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A2 noun #6,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

고부

Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about family members. You probably know '엄마' (mom) and '아빠' (dad). The word '고부' (Gobu) is a bit more advanced because it combines two specific family roles into one word. Think of it like a team name. The team consists of a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law. Even though you might not use this word every day, you will hear it in stories about families. In Korea, family is very important, and this word helps describe a very special part of the family. Just remember: '고' is the mother-in-law, and '부' is the daughter-in-law. Together, they are '고부'. You can imagine them sitting together at a table during a big Korean holiday. It is a noun that describes two people at once.
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At the A2 level, you can start using '고부' to describe relationships you see in TV shows or books. This word is a noun. You will often see it used with the word '사이' (sai), which means 'relationship' or 'between'. So, '고부 사이' means 'the relationship between a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law'. For example, you can say '고부 사이가 좋아요' (The relationship is good). This is a great way to talk about family dynamics without having to list each person separately. It is a formal way to describe how two women in a family get along. You should also know that this word is only for the husband's mother and his wife. It is a very specific cultural term that shows how Korean people group family members together based on their roles in the house.
At the B1 level, you should understand the social context of the word '고부'. In Korea, the '고부 갈등' (Gobu Galdeung) or conflict between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is a very famous concept. It often appears in news articles and dramas. You can use '고부' in more complex sentences now. For example, '고부 갈등을 해결하기 위해서는 대화가 중요합니다' (In order to resolve the conflict between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, conversation is important). You are moving beyond just knowing what the word means to understanding why it is used. It is a structural term used to discuss the challenges and changes in the traditional Korean family system. When you hear this word, you should think about the responsibilities and expectations these two people have toward each other in Korean culture.
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At the B2 level, you can use '고부' to discuss sociological trends. You might talk about how the '고부 관계' (Gobu relationship) is changing as more women work and families live separately in apartments rather than together in one house. You can use the word in formal debates or essays. For instance, '현대 사회에서 고부 관계는 과거의 수직적 관계에서 점차 수평적 관계로 변화하고 있다' (In modern society, the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship is gradually changing from a vertical relationship to a horizontal one). You should also be aware of related terms like '고부간의 정' (affection between the two) and how they are used in media to portray a more positive side of this traditional bond. This level requires you to understand the nuance between using this formal term and more casual descriptions.
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At the C1 level, you should be able to analyze the linguistic roots and the historical weight of '고부'. The word is a Hanja compound (姑婦), and understanding these characters helps you see how the language encodes Confucian values. You can use '고부' in academic or professional settings to discuss family law, psychology, or social history. You might explore how the '고부' dynamic influenced the domestic economy of the Joseon Dynasty or how it is portrayed in modern literature. You should be comfortable using the word in complex idiomatic expressions and understanding its role in the broader 'K-family' discourse. Your usage should reflect an awareness of the power dynamics and the historical evolution of the role of women within the Korean patriarchal structure.
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At the C2 level, you have a master-level understanding of '고부'. You can use the term to discuss the most subtle nuances of Korean social fabric. You can engage in deep philosophical or sociological critiques of the '고부' institution. You might discuss how the term itself might be evolving or becoming obsolete in the face of 'new family' structures like '1-person households' or 'multi-cultural families'. You can interpret literary works where the '고부' relationship is used as a metaphor for larger social tensions. Your command of the word includes an effortless ability to switch between formal academic discourse and nuanced cultural commentary, recognizing that '고부' is not just a word for two people, but a symbol of the enduring and evolving nature of Korean tradition.
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Exemples

고부 en 30 secondes

  • Refers to the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law as a pair.
  • Rooted in Hanja (姑 for mother-in-law, 婦 for daughter-in-law).
  • Commonly associated with 'Gobu Galdeung' (family conflict).
  • Used in formal and social contexts, not as a form of address.

The Korean word 고부 (Gobu) is a specialized collective noun that refers to the relationship or the pair consisting of a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law. To understand this word, one must look at its linguistic roots in Hanja (Chinese characters). The first character, 고 (姑), specifically denotes a husband's mother, while the second character, 부 (婦), refers to a daughter-in-law or a married woman. Unlike English, which usually treats these as separate individuals, Korean often groups them together because their relationship has historically been the most pivotal and complex dynamic within the traditional Korean household structure. In the past, when multi-generational families lived under one roof (often referred to as a 'big family' or 대가족), the interaction between the woman of the house and the woman who would eventually succeed her was the primary focus of domestic life.

Etymological Breakdown
The character 姑 (고) originally meant 'father's sister' in ancient contexts but evolved in Korean usage to primarily mean 'mother-in-law' (시어머니). The character 婦 (부) represents a woman holding a broom, symbolizing her role in managing the household. Together, they represent the transition of domestic authority from one generation to the next.
Sociological Significance
In modern Korea, the term is most frequently encountered in the phrase '고부 갈등' (Gobu Galdeung), which refers to the conflict between these two figures. This conflict is a staple theme in Korean soap operas (K-dramas) and social discourse, reflecting the tension between traditional Confucian values of filial piety and modern individualistic lifestyles.

그 집은 고부 사이가 정말 좋기로 소문이 났어요. (That house is famous for the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law being very good.)

You will use this word when discussing family dynamics in a general or abstract sense. You wouldn't typically use '고부' to call your own mother-in-law; instead, you would use '시어머니'. '고부' is a descriptive term used by third parties or when discussing the concept of their relationship. For instance, a news article might discuss the 'changing 고부 relationship in the 21st century,' or a counselor might talk about 'resolving 고부 tension.' It is a formal and structural term that encapsulates a world of cultural expectations, duties, and emotional complexities.

최근에는 고부 간의 정을 다루는 예능 프로그램이 인기입니다. (Recently, variety shows dealing with the affection between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law have been popular.)

Furthermore, the word reflects the patrilineal nature of traditional Korean society. The '고' (mother-in-law) is specifically the husband's mother. There is no equivalent single word that combines a wife's mother and a son-in-law in the same way, which highlights how central the daughter-in-law's integration into the husband's family was historically. While society is changing rapidly, the term '고부' remains the standard way to categorize this specific, high-stakes family bond.

Using 고부 correctly requires understanding its role as a relational noun. It functions as a subject or an object that describes a 'set' of people. Because it describes a relationship, it is frequently paired with the particle '간' (between) or '사이' (relationship). For English speakers, it is helpful to think of '고부' as 'the mother-and-daughter-in-law duo.'

Common Grammatical Patterns
1. 고부 사이 (Gobu sai): The relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Example: '고부 사이가 나쁘다' (The relationship between the two is bad).
2. 고부 갈등 (Gobu galdeung): The specific conflict arising between these two. Example: '고부 갈등을 해결하다' (To resolve mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflict).
3. 고부간 (Gobu-gan): Between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Example: '고부간의 대화가 필요하다' (Conversation between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is needed).

전통적인 고부 관계가 현대 사회에서 변화하고 있습니다. (The traditional relationship between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law is changing in modern society.)

In formal writing or news reporting, '고부' is used to discuss demographic trends. For example, '고부 가구' (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law household) might be used in a sociological study. In daily conversation, you might hear older people admiring a pair by saying, '저 집 고부는 꼭 친모녀 같아요' (The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in that house are just like a real mother and daughter). This sentence uses '고부' as a collective subject.

명절은 고부가 함께 음식을 만들며 시간을 보내는 때입니다. (Holidays are a time when the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law spend time making food together.)

When writing about this topic, focus on the 'dynamic.' Because '고부' implies a power structure (traditionally, the mother-in-law holds authority over the daughter-in-law), verbs like '화합하다' (to harmonize), '이해하다' (to understand), or '대립하다' (to be in opposition) are very common. It is a word that carries the weight of history, so using it automatically makes the conversation feel slightly more formal or serious than using individual names.

You are most likely to encounter 고부 in three main environments: television dramas, talk shows, and news articles. In the world of 'Makjang' dramas (over-the-top soap operas), the '고부 갈등' (mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflict) is a legendary plot device. You will see scenes where the mother-in-law is overly demanding and the daughter-in-law is either suffering in silence or fighting back. In these shows, characters often discuss the '고부 관계' (the relationship between the two) as a central theme of the plot.

Media Contexts
1. Variety Shows: Programs like '이상한 나라의 며느리' (Daughter-in-law in Wonderland) or '속풀이쇼 동치미' often feature real-life stories about 고부 dynamics.
2. News Reports: Articles discussing the low birth rate or marriage trends often cite the stress of '고부 관계' as a factor in why younger women are hesitant to marry into traditional families.

드라마 속 고부 갈등은 시청자들의 큰 관심을 끕니다. (The mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflict in dramas attracts great interest from viewers.)

Another place you will hear this word is during major Korean holidays like Chuseok (Harvest Festival) or Seollal (Lunar New Year). While family members might not use the word to each other's faces, they will use it when talking to neighbors or friends. A grandmother might say to her friend at the park, '우리 집은 고부 사이가 좋아서 다행이야' (I'm lucky that the relationship between me and my daughter-in-law is good). Here, '고부' acts as a convenient shorthand for a complex set of social obligations.

요즘은 친구처럼 지내는 고부가 많아지고 있습니다. (These days, there are more and more mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law who live like friends.)

Lastly, in counseling or psychological contexts, '고부' is the standard term used to diagnose family friction. If a couple goes to marriage counseling, the therapist might ask about the '고부 문제' (Gobu problems). It is a clinical yet culturally loaded term that everyone in Korea understands instantly. It represents the intersection of family, gender roles, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make when using 고부 is treating it as a synonym for 'mother-in-law' alone. You cannot say '나의 고부' to mean 'my mother-in-law.' The word inherently includes *both* people. If you want to talk about just the mother-in-law, you must use '시어머니' (for a woman speaking) or '장모님' (for a man speaking). '고부' describes the *unit* or the *link* between them.

Mistake 1: Referring to one person
Incorrect: '우리 고부가 요리를 잘해요' (My mother-in-law/daughter-in-law cooks well - ambiguous and weird).
Correct: '우리 시어머니가 요리를 잘해요' (My mother-in-law cooks well) OR '그 집은 고부가 같이 요리를 해요' (In that house, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law cook together).
Mistake 2: Gender Confusion
The '고' (mother-in-law) in '고부' only refers to the *husband's* mother. It is never used for a wife's mother (장모). Similarly, '부' is only for a daughter-in-law, never a son-in-law (사위). The relationship between a mother-in-law and son-in-law is called '장서' (Jang-seo).

장모님과 사위의 관계는 고부라고 하지 않고 '장서'라고 합니다. (The relationship between a mother-in-law and son-in-law is not called 'Gobu', but 'Jang-seo'.)

Another error is using the word in an overly casual or intimate setting where it might feel too clinical. While you can use it to describe a relationship, using it when you are actually *with* the people involved can feel like you are analyzing them rather than being part of the family. It is better to use specific titles like '어머니' or '며느리' in those moments. '고부' is best reserved for when you are discussing the relationship as a topic of conversation.

모든 고부 관계가 나쁜 것은 아닙니다. (Not all mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships are bad.)

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation. The '고' is a plain 'k/g' sound, and '부' is a plain 'p/b' sound. Don't over-aspirate them. In fast speech, '고부간' might sound like one word (gobugan). Keeping the 'o' and 'u' vowels distinct is key to being understood by native speakers.

In Korean, family terms are highly specific. Depending on who is talking and who they are talking about, you might need an alternative to 고부. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid cultural faux pas.

시어머니와 며느리 (Sieomeoni-wa Myeoneuri)
This is the literal, plain-language way to say 'mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.' While '고부' is a formal Hanja-based term, this phrase is used in everyday conversation. Use this if '고부' feels too formal for the situation.
장서 (Jang-seo)
As mentioned before, this is the male equivalent. It refers to the mother-in-law (장모) and the son-in-law (사위). In modern Korea, '장서 갈등' is also becoming a topic of discussion as men spend more time with their wives' families.
시댁 (Sidaek)
This refers to the husband's entire family or their house. Often, when a woman talks about '고부' issues, she might just say '시댁 스트레스' (stress from the husband's side of the family) to encompass the mother-in-law and others.

고부라는 단어 대신 '시어머니와 며느리'라고 풀어서 말하기도 합니다. (Instead of the word 'Gobu', people also say 'mother-in-law and daughter-in-law' in a longer form.)

If you want to emphasize the *closeness* of the relationship, you might use the term '모녀' (Monyeo), which means mother and daughter. It is a high compliment to say a '고부' relationship is like a '모녀' relationship. Conversely, if you are talking about the legal or structural side, '인척' (Incheok - relatives by marriage) might be used in legal documents, though it is much broader than '고부'.

요즘은 고부 관계보다 '장서' 관계에 대한 고민도 많아졌습니다. (These days, there are also many concerns about the 'Jang-seo' relationship, not just the 'Gobu' relationship.)

Understanding these alternatives allows you to navigate the complex social hierarchy of Korea. While '고부' is the most efficient way to name this specific pairing, knowing when to soften it with more descriptive language like '시어머니와 며느리' shows a higher level of linguistic and cultural fluency.

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Exemples par niveau

1

고부 사이가 좋아요.

The relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is good.

Subject + 사이 (relationship) + 가 (particle) + 좋아요 (is good).

2

그들은 고부입니다.

They are mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Noun + 입니다 (is/are).

3

고부가 같이 살아요.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law live together.

Subject + 같이 (together) + 살아요 (live).

4

고부가 쇼핑을 해요.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are shopping.

Subject + 을 (object particle) + 해요 (do).

5

고부 사이가 나빠요.

The relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is bad.

Subject + 나빠요 (is bad).

6

고부가 요리를 해요.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are cooking.

Subject + 요리를 해요 (are cooking).

7

우리 집 고부예요.

They are the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law of our house.

Noun + 예요 (is/are).

8

고부가 웃고 있어요.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are laughing.

Subject + 웃고 있어요 (are laughing).

1

고부 갈등은 힘든 일이에요.

Conflict between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is a difficult thing.

Topic + 은 (particle) + 힘든 일 (difficult thing) + 이에요 (is).

2

고부 사이를 위해 노력해요.

I make an effort for the relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Object + 를 위해 (for the sake of) + 노력해요 (make an effort).

3

드라마에서 고부 이야기를 봐요.

I watch stories about mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law in dramas.

Location + 에서 (at/in) + 을 봐요 (watch).

4

고부간의 대화가 중요해요.

Conversation between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is important.

Noun + 간의 (between/of) + 대화 (conversation).

5

고부가 함께 여행을 갔어요.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law went on a trip together.

Subject + 함께 (together) + 여행을 갔어요 (went on a trip).

6

고부 관계가 예전과 달라요.

The mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship is different from before.

Subject + 달라요 (is different).

7

고부가 명절 음식을 준비해요.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law prepare holiday food.

Subject + 명절 음식 (holiday food) + 을 준비해요 (prepare).

8

고부 사이가 아주 친근해요.

The relationship between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is very friendly.

Subject + 아주 (very) + 친근해요 (is friendly).

1

고부 갈등 때문에 이혼하는 부부도 있어요.

There are couples who get divorced because of mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflict.

Noun + 때문에 (because of) + 이혼하는 부부 (divorcing couple).

2

고부간의 정을 나누는 모습이 보기 좋아요.

It is good to see them sharing affection between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Noun + 을 나누는 모습 (the sight of sharing) + 이 보기 좋아요 (is good to see).

3

요즘은 고부 사이가 친구 같은 경우도 많아요.

These days, there are many cases where the relationship is like friends.

Noun + 같은 경우 (cases like) + 도 많아요 (are also many).

4

고부 관계를 개선하기 위해 상담을 받아요.

They receive counseling to improve the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship.

Object + 를 개선하기 위해 (to improve) + 상담을 받아요 (receive counseling).

5

고부 사이의 오해를 풀고 싶어요.

I want to clear up the misunderstanding between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Object + 를 풀고 싶어요 (want to solve/clear).

6

명절 스트레스의 주된 원인은 고부 갈등입니다.

The main cause of holiday stress is conflict between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Subject + 의 주된 원인 (main cause) + 입니다 (is).

7

고부가 서로를 이해하려고 노력 중입니다.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are in the middle of trying to understand each other.

Subject + 노력 중입니다 (is in the middle of effort).

8

고부간의 예절을 지키는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to keep the etiquette between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Noun + 을 지키는 것 (the act of keeping) + 이 중요합니다 (is important).

1

고부 갈등을 주제로 한 예능 프로그램이 큰 인기입니다.

Variety shows with the theme of mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflict are very popular.

Noun + 을 주제로 한 (themed with) + 프로그램 (program).

2

전통적인 고부 관계가 핵가족화로 인해 변화하고 있습니다.

The traditional relationship is changing due to the trend toward nuclear families.

Noun + 로 인해 (due to) + 변화하고 있습니다 (is changing).

3

고부 사이의 갈등이 심해지면 가족 전체가 불행해집니다.

If the conflict between the two worsens, the whole family becomes unhappy.

If clause + (으)면 + 불행해집니다 (becomes unhappy).

4

고부간의 소통 부재가 문제를 일으키는 경우가 많습니다.

The lack of communication between the two often causes problems.

Subject + 문제를 일으키는 경우 (cases that cause problems).

5

고부가 서로의 사생활을 존중하는 태도가 필요합니다.

An attitude of respecting each other's private lives is necessary.

Noun + 하는 태도 (attitude of doing) + 가 필요합니다 (is necessary).

6

고부 관계의 어려움을 호소하는 여성들이 늘고 있습니다.

The number of women complaining about difficulties in the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship is increasing.

Noun + 을 호소하는 여성들 (women complaining about).

7

고부간의 화합을 도모하기 위한 행사가 열렸습니다.

An event was held to promote harmony between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.

Noun + 을 도모하기 위한 (for the purpose of promoting).

8

고부 사이의 감정 골이 깊어지기 전에 대화해야 합니다.

You must talk before the emotional rift between the two deepens.

Noun + 이 깊어지기 전에 (before it deepens) + 해야 합니다 (must do).

1

고부 갈등은 한국 사회의 가부장적 가치관과 밀접한 관련이 있습니다.

The conflict is closely related to the patriarchal values of Korean society.

Noun + 과 밀접한 관련이 있습니다 (is closely related to).

2

고부 관계의 변천사를 통해 한국 가족 제도의 변화를 엿볼 수 있습니다.

One can glimpse the changes in the Korean family system through the history of the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship.

Noun + 을 통해 (through) + 엿볼 수 있습니다 (can glimpse).

3

고부간의 권력 구조가 과거에 비해 많이 약화되었습니다.

The power structure between the two has weakened significantly compared to the past.

Subject + 과거에 비해 (compared to the past) + 약화되었습니다 (has weakened).

4

문학 작품 속에서 고부 관계는 종종 세대 간의 가치 충돌을 상징합니다.

In literary works, the relationship often symbolizes the clash of values between generations.

Noun + 은 종종 (often) + 상징합니다 (symbolizes).

5

고부 사이의 심리적 거리를 좁히는 것이 현대 가족의 과제입니다.

Narrowing the psychological distance between the two is a task for the modern family.

Noun + 을 좁히는 것 (the act of narrowing) + 이 과제입니다 (is a task).

6

고부 갈등의 해결 방안으로 비동거를 선택하는 가구가 많아졌습니다.

Many households are choosing not to live together as a solution to the conflict.

Noun + 으로 (as a) + 선택하는 가구 (households that choose).

7

고부간의 유대감은 육아 지원 등 긍정적인 측면도 존재합니다.

Positive aspects, such as childcare support, also exist in the bond between the two.

Subject + 도 존재합니다 (also exists).

8

고부 관계에 대한 사회적 통념이 점차 유연해지고 있습니다.

Social common sense regarding the relationship is gradually becoming more flexible.

Subject + 점차 (gradually) + 유연해지고 있습니다 (is becoming flexible).

1

고부 갈등의 본질은 단순한 개인적 불화가 아니라 구조적인 모순에 기인합니다.

The essence of the conflict stems from structural contradictions, not just simple personal discord.

Noun + 에 기인합니다 (is due to/stems from).

2

전통적 효 사상과 근대적 자아의 충돌이 고부 관계에서 극명하게 드러납니다.

The clash between traditional filial piety and the modern self is clearly revealed in the mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship.

Subject + 에서 (in) + 극명하게 드러납니다 (is clearly revealed).

3

고부간의 정서적 교류는 한국적 정(情)의 문화를 이해하는 핵심 열쇠입니다.

Emotional exchange between the two is a key to understanding the Korean culture of 'Jeong'.

Subject + 핵심 열쇠입니다 (is a key key/pivotal key).

4

고부 관계의 해체와 재구성은 한국 사회의 근대화 과정을 투영합니다.

The dissolution and reconstruction of the relationship reflect the modernization process of Korean society.

Subject + 투영합니다 (projects/reflects).

5

고부간의 갈등 양상이 세대 교체에 따라 다각화되는 양상을 보입니다.

The patterns of conflict are showing a trend of diversification according to the change of generations.

Noun + 에 따라 (according to) + 다각화되는 양상 (diversifying pattern).

6

고부 사이의 긴밀한 협력은 농경 사회의 가사 노동 효율성을 극대화했습니다.

Close cooperation between the two maximized the efficiency of domestic labor in agrarian societies.

Subject + 극대화했습니다 (maximized).

7

고부 관계를 둘러싼 담론은 젠더 정치학의 관점에서도 중요한 연구 대상입니다.

Discourse surrounding the relationship is an important subject of study from the perspective of gender politics.

Noun + 을 둘러싼 (surrounding) + 담론 (discourse).

8

고부간의 갈등을 승화시켜 예술 작품으로 표현하는 작가들이 있습니다.

There are artists who sublimate the conflict and express it as works of art.

Noun + 을 승화시켜 (sublimating) + 표현하는 작가들 (artists who express).

Collocations courantes

고부 갈등
고부 사이
고부 관계
고부간의 정
고부간의 예절
고부 가구
신고부 관계
고부 동거
고부 대화
고부 문제

Phrases Courantes

고부 사이가 좋다

고부 갈등을 겪다

고부간의 갈등

고부 사이가 틀어지다

고부 정답게

고부간의 벽

고부 관계 회복

고부 나들이

고부 일심동체

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