순한 혈연의 연장을 넘어, 한 가문의 역사적 서사가 연속성을 획득하는 지점입니다.
The existence of grandchildren goes beyond a simple extension of blood ties; it is the point where a family's historical narrative acquires continuity.
Metaphorical use of '서사' (narrative) and '연속성을 획득하다' (to acquire continuity).
조부모의 삶의 궤적이 손자녀의 인격 형성에 투영되는 방식은 가풍의 암묵적 계승이라 할 수 있습니다.
The way in which the trajectory of a grandparent's life is projected onto a grandchild's character formation can be called the implicit succession of family tradition.
'궤적' (trajectory), '투영되다' (to be projected), and '암묵적 계승' (implicit succession).
현대 자본주의 체제 하에서 손자녀는 세대 간 부의 편중을 완화하거나 심화시키는 매개체로 기능하기도 합니다.
Under the modern capitalist system, grandchildren function as a medium that either alleviates or intensifies the concentration of wealth between generations.
'부의 편중' (concentration of wealth) and '매개체' (medium/intermediary).
손자녀와의 유대 관계에서 발현되는 '무조건적 수용'은 노년기 존재론적 고독을 치유하는 근원적 힘이 됩니다.
The 'unconditional acceptance' manifested in the bond with grandchildren becomes the fundamental power to heal the existential loneliness of old age.
'존재론적 고독' (existential loneliness) and '발현되는' (manifested).
국가 공동체의 지속 가능성 측면에서 손자녀의 출산과 양육은 개별 가정을 넘어선 공공의 영역으로 편입되어야 합니다.
In terms of the sustainability of the national community, the birth and rearing of grandchildren must be incorporated into the public sphere beyond individual families.
'지속 가능성' (sustainability) and '공공의 영역으로 편입되다' (to be incorporated into the public sphere).
손자녀의 사회화 과정에서 조부모가 수행하는 '전통의 재해석'은 급변하는 사회에서 정서적 닻의 역할을 수행합니다.
The 'reinterpretation of tradition' performed by grandparents in the socialization process of grandchildren serves as an emotional anchor in a rapidly changing society.
'사회화 과정' (socialization process) and '정서적 닻' (emotional anchor).
손자녀에게 투사되는 조부모의 미완의 욕망은 세대 간 갈등의 단초를 제공하는 양날의 검과 같습니다.
The unfulfilled desires of grandparents projected onto their grandchildren are like a double-edged sword that provides the beginning of intergenerational conflict.
'투사되는' (projected), '단초' (beginning/clue), and '양날의 검' (double-edged sword).
디지털 노마드 시대에 손자녀와의 비대면 소통 방식은 가족의 시공간적 제약을 극복하는 새로운 유대 양식으로 자리 잡았습니다.
In the era of digital nomads, non-face-to-face communication with grandchildren has established itself as a new mode of bonding that overcomes the spatio-temporal constraints of the family.
'시공간적 제약' (spatio-temporal constraints) and '유대 양식' (mode of bonding).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To have grandchildren (usually used when someone becomes a grandparent for the first time).
김 과장님은 드디어 손자녀를 보셨대요.
— To take care of or baby-sit grandchildren.
은퇴 후에 손자녀를 돌보며 지내고 있습니다.
— To hand down something (money, values, traditions) to grandchildren.
이 시계는 손자녀에게 물려줄 보물입니다.
— The cute antics or charms of grandchildren.
손자녀의 재롱을 보는 재미에 삽니다.
— To have a grandchild born into the family.
내년에 손자녀가 생길 예정이라 설렙니다.
— To spend time with grandchildren.
주말마다 손자녀와 시간을 보내려고 노력합니다.
— To raise or bring up grandchildren.
부모 대신 손자녀를 기르는 조부모가 많아졌습니다.
— To miss one's grandchildren.
멀리 사는 손자녀를 항상 그리워하십니다.
— The future of one's grandchildren.
손자녀의 미래를 위해 환경을 보호해야 합니다.
— To communicate with grandchildren.
손자녀와 소통하기 위해 SNS를 배웠습니다.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Specifically male. '손자녀' is inclusive of both genders.
Refers to children (one generation down), while '손자녀' is two generations down.
Same meaning but '손주' is casual/warm, '손자녀' is formal/official.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To be so enthralled by grandchildren's cute actions that one loses track of time.
할아버지는 손자녀 재롱에 시간 가는 줄 모르고 웃으셨다.
Common— Grandchildren who are so precious that they wouldn't hurt even if put in one's eye (the apple of one's eye).
그녀에게 손자녀는 눈에 넣어도 안 아픈 존재다.
Common— Grandchildren are the support and strength of an old man.
든든한 손자녀가 있으니 할아버지께서는 걱정이 없으시다.
Literary— Refers to the deep, doting love grandmothers have for their grandchildren.
할머니의 손자녀 사랑은 아무도 못 말린다.
Colloquial— One finds joy and laughter in life because of their grandchildren.
힘든 일도 많았지만 손자녀 덕에 웃으며 산다.
Common— The grandchildren have the best life (often said jokingly by grandparents who do all the work).
내가 다 해주니 우리 손자녀가 상팔자지.
Humorous— Raising grandchildren well is the most successful 'harvest' in life.
손자녀 농사가 제일이라더니, 아이들이 다 잘 컸구나.
Traditional— The journey to see grandchildren always feels short because of the excitement.
부산까지 멀어도 손자녀 보러 가는 길은 늘 가깝게 느껴진다.
Common— Not realizing how precious grandchildren are (often a reproach).
자식 귀한 줄은 알아도 손자녀 귀한 줄은 모르는 법이다.
Proverbial— Grandchildren bring more joy than even a filial son.
가끔은 손자녀가 열 효자보다 낫다는 생각이 든다.
ColloquialLeicht verwechselbar
They sound similar and both refer to grandchildren.
'손자' is specifically for boys (grandson). '손자녀' is for both boys and girls (grandchildren). Use '손자녀' to be inclusive.
아들이 아들을 낳으면 손자이고, 아들과 딸을 모두 포함하면 손자녀입니다.
They share the same '자녀' root.
'자녀' means your immediate children. '손자녀' means your grandchildren. The '손' prefix adds a generation.
내 아들은 나의 자녀이고, 아들의 아들은 나의 손자녀입니다.
They mean the exact same thing.
The difference is register. '손주' is for talking to friends or family. '손자녀' is for news, forms, or formal writing.
친구에게는 '손주'라고 말하고, 보고서에는 '손자녀'라고 씁니다.
Both refer to descendants.
'손자녀' is specifically the second generation after you. '후손' is a general term for anyone born after you in your lineage.
손자녀는 나의 손주들이지만, 후손은 백 년 뒤의 자손들도 포함합니다.
It's a subset of '손자녀'.
'손자녀' is the general term. '외손자녀' specifically means grandchildren from your daughter's side.
딸이 낳은 아이들은 외손자녀라고 부릅니다.
Satzmuster
N가/이 있어요
손자녀가 있어요.
N를/을 위해 V
손자녀를 위해 요리해요.
N을/를 V-는 것
손자녀를 돌보는 것은 즐거워요.
N 간의 N
조부모와 손자녀 간의 사랑.
N에 미치는 영향
손자녀가 노인 건강에 미치는 영향.
N(이)라는 존재
손자녀라는 존재의 의미.
N에게 N을/를 V-아/어 주다
손자녀에게 책을 읽어 줍니다.
N와/과 함께
손자녀와 함께 공원에 가요.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High in formal contexts, medium in daily speech.
-
Using '손자' as a general term for all grandchildren.
→
손자녀
'손자' specifically means 'grandson.' Using it for a group that includes girls is outdated and technically incorrect in formal settings.
-
Using '손자녀' in a casual conversation with friends.
→
손주
'손자녀' sounds too stiff and formal for a casual chat. '손주' is the natural choice for daily life.
-
Adding '-님' to '손자녀' to be polite.
→
손자녀분
In Korean, '-님' is usually for titles or people of higher status. For grandchildren (who are younger), '분' is the correct honorific marker.
-
Confusing '손자녀' with '자녀'.
→
손자녀 (for grandchildren)
'자녀' are children. '손자녀' are grandchildren. The '손' prefix is crucial for distinguishing the generations.
-
Mispronouncing 'nyeo' as 'neo'.
→
손자녀 (Son-ja-nyeo)
Missing the 'y' sound in 'nyeo' makes the word sound like 'grandchild-son-you,' which is confusing or nonsensical.
Tipps
Formal Writing
Always use '손자녀' in essays or reports to demonstrate a high-level vocabulary and a professional tone. Avoid '손주' in these contexts.
Be Gender-Neutral
Unless you know for a fact that someone only has grandsons, '손자녀' is the safest and most respectful term to use when asking about someone's family.
Counting People
When counting grandchildren, use '손자녀 X명'. For example, '손자녀 두 명' (two grandchildren). This is the standard way to quantify them formally.
The 'Nyeo' Sound
Practice the 'nyeo' sound by starting with an 'n' and quickly moving into a 'y' followed by 'eo'. It should be one fluid syllable.
Respecting Elders
When talking to an elder about their grandchildren, use '손자녀분'. It shows you respect the elder and their family line.
Family Tree
Connect '손자녀' to '자녀' in your mind. If '자녀' is the first branch, '손자녀' is the second branch of the tree.
News Keywords
When you hear '손자녀' on the news, the topic is likely about aging, welfare, or population trends. It's a key 'hook' word for these topics.
Legal Precision
In legal contexts, '손자녀' ensures that both male and female descendants are included in rights like inheritance. It's an important word for precision.
Hanja Logic
Learning the Hanja (孫子女) will help you remember the word forever. It's a logical combination of 'grandchild' + 'son' + 'daughter'.
Avoid Robotic Speech
Don't use '손자녀' with children themselves. Say '애기들' (kids) or their names. '손자녀' is a word *about* them, not *to* them.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'SON' (grandson), 'JA' (child), and 'NYEO' (daughter). It's the whole 'SON-JA-NYEO' family tree in one word!
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a family tree where the bottom row has both a boy and a girl. The word '손자녀' is a circle drawn around both of them.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to write a formal sentence using '손자녀' and then rewrite it casually using '손주'. Notice how the feeling of the sentence changes.
Wortherkunft
Derived from Sino-Korean Hanja roots. It follows the standard Korean pattern of combining individual family terms to create a collective noun.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: 孫 (Grandchild) + 子 (Son/Child) + 女 (Daughter). Literally: 'Grandchild sons and daughters.'
Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).Kultureller Kontext
Be careful when using '친' (paternal) and '외' (maternal) prefixes. In modern contexts, emphasizing the maternal '외' can sometimes feel like you are distancing them from the 'main' family, so '손자녀' is safer and more inclusive.
In English, 'grandchildren' is the direct equivalent, but we don't have a specific formal version like '손자녀' versus a casual version like '손주'.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Administrative/Legal
- 손자녀 인적 사항
- 손자녀 동반
- 손자녀 증명
- 손자녀 상속
News/Media
- 손자녀 양육 실태
- 손자녀와의 유대
- 손자녀 교육비
- 손자녀 세대 갈등
Formal Social Gathering
- 손자녀분들은 잘 지내시나요?
- 손자녀가 몇 명입니까?
- 손자녀 자랑
- 손자녀의 결혼
Banking/Finance
- 손자녀 적금
- 손자녀 증여
- 손자녀 보험
- 손자녀 장학금
Religious/Ceremonial
- 손자녀를 위한 기도
- 손자녀의 건강
- 손자녀 축복
- 손자녀의 안녕
Gesprächseinstiege
"손자녀분들은 연세가 어떻게 되세요? (How old are your grandchildren?)"
"손자녀분들이 할아버지/할머니를 많이 닮았네요. (Your grandchildren look a lot like you.)"
"요즘 손자녀분들 돌보시느라 바쁘시죠? (You must be busy taking care of your grandchildren these days, right?)"
"손자녀분들 중에서 누가 제일 재롱을 많이 부려요? (Which of your grandchildren is the most charming/cute?)"
"손자녀분들이 이번 명절에 다 모이나요? (Are all your grandchildren gathering this holiday?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
미래의 나의 손자녀에게 편지를 써 보세요. (Write a letter to your future grandchildren.)
우리 사회에서 손자녀 양육 문제가 왜 중요한지 생각해 보세요. (Think about why the issue of grandchild rearing is important in our society.)
조부모님과 손자녀 사이의 가장 행복했던 기억을 적어 보세요. (Write down the happiest memory between a grandparent and a grandchild.)
손자녀 세대에게 물려주고 싶은 가장 소중한 가치는 무엇인가요? (What is the most precious value you want to pass down to the grandchild generation?)
현대 사회에서 조부모와 손자녀의 관계가 어떻게 변하고 있나요? (How is the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren changing in modern society?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is a collective noun that can refer to a group or be used as a general category even if there is only one grandchild. However, in formal contexts, it usually implies the whole group of descendants in that generation.
Use '손주' in casual, everyday conversations with friends, family, or people you are close to. It sounds warmer and more natural for personal stories. Use '손자녀' for official documents, news, or very formal situations.
Yes, in modern usage, '손자녀' is an inclusive term that covers both maternal (외손자녀) and paternal (친손자녀) grandchildren. It is the most neutral way to refer to all of them.
Yes, adding the plural marker '-들' is common and perfectly correct if you want to emphasize that you are talking about multiple individual grandchildren. In formal writing, '손자녀' alone is often sufficient.
The word itself is formal. To make it truly polite (honorific) when talking about someone else's grandchildren, you should add the honorific noun '분' to get '손자녀분'.
The Hanja are 孫 (Grandchild), 子 (Son), and 女 (Daughter). This combination creates a gender-inclusive term for the second generation of descendants.
Yes, the term is used in both North and South Korea, as it is based on traditional Hanja roots, though South Korean administrative language has popularized it further in recent decades.
No, for great-grandchildren, you would use '증손자녀' (Jung-son-ja-nyeo). The '증' prefix indicates the third generation down.
This is due to traditional linguistic patterns in Hanja-based words (like '남녀' for male-female). While the order is traditional, the modern meaning is entirely gender-neutral.
It is quite common in the reading and listening sections of TOPIK II (Intermediate/Advanced), especially in passages about family, society, and the elderly.
Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen
Write a sentence in Korean using '손자녀' to say you have two grandchildren.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Korean: 'The government supports grandchildren.' (Formal)
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Write a sentence about a grandmother loving her grandchildren using '손자녀'.
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Translate to Korean: 'I am waiting for my grandchildren's visit.'
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Write a formal question asking an elder if their grandchildren are well.
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Translate to Korean: 'I take care of my grandchildren every weekend.'
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Write a sentence using '손자녀 교육'.
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Translate: 'Grandchildren are the joy of life.'
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Write a sentence about a family gathering with grandchildren.
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Translate: 'A savings account for grandchildren.'
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Write a sentence using '손자녀와 함께'.
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Translate: 'The generational gap between grandparents and grandchildren.'
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Write a sentence about grandchildren's health.
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Translate: 'My grandchildren are very cute.' (Formal)
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Write a sentence about grandchildren starting school.
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Translate: 'Inheritance for grandchildren.'
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Write a sentence about grandchildren's cute antics.
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Translate: 'A letter written to grandchildren.'
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Write a sentence about the number of grandchildren.
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Translate: 'Grandchildren are the future.'
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Pronounce the word '손자녀' clearly.
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Say 'I have three grandchildren' in formal Korean.
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Ask 'How are your grandchildren?' formally.
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Say 'My grandchildren are very cute.'
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Say 'I miss my grandchildren.'
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Pronounce '손자녀 양육' (Grandchild rearing).
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Say 'I love my grandchildren.'
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Say 'Happy holiday with your grandchildren.'
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Say 'Grandchildren's visit makes me happy.'
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Ask 'Do you have any grandchildren?' formally.
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Say 'I am a grandfather of four grandchildren.'
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Say 'Grandchildren are the apple of my eye.'
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Say 'I want to see my grandchildren soon.'
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Say 'I am saving for my grandchildren.'
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Say 'Grandchildren are growing up fast.'
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Pronounce '친손자녀' and '외손자녀'.
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Say 'I give pocket money to my grandchildren.'
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Say 'I take care of them on weekends.'
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Say 'I am proud of my grandchildren.'
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Say 'Grandchildren are precious.'
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Listen and write the number of grandchildren mentioned: '우리 집에는 손자녀가 네 명 있어요.'
Listen and identify the relationship: '손자녀들이 할머니를 보러 왔어요.'
Listen and identify the action: '할아버지는 손자녀를 돌보고 계십니다.'
Listen and identify the occasion: '이번 명절에는 손자녀가 다 모여요.'
Listen and identify the speaker's feeling: '손자녀만 생각하면 웃음이 나요.'
Listen and identify the target of the policy: '손자녀 양육 지원금이 인상되었습니다.'
Listen and write the word: '손자녀' (Son-ja-nyeo).
Listen and identify the gender: '손자녀는 아들과 딸의 자녀를 모두 말합니다.'
Listen and identify the location: '손자녀가 학교에 갔어요.'
Listen and identify the item: '손자녀에게 줄 선물을 샀어요.'
Listen and identify the frequency: '주말마다 손자녀를 만나요.'
Listen and identify the topic: '오늘 뉴스는 손자녀 양육에 대한 것입니다.'
Listen and identify the speaker: '내 손자녀가 최고야!'
Listen and identify the honorific: '손자녀분들은 잘 있나요?'
Listen and identify the age group: '손자녀들이 벌써 대학생이 되었네요.'
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Summary
The word '손자녀' is your go-to term for 'grandchildren' when you need to sound formal or inclusive. Unlike '손자' (grandson) or '손녀' (granddaughter), it covers everyone. Example: '손자녀를 위한 저축' (Savings for grandchildren).
- A formal, gender-neutral Korean word for 'grandchildren' used in official and professional settings.
- Combines Hanja for grandson (손), son (자), and daughter (녀) to create an inclusive collective noun.
- Preferred in news, legal documents, and academic discussions over the casual term '손주'.
- Reflects modern Korean linguistic trends toward gender equality and administrative precision.
Formal Writing
Always use '손자녀' in essays or reports to demonstrate a high-level vocabulary and a professional tone. Avoid '손주' in these contexts.
Be Gender-Neutral
Unless you know for a fact that someone only has grandsons, '손자녀' is the safest and most respectful term to use when asking about someone's family.
Counting People
When counting grandchildren, use '손자녀 X명'. For example, '손자녀 두 명' (two grandchildren). This is the standard way to quantify them formally.
The 'Nyeo' Sound
Practice the 'nyeo' sound by starting with an 'n' and quickly moving into a 'y' followed by 'eo'. It should be one fluid syllable.
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