봉양하다 en 30 segundos
- A formal verb for caring for elderly parents with deep respect and devotion.
- Rooted in Confucian filial piety, implying more than just financial support.
- Used in formal, literary, or serious family contexts, never for children.
- Distinguished from '부양하다' (financial) and '돌보다' (general care) by its respectful nuance.
The Korean verb 봉양하다 (bong-yang-ha-da) is a deeply resonant term rooted in traditional Confucian values. At its core, it means to support, provide for, and physically care for one's elderly parents or ancestors with a high degree of respect and devotion. Unlike general terms for 'taking care,' this word specifically targets the relationship between adult children and their aging parents. It encompasses not just financial support, but also the daily acts of service, such as preparing meals, ensuring physical comfort, and providing emotional stability. In modern Korea, while the social structure is changing, the concept remains a cornerstone of 'hyodo' (filial piety). Understanding this word requires looking beyond the dictionary definition into the heart of Korean family dynamics where the debt of gratitude to one's parents is considered infinite. When you use this word, you are not just describing a chore; you are describing a sacred duty and a profound expression of love and respect. It is a formal term, often appearing in literature, historical dramas, and serious family discussions regarding the welfare of the elderly.
- Root Meaning
- The Hanja for this word is 奉 (봉), meaning 'to serve' or 'to revere,' and 養 (양), meaning 'to nourish' or 'to raise.' Together, they imply 'nourishing with reverence.'
- Cultural Weight
- Using this word signals a deep understanding of Korean social hierarchies and the importance of the family unit over the individual.
그는 평생 부모님을 정성껏 봉양했다.
Historically, the eldest son was primarily responsible for this duty, often living in the same household with his parents even after marriage. While modern urban life in Korea has made multi-generational living less common, the expectation of '봉양' remains. It might now take the form of financial support, frequent visits, or ensuring the best possible medical care. The word carries an emotional weight that suggests the child is 'paying back' the care they received as an infant. It is a reciprocal cycle of life. In literature, characters who fail to '봉양' their parents are often depicted as the ultimate villains, highlighting the moral weight attached to this specific verb.
- Usage Context
- Commonly used in formal speeches, legal contexts regarding elderly support, and traditional storytelling.
늙으신 어머님을 봉양하기 위해 고향으로 내려왔습니다.
Grammatically, 봉양하다 is an active verb that takes an object, which is almost always a parent, grandparent, or an elderly relative. The standard structure is [Elderly Person] + 을/를 + 봉양하다. Because the act itself is inherently respectful, it is frequently used with the honorific suffix '-시-' when describing someone else's actions, such as '부모님을 봉양하시다.' In daily conversation, you might not hear this word as often as '모시다' (to serve/attend to), but in written Korean or formal discussions, it is the preferred term to express the concept of 'filial maintenance.'
부모님을 지극정성으로 봉양하는 것은 자식의 도리입니다.
One important distinction is that 봉양하다 implies a comprehensive level of care. It isn't just about giving money; it's about the physical presence and the act of 'serving' (奉). Therefore, if someone says they are '봉양'ing their parents, it usually implies they are living with them or are very closely involved in their daily lives. If you are only sending money, the term '부양하다' (to support/provide for) might be more technically accurate, though '봉양' is often used more broadly to emphasize the emotional and traditional duty.
- Common Adverbs
- 지극정성으로 (with utmost devotion), 홀로 (alone), 극진히 (extremely well/carefully).
그는 홀어머니를 봉양하며 어렵게 살았습니다.
When constructing sentences, remember that the object of the verb should always be someone of a higher generational status. You would never say you '봉양' your children or your younger siblings. Doing so would sound very strange to a native speaker because the '봉' (奉) part of the word specifically denotes looking up to or serving a superior. If you want to talk about supporting your family in general, use '가족을 부양하다' instead. This nuance is key to mastering the word.
아버지는 할아버지를 극진히 봉양하셨습니다.
You are most likely to encounter 봉양하다 in contexts that involve traditional values or formal storytelling. For instance, in 'Sageuk' (Korean historical dramas), characters often speak of their duty to '봉양' their parents as a matter of honor. It is a frequent plot point: a protagonist might leave their dreams behind to return home and '봉양' an ill parent. In news reports, you might hear it when discussing the 'Silver Economy' or social issues related to the aging population, though '부양' (support) is more common in economic statistics. However, when a news segment highlights a 'filial child' (효자/효녀) who has made great sacrifices for their parents, the reporter will almost certainly use 봉양하다 to emphasize the emotional and moral quality of their actions.
“부모님 봉양, 이제는 국가가 함께 책임져야 합니다.”
In literature, especially in novels that explore the tension between tradition and modernity, this word appears frequently. It serves as a symbol of the 'old ways.' A character might feel the 'burden of 봉양' (봉양의 부담), reflecting the modern struggle of balancing a career in the city with the traditional expectation to physically care for parents in the countryside. You might also see it on posters for government programs or social welfare services aimed at the elderly, where the language is intentionally formal and respectful to appeal to traditional sensibilities.
- Media Examples
- Documentaries about centenarians, historical novels, and formal wedding speeches where the groom or bride promises to care for their in-laws.
어려운 형편에도 노부모를 극진히 봉양한 사연이 감동을 주고 있습니다.
Lastly, you will find this word in religious contexts, particularly Buddhist or Confucian teachings that emphasize the importance of ancestors. Sermons or lectures on family ethics will frequently use 봉양하다 to describe the path to a virtuous life. It is a word that commands silence and respect whenever it is uttered in a social setting.
The most common mistake learners make with 봉양하다 is confusing it with other 'care' or 'support' verbs like 부양하다 (bu-yang-ha-da), 돌보다 (dol-bo-da), or 키우다 (ki-u-da). While they all fall under the umbrella of 'taking care of someone,' their nuances are vastly different. Using '봉양하다' to describe taking care of a sick friend or a pet would be a significant error. Because the word contains the '奉' (to serve) character, it is strictly reserved for those who are socially or generationally superior to you, primarily parents and grandparents.
- Mistake 1: Using for Children
- Incorrect: 아이를 봉양하다. (To 'serve' a child). Correct: 아이를 키우다 or 돌보다.
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 부양하다
- 부양하다 is more about financial support (providing food/housing). 봉양하다 includes physical care and emotional reverence.
그는 부모님을 봉양하는 대신 돈만 보냈다. (This sentence highlights a contradiction, as 봉양 usually implies more than just money).
Another mistake is using the word in a very casual or slang-heavy conversation. Because 봉양하다 is formal and carries historical weight, using it while joking with friends about who is buying dinner would sound misplaced or overly dramatic (unless used ironically). It's also important not to over-honorify the word itself; while the action is respectful, the verb follows standard conjugation rules. However, you should almost always use the honorific '-시-' when the person doing the '봉양' is someone you respect (e.g., '선생님께서 부모님을 봉양하신다').
Finally, remember that '봉양' is a noun form. You might see '봉양 중이다' (in the middle of caring for) or '봉양의 의무' (duty of care). Ensure you don't confuse the spelling with similar-sounding words like '방양' or '공양' (which refers to offerings made to Buddha or monks). '공양' is specifically religious, while '봉양' is familial.
To truly master 봉양하다, you must understand how it sits alongside its synonyms. Each word in this family has a specific 'flavor' and level of formality. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about money, physical presence, or general duty.
- 부양하다 (Bu-yang-ha-da)
- Focuses on financial support and providing the necessities of life. You '부양' your whole family, including children.
- 모시다 (Mo-si-da)
- A very common, versatile honorific verb meaning to escort, live with, or attend to. '부모님을 모시고 살다' (living with and serving parents) is the most common way to express this in daily life.
- 효도하다 (Hyo-do-ha-da)
- To practice filial piety. This is a broader term that includes being a good, obedient child and making parents proud.
- 섬기다 (Seom-gi-da)
- To serve or revere. This has a more religious or highly formal tone, often used for serving God, a king, or parents with extreme devotion.
봉양 vs 부양: '봉양' is the heart and hands; '부양' is the wallet and bread.
In a modern context, you might also hear 간병하다 (gan-byeong-ha-da), which specifically means to nurse someone who is ill. While '봉양' includes caring for the sick, '간병' is more clinical and can be done by a professional nurse. If you are looking for a neutral word for daily chores, 돌보다 is always safe, but it lacks the respectful nuance of '봉양하다'. Use '봉양하다' when you want to emphasize the traditional moral beauty of the act.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The character 養 (양) originally depicted a sheep (羊) being fed, symbolizing nourishment.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'Bong' as 'Bang'.
- Confusing 'Yang' with 'Yong'.
- Failing to aspirate the 'h' in 'ha-da'.
- Merging 'Bong' and 'Yang' into a single syllable.
- Pronouncing it like 'Gong-yang' (religious offering).
Nivel de dificultad
Common in literature and formal news, but Hanja-based.
Requires understanding of formal register and correct object usage.
Rarely used in casual speech, so it can feel 'heavy' to say.
Recognizable in dramas and formal announcements.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Ejemplos por nivel
저는 부모님을 사랑해요.
I love my parents.
Basic subject-object-verb.
어머니를 도와요.
I help my mother.
Present tense of 돕다.
할머니가 좋아요.
I like my grandmother.
Adjective usage.
아버지는 집에 있어요.
Father is at home.
Location particle -에.
우리 가족은 행복해요.
Our family is happy.
Possessive '우리'.
부모님께 선물을 드려요.
I give a gift to my parents.
Honorific '드려요' and particle '께'.
할아버지는 연세가 많아요.
Grandfather is old.
Honorific '연세'.
맛있는 음식을 만들어요.
I make delicious food.
Object marker -을.
부모님을 봉양하는 것은 중요해요.
Caring for parents is important.
Gerund form -는 것.
그는 부모님을 봉양하기 위해 고향에 갔어요.
He went to his hometown to care for his parents.
Purpose marker -기 위해.
할머니를 잘 봉양하고 싶어요.
I want to care for my grandmother well.
Desire marker -고 싶다.
부모님을 봉양하는 아들이 많아요.
There are many sons who care for their parents.
Noun modifying form -는.
어머니를 봉양하려고 열심히 일해요.
I work hard to support my mother.
Intention marker -(으)려고.
부모님을 봉양하면 마음이 기뻐요.
If I care for my parents, I feel happy.
Conditional -면.
그녀는 시부모님을 봉양하고 있습니다.
She is caring for her parents-in-law.
Progressive -고 있다.
부모님 봉양은 자식의 도리입니다.
Caring for parents is a child's duty.
Formal ending -입니다.
부모님을 봉양하려면 경제적인 능력도 필요합니다.
To care for parents, financial ability is also needed.
Conditional 'to' -(으)려면.
그는 홀로 계신 아버지를 봉양하며 살고 있습니다.
He is living while caring for his father who is alone.
Simultaneous action -며.
부모님을 지극정성으로 봉양하는 모습이 보기 좋습니다.
It's good to see someone caring for their parents with all their heart.
Noun modifying form -는.
옛날에는 장남이 부모님을 봉양하는 것이 당연했습니다.
In the past, it was natural for the eldest son to care for the parents.
Past tense of adjective.
부모님을 봉양하기 위해 직장을 그만두는 사람들도 있습니다.
There are people who quit their jobs to care for their parents.
Noun modifying form -는.
어머니를 잘 봉양하지 못해서 항상 죄송한 마음입니다.
I always feel sorry because I can't care for my mother well.
Negative form -지 못하다.
부모님을 봉양하는 일은 쉽지 않지만 가치 있는 일입니다.
Caring for parents is not easy, but it is a valuable thing.
Contrastive marker -지만.
그는 부모님 봉양에 모든 시간을 쏟고 있습니다.
He is spending all his time on caring for his parents.
Particle -에 (focusing on the noun).
핵가족화로 인해 부모님을 봉양하는 문화가 변하고 있습니다.
Due to the nuclearization of families, the culture of caring for parents is changing.
Reason marker -(으)로 인해.
정부는 노부모 봉양에 대한 지원을 확대해야 합니다.
The government should expand support for caring for elderly parents.
Obligation -해야 하다.
부모님을 봉양하는 방식이 과거와는 많이 달라졌습니다.
The way of caring for parents has changed a lot from the past.
Comparative -와/과.
그는 어려운 환경 속에서도 부모님을 끝까지 봉양했습니다.
He cared for his parents until the end despite the difficult environment.
Prepositional phrase '속에서도'.
자식들이 부모님 봉양 문제를 두고 갈등을 빚기도 합니다.
Children sometimes have conflicts over the issue of caring for their parents.
Experience marker -기도 하다.
부모님을 봉양하는 것은 단순한 의무 이상의 의미가 있습니다.
Caring for parents has a meaning beyond simple duty.
Comparison '이상'.
맞벌이 부부에게 부모님 봉양은 큰 부담이 될 수 있습니다.
Caring for parents can be a big burden for dual-income couples.
Potential -ㄹ 수 있다.
그녀는 시부모님을 친부모님처럼 정성껏 봉양했습니다.
She cared for her parents-in-law as devotedly as her own parents.
Simile '처럼'.
부모님 봉양은 유교적 가치관의 핵심적인 실천 덕목입니다.
Caring for parents is a core practical virtue of Confucian values.
Formal academic style.
현대 사회에서 부모님 봉양의 책임은 개인에서 사회로 전이되고 있습니다.
In modern society, the responsibility of caring for parents is shifting from the individual to society.
Passive/Transition '전이되고 있다'.
그는 부모님 봉양을 위해 자신의 커리어를 포기하는 결단을 내렸습니다.
He made the decision to give up his career to care for his parents.
Decision expression '결단을 내리다'.
부모님 봉양에 따른 심리적, 경제적 스트레스에 대한 대책이 시급합니다.
Measures against psychological and economic stress following the care of parents are urgent.
Noun following '따른'.
전통적인 봉양의 개념이 현대적인 돌봄의 서비스와 결합하고 있습니다.
The traditional concept of 'bong-yang' is combining with modern care services.
Combination '결합하고 있다'.
부모님을 봉양하는 행위는 인간 존엄성의 실현이기도 합니다.
The act of caring for parents is also an achievement of human dignity.
Abstract noun '실현'.
봉양의 의무를 저버리는 행위는 사회적으로 큰 비난을 받습니다.
The act of neglecting the duty of care is socially heavily criticized.
Neglect expression '저버리다'.
진정한 봉양은 물질적인 지원뿐만 아니라 정서적인 교감을 포함해야 합니다.
True care should include not only material support but also emotional connection.
Not only... but also '뿐만 아니라'.
부모님 봉양의 윤리적 당위성은 동양 철학의 근간을 이룹니다.
The ethical necessity of caring for parents forms the basis of Eastern philosophy.
High-level vocabulary '당위성', '근간'.
고령화 사회의 가속화는 부모님 봉양 담론에 새로운 패러다임을 요구합니다.
The acceleration of the aging society demands a new paradigm in the discourse of caring for parents.
Abstract concepts '담론', '패러다임'.
그의 문학 작품들은 봉양과 개인의 자유 사이의 실존적 갈등을 심도 있게 다룹니다.
His literary works deal in depth with the existential conflict between caring for parents and individual freedom.
Literary analysis style.
봉양의 가치는 시대의 변천에 따라 그 형태를 달리할 뿐 본질은 변하지 않습니다.
The value of 'bong-yang' only changes its form according to the transition of times, but its essence remains unchanged.
Philosophical phrasing.
국가는 부모님 봉양을 사적 영역에서 공적 영역으로 포섭하려는 노력을 지속하고 있습니다.
The state continues its efforts to incorporate the care of parents from the private sphere into the public sphere.
Political/Sociological terminology '포섭'.
부모님 봉양은 단순한 효의 실천을 넘어 세대 간의 연대와 통합을 상징합니다.
Caring for parents symbolizes solidarity and integration between generations, beyond the practice of filial piety.
Symbolism '상징'.
전통적 봉양 체계의 해체는 현대 사회의 고독사 문제와 밀접한 관련이 있습니다.
The dissolution of the traditional care system is closely related to the issue of lonely deaths in modern society.
Complex causal relationship.
봉양이라는 숭고한 가치를 현대적 맥락에서 어떻게 재해석할 것인가가 관건입니다.
The key is how to reinterpret the noble value of 'bong-yang' in a modern context.
Interrogative clause as subject.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— To care for parents well.
그 집 아들은 봉양을 참 잘해.
— To have no one to provide care.
그 할아버지는 봉양할 사람이 없어서 걱정이다.
— To strive/work hard at caring for parents.
그는 오로지 부모님 봉양에 힘썼다.
— To refuse to care for parents.
자식들이 봉양을 거부하는 사례가 늘고 있다.
— The intention or spirit of caring.
작은 선물에도 봉양의 뜻이 담겨 있다.
— To take charge of the care.
누가 부모님 봉양을 맡을지 결정해야 해.
— To live while providing care.
고향에서 할머니를 봉양하며 지내고 있어요.
— To neglect the care of parents.
부모님 봉양을 소홀히 해서는 안 된다.
— The duty/path of caring for parents.
봉양의 도리를 다하는 것이 인간의 길이다.
— To take responsibility for the care.
큰아들이 부모님 봉양을 책임지고 있다.
Modismos y expresiones
— The filial piety of a crow returning food to its mother; used to describe the duty of '봉양'.
반포지효의 마음으로 부모님을 봉양합시다.
Literary/Hanja— Tell parents when you leave and show your face when you return; a basic rule of '봉양'.
봉양의 시작은 출필곡 반필면에서 시작된다.
Literary/Confucian— Settling parents at night and greeting them in the morning; the essence of '봉양'.
그는 매일 혼정신성하며 아버지를 봉양했다.
Literary— Metaphor for taking full responsibility for one's parents (often part of '봉양' stories).
그는 노부모를 업고 가는 심정으로 봉양했다.
Metaphorical— A symbolic act of '봉양' and humility.
매일 부모님 발을 씻겨 드리며 봉양하는 효자다.
Symbolic— To act as if one is the tongue in someone else's mouth (to serve perfectly).
그는 부모님께 입안의 혀처럼 굴며 봉양했다.
Idiomatic— To make sure someone is warm and well-fed; the material goal of '봉양'.
부모님을 등 따습고 배부르게 봉양하는 것이 내 꿈이다.
Colloquial— To become someone's hands and feet (to serve them completely).
그는 거동이 불편한 어머니의 손발이 되어 봉양했다.
Idiomatic— To serve someone like the heavens.
그는 부모님을 하늘처럼 받들며 봉양했다.
Idiomatic— To work until one's bones fall out (often to afford '봉양').
그는 부모님 봉양을 위해 뼈가 빠지게 일했다.
ColloquialFamilia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Relacionado
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of a 'Bong' (a staff) helping an 'Elder' walk while you give them 'Yang' (Yum/Food). Bong + Yang = Support + Feed.
Asociación visual
Imagine a child holding a silver tray (奉 - serve) with a bowl of warm soup (養 - nourish) for an elderly parent.
Word Web
Desafío
Write three things you would do to '봉양하다' your parents if you lived with them today.
Origen de la palabra
Derived from Sino-Korean characters (Hanja).
Significado original: 奉 (봉) means to offer or serve with both hands; 養 (양) means to nourish or provide food.
Sino-KoreanContexto cultural
Be careful not to use this word for non-elderly people or social equals, as it can sound condescending or weirdly formal.
In English, we use general terms like 'caregiving,' but '봉양하다' is more formal and carries a specific moral/religious weight that 'taking care of' doesn't quite capture.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Family Discussion
- 부모님 봉양 문제
- 누가 봉양할까?
- 봉양 비용
- 함께 봉양하자
Historical Drama
- 아버님을 봉양하겠나이다
- 봉양의 도리
- 지극정성 봉양
- 불효막심
Legal/Social Work
Summary
봉양하다 is the 'gold standard' of filial piety in Korean. It implies a full-hearted commitment to serving one's parents in their old age, combining physical care with deep reverence. Example: '그는 부모님을 봉양하기 위해 모든 노력을 다했다' (He did everything he could to care for his parents).
- A formal verb for caring for elderly parents with deep respect and devotion.
- Rooted in Confucian filial piety, implying more than just financial support.
- Used in formal, literary, or serious family contexts, never for children.
- Distinguished from '부양하다' (financial) and '돌보다' (general care) by its respectful nuance.
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de family
백일
A2Celebración del centésimo día de un bebé en Corea.
환갑
A2Hwangap es la celebración del 60.º cumpleaños en Corea. Representa el regreso al signo zodiacal del año de nacimiento después de un ciclo de 60 años.
칠순
A2Celebración del 70 cumpleaños. Es un evento familiar importante en Corea donde se honra la longevidad y la sabiduría de los padres.
팔순
A280th birthday celebration.
알아주다
B1Reconocer o apreciar los esfuerzos o sentimientos de alguien. Validar el valor de una persona.
입양아
A2Hijo adoptivo; un niño acogido legalmente en otra familia. El niño adoptivo se adaptó rápidamente a su nuevo hogar.
양녀
B1Hija adoptiva. Legalmente, ella es reconocida como la hija adoptiva del famoso director.
입양
A2Adopción; el acto legal de tomar al hijo de otro como propio. Muchos animales en el refugio esperan una adopción amorosa.
귀여워하다
A2Adorar, encontrar algo muy lindo y sentir afecto por ello. Expresa una ternura activa hacia lo que se percibe como adorable.
정답다
A2Ser afectuoso y amigable. Describe una relación o ambiente lleno de calidez y cariño.
