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A2 noun #4,000 よく出る 11分で読める

장남

上位4,000

練習する例文メモとヒント 장남 30秒で

解説 장남 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 장남 (Jangnam) means 'eldest son'. It is a word used to describe a family member. Think of it as a more formal way of saying 'the first son'. You might see it in a simple family tree or hear it when someone introduces their family. At this stage, focus on the fact that '장' (jang) means 'first/big' and '남' (nam) means 'man/son'. You can use it in simple sentences like '저는 장남입니다' (I am the eldest son). It is helpful to learn it alongside '장녀' (eldest daughter) so you can describe any family's first-born correctly. Don't worry too much about the deep cultural responsibilities yet; just focus on the basic meaning of birth order.

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At the A2 level, you should understand that 장남 is part of a specific set of words for birth order. You should be able to distinguish it from '첫째' (the first child). While '첫째' can be a boy or a girl, '장남' is always a boy. You might start to notice this word in Korean stories or simple TV shows where family roles are discussed. You should also learn that '장남' is more formal than '큰아들' (big son). If you are talking to a teacher or a boss about your family, using '장남' sounds more polite and grown-up. You can practice by describing your siblings using these formal terms: '저는 장남이고, 남동생이 하나 있습니다' (I am the eldest son, and I have one younger brother).

At the B1 level, you should begin to explore the cultural expectations associated with being a 장남. In Korea, the eldest son often feels a sense of duty toward his parents. You might hear people say '장남이라서 어깨가 무거워요' (My shoulders are heavy because I'm the eldest son), which means they feel a lot of responsibility. You should be comfortable using the word in conversations about social roles, marriage, and traditions. You will also encounter the word in more complex sentence structures, such as '장남으로서의 의무' (duties as an eldest son). This is a good time to start recognizing the Hanja (Chinese characters) 長男 to help you remember the meaning and connect it to other related words like '장점' (strength/long point) or '남성' (male).

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At the B2 level, you can discuss the changing perceptions of the 장남 in modern Korean society. You should be able to understand news articles or debates about inheritance laws and how they affect the eldest son. In the past, the 장남 inherited most of the family's wealth, but now it is legally divided equally. You can use 장남 to talk about these social shifts. You should also be aware of the term '장남 증후군' (Eldest Son Syndrome) and be able to explain what it means in a discussion about psychology or family dynamics. Your usage should be precise, choosing between '장남', '맏아들', and '장자' depending on the level of formality and the specific context of your conversation.

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At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the historical and Confucian roots of the 장남 role. You should be able to analyze literature where the conflict between a 장남 and his family serves as a central theme. You should understand the nuances of '종갓집 장남' (the eldest son of the head family of a clan) and the immense cultural weight that specific title carries, including the management of ancestral lands and complex rituals. You should also be able to use the word in academic or legal contexts, understanding how '장남' is defined in the Korean Civil Code and how those definitions have evolved over the decades. Your speech should reflect an awareness of how this term interacts with honorifics and social hierarchy at a sophisticated level.

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At the C2 level, you should be able to engage in high-level philosophical or sociological discourse regarding the concept of 장남. You can critique the patriarchal nature of the term and its impact on modern Korean gender roles. You should be able to interpret subtle literary metaphors involving the 장남 as a symbol of tradition or a victim of societal pressure. Your mastery should include an understanding of rare historical variants of the term and the ability to compare the Korean 장남 with similar concepts in other East Asian cultures (like the Japanese 'chonan' or Chinese 'zhǎngnán'). You should be able to write nuanced essays on how the linguistic persistence of '장남' reflects the enduring influence of Confucianism in a rapidly globalizing Korea.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

장남 30秒で

장남 means 'eldest son' and comes from Chinese characters meaning 'oldest' and 'man'. It is a formal term used to describe family birth order.
In Korea, being a 장남 traditionally involves heavy responsibilities, including supporting parents in old age and leading important ancestral memorial services called jesa.
While modern Korean laws treat all children equally, the term still carries a strong sense of leadership and duty within the family hierarchy.
It is different from '첫째' (first child), which is gender-neutral. '장남' specifically refers to the first male child, regardless of older sisters.

The Korean word 장남 (Jangnam) is a Sino-Korean noun composed of the characters 長 (jang), meaning 'long', 'leader', or 'eldest', and 男 (nam), meaning 'man' or 'son'. In its most literal sense, it translates to 'the eldest son'. However, in the context of Korean society, the word carries a weight that far exceeds its simple biological definition. Historically and culturally, the jangnam was considered the pillar of the family, the one destined to inherit the family's spiritual and social lineage. While modern Korea has seen significant shifts in family dynamics, the term still evokes a sense of responsibility, leadership, and traditional expectation.

Biological Identity: At its simplest level, this refers to the first male child born to a couple. Even in families where there are older sisters, the first-born male is specifically designated as the 장남.
Social Responsibility: The jangnam is traditionally expected to take care of his parents in their old age and lead the jesa (ancestral rites), which are central to Confucian family values.

그는 우리 집안의 귀한 장남이다. (He is the precious eldest son of our family.)

When you hear this word in a Korean conversation, it often sets the stage for understanding family hierarchy. In formal introductions or when discussing family backgrounds, specifying that someone is a jangnam immediately provides a listener with clues about that person's likely upbringing and the pressures they might face. For instance, a jangnam might be described as more conservative, reliable, or perhaps more burdened by parental expectations compared to his younger siblings (차남 - second son, or 막내 - the youngest). This cultural archetype is so strong that it often appears as a character trope in Korean dramas and literature.

In the 21st century, the intensity of these expectations has lessened. Many families now practice equal inheritance and shared responsibility among all children. However, the linguistic usage of 장남 remains prevalent in legal documents, formal registries, and traditional ceremonies. It is a word that bridges the gap between Korea's Confucian past and its modern, more egalitarian present. Understanding 장남 is key to understanding the deep-rooted importance of lineage and duty in Korean interpersonal relationships.

우리 아버지는 종갓집의 장남으로서 제사를 주도하신다. (As the eldest son of the head family, my father leads the ancestral rites.)

Modern Nuance: Today, the term is also used ironically or empathetically to describe the 'K-Jangnam' (Korean eldest son) syndrome, referring to the heavy emotional labor and financial burden placed on the first-born son.

Using 장남 (Jangnam) correctly requires an understanding of both grammar and social context. It is most commonly used as a noun to identify a person's position within a family. Because it is a Sino-Korean word, it carries a formal and serious tone. You will rarely hear a child refer to themselves as a 장남 in casual play; instead, they might say '첫째' (the first). However, in adult conversations, especially when discussing marriage, career, or family obligations, 장남 is the standard term.

Basic Identification: To say someone is the eldest son, you use the copula '-이다' (to be). For example: '그는 이 씨 가문의 장남이다' (He is the eldest son of the Lee family).

결혼할 남자가 장남이라서 걱정이 좀 돼요. (I'm a bit worried because the man I'm going to marry is the eldest son.)

The sentence above highlights a common cultural sentiment. In the past, marrying a 장남 often meant the wife would have to take on significant responsibilities, such as preparing for numerous family ceremonies and living with the in-laws. While this is changing, the sentence structure remains a staple in Korean interpersonal dialogue. Another common usage is when describing the birth order of siblings: '저는 2남 1녀 중 장남입니다' (I am the eldest son among two sons and one daughter).

As a Subject or Object: '장남이 부모님을 모시고 삽니다.' (The eldest son lives with and supports the parents.) Here, 장남 is the subject, emphasizing the traditional role of filial duty.

When used in a possessive sense, you might say '장남의 의무' (the duty of the eldest son). This phrase is frequently used in literature or news articles discussing the changing social landscape of Korea. You can also use it to describe someone else's child in a polite way: '박 선생님의 장남은 이번에 대학에 입학했습니다' (Mr. Park's eldest son entered university this time). Using 장남 instead of '큰아들' (big son) in this context shows a higher level of respect toward Mr. Park's family.

집안의 장남으로서 어깨가 무겁습니다. (As the eldest son of the house, my shoulders feel heavy [I feel a lot of responsibility].)

Finally, in formal documents like a family registry (가족관계증명서), you will see the term 장남 used as an official designation. It is important to note that even if an older brother passes away, the second son does not automatically become the 장남 in traditional records; he remains the 차남, though he may take over the duties of the 장남. This distinction shows how deeply the term is rooted in the specific order of birth rather than just current family status.

If you are a fan of Korean dramas (K-Dramas), you have likely heard the word 장남 (Jangnam) hundreds of times. It is a central plot device in many stories involving wealthy 'chaebol' families. In these dramas, the conflict often revolves around the 장남 being the rightful heir to a business empire, even if he is less capable than his younger siblings. The word is used to emphasize tradition, legitimacy, and the pressure of succession. When a chairman says, '그는 내 장남이다' (He is my eldest son), he is not just stating a biological fact; he is declaring his successor.

드라마에서 장남은 종종 가업을 이어받아야 한다는 압박을 받는다. (In dramas, the eldest son is often pressured to take over the family business.)

Beyond television, you will hear this word during major Korean holidays like Chuseok (Harvest Festival) or Seollal (Lunar New Year). During these times, families gather to perform charye (ancestral memorial rites). The 장남 is the one who pours the wine and bows first, acting as the representative of the living descendants. If you are visiting a Korean family during these holidays, you might hear the elders discussing who the 장남 of a particular branch of the family is, as this determines where the gathering will take place.

News and Media: In the news, specifically regarding inheritance disputes or high-profile funerals (like those of conglomerate leaders), the term 장남 is used to distinguish the primary mourner or the main heir in the eyes of traditional law and custom.

In everyday life, you might hear it at a 'sogaeting' (blind date) or when friends are talking about their family dynamics. A Korean woman might say, '우리 오빠가 장남이라서 부모님 걱정을 많이 해요' (My brother is the eldest son, so he worries about our parents a lot). This reflects the common perception that the 장남 feels a unique emotional burden to succeed and provide for the family. Even in casual settings, using the word 장남 instead of '큰오빠' (big brother) adds a layer of social significance to the person being discussed.

Finally, you will encounter this word in literature and history books. When reading about the Joseon Dynasty, the concept of 장남 (or more formally 장자 - jangja) is vital to understanding the political struggles for the throne. The principle of 'primogeniture' (inheritance by the first-born) was the bedrock of royal succession, and many historical conflicts arose when a king wanted to appoint someone other than his 장남 as the crown prince. Thus, the word is not just a family term; it is a historical and political one.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 장남 (Jangnam) with 첫째 (Cheot-jae). While they both refer to the first-born, they are used differently. 첫째 is a general term that applies to the first child regardless of gender. If a girl is born first, she is the 첫째. However, she can never be the 장남. If a boy is born after her, he is the 둘째 (second child) but he is still the 장남 (eldest son). Learners often mistakenly call the first-born son '첫째 아들' (first son) in formal settings where 장남 would be much more natural and appropriate.

Confusion with '맏이' (Mad-i): '맏이' is a pure Korean word for the eldest child. Like '첫째', it is gender-neutral. Using '장남' to refer to an eldest daughter is a significant error; the correct term is '장녀' (jang-nyeo).

Incorrect: 그녀는 우리 집의 장남이에요. (She is the eldest son of our house.)
Correct: 그녀는 우리 집의 장녀예요. (She is the eldest daughter of our house.)

Another common mistake is related to honorifics. While 장남 is a formal word, you still need to use appropriate honorifics for the person you are talking to. For example, if you are talking about someone else's eldest son, it is more polite to say '장남분' (jangnam-bun) or '큰아드님' (keun-adeunim) in very formal contexts. Simply saying '그의 장남' (his eldest son) might sound a bit blunt or clinical in a polite conversation.

Learners also sometimes confuse 장남 with 장자 (Jangja). While they share the same '장' (長), 장자 is a much more academic or historical term, often used in the context of 'primogeniture' (장자 상속제). Using 장자 in a casual conversation about your brother would sound very strange and overly dramatic, like you are in a historical period drama. Stick to 장남 for real-life people.

Register Mismatch: Using '장남' in a very casual, slang-filled conversation with close friends might sound a bit stiff. In those cases, '우리 형' (my older brother) or '첫째' is usually preferred unless the topic specifically concerns family hierarchy.

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. The 'ㄴ' in '남' should be clear. If mispronounced, it might be confused with other '장' words. However, given the context of family, most Koreans will understand you even if your pronunciation is slightly off. The bigger issue is usually the cultural misapplication of the term's inherent gender and rank.

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 장남 (Jangnam) will help you navigate different social registers and contexts. Korean has several ways to refer to the 'first-born' or 'eldest son', each with its own nuance. The most common alternative is the pure Korean term 큰아들 (Keun-adeul). While 장남 is Sino-Korean and formal, 큰아들 is more native and warm. Parents are much more likely to call their son '우리 큰아들' (our big son) than '우리 장남'.

장남 vs. 큰아들: 장남: Formal, used in documents, introductions, and when discussing duties.
큰아들: Casual, affectionate, used within the family or between close friends.

어머니는 항상 큰아들인 저를 믿어주셨어요. (My mother always trusted me, her eldest son.)

Another related term is 맏아들 (Mad-adeul). This is also a pure Korean word. '맏' (mad) is a prefix meaning 'the first' or 'the eldest' among siblings. It is similar to 큰아들 but feels slightly more traditional or old-fashioned. You might encounter it in folk tales or older literature. In modern speech, 큰아들 has largely replaced it in casual contexts, while 장남 remains the formal standard.

Hierarchy of Sons

장남 (Jangnam): 1st Son
차남 (Chanam): 2nd Son
삼남 (Samnam): 3rd Son
막내아들 (Mangnae-adeul): Youngest Son

If you are looking for a gender-neutral term, 첫째 (Cheot-jae) or 맏이 (Mad-i) are your best bets. These are useful when you don't know the gender of the first-born or when it doesn't matter. For example, '첫째는 아들이고 둘째는 딸이에요' (The first is a son and the second is a daughter). Here, using 장남 would be redundant because you already specified '아들' (son).

Finally, there is the term 장자 (Jangja). As mentioned before, this is very formal and often relates to the concept of the 'legitimate eldest son' in a historical or legal context. You will see this in academic papers about Confucianism or history books about the royal succession. In everyday life, you can safely ignore 장자 and focus on mastering 장남 and 큰아들.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

In the past, the 'Jang' in 'Jangnam' also implied 'Chief', meaning the eldest son was legally the chief of the family unit under the old Korean family head system (Hoju-je).

発音ガイド

UK /dʒɑːŋ.næm/

US /dʒɑŋ.næm/

The stress is balanced between both syllables, but the first syllable '장' (jang) is often slightly longer due to the nasal 'ng' ending.

韻が合う語

강남 (Gangnam) 성남 (Seongnam) 동남 (Dongnam) 미남 (Minam) 훈남 (Hunnam) 해남 (Haenam) 천남 (Cheonnam) 호남 (Honam)

よくある間違い

Pronouncing '장' like 'jang' in 'jam' (short 'a'). It should be a deep 'ah' sound.
Mixing up the 'n' and 'm' in 'nam', making it sound like 'nan'.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable, making it sound like 'jang-NAM'.
Failing to pronounce the final 'm' clearly, losing the distinction of the word.
Pronouncing 'jang' as 'zang' (using a 'z' sound instead of a 'j').

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to read if you know the basic Hanja characters for 'long' and 'man'.

ライティング 2/5

Simple two-syllable word, easy to spell.

スピーキング 2/5

Clear pronunciation, though the nasal 'ng' requires attention.

リスニング 2/5

Commonly heard in dramas and family introductions.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

아들 (Son) 남자 (Man) 첫째 (First) 가족 (Family) 형 (Older brother)

次に学ぶ

장녀 (Eldest daughter) 차남 (Second son) 막내 (Youngest) 형제 (Siblings) 제사 (Ancestral rites)

上級

종갓집 (Head family) 상속 (Inheritance) 가부장제 (Patriarchy) 효도 (Filial piety) 문중 (Clan)

知っておくべき文法

N-(이)라서 (Because it is N)

장남이라서 책임감이 커요. (Because I am the eldest son, the responsibility is great.)

N-로서 (As a N / In the capacity of N)

장남으로서 최선을 다하겠습니다. (I will do my best as the eldest son.)

N-답다 (To be like N / Befitting of N)

그는 정말 장남다운 면모가 있다. (He really has qualities befitting an eldest son.)

N-치고 (For a N / When it comes to N)

장남치고는 성격이 아주 자유분방해요. (For an eldest son, his personality is very free-spirited.)

N-조차 (Even N / Not even N)

장남조차 그 사실을 몰랐어요. (Even the eldest son didn't know that fact.)

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レベル別の例文

저는 우리 집의 장남입니다.

I am the eldest son of our house.

Uses the basic 'N은/는 N입니다' structure.

제 친구는 장남이에요.

My friend is the eldest son.

Uses the polite informal ending '-이에요'.

장남이 누구예요?

Who is the eldest son?

Question form using '누구' (who).

우리 아버지는 장남이세요.

My father is the eldest son.

Uses the honorific '-이세요' for the father.

장남은 아들이에요.

The eldest son is a son.

Defining the term simply.

그 집 장남은 키가 커요.

The eldest son of that house is tall.

Descriptive sentence with an adjective.

장남하고 차남이 있어요.

There is an eldest son and a second son.

Uses '하고' to connect two nouns.

장남은 학생입니다.

The eldest son is a student.

Simple occupation description.

장남이라서 동생들을 잘 돌봐요.

Because he is the eldest son, he takes good care of his younger siblings.

Uses '-(이)라서' to show reason.

우리 형은 장남이지만 막내 같아요.

My brother is the eldest son, but he acts like the youngest.

Uses '-이지만' to show contrast.

장남은 보통 책임감이 강해요.

Eldest sons usually have a strong sense of responsibility.

Uses '보통' (usually) and '강하다' (strong).

그분은 삼 형제 중 장남입니다.

He is the eldest son among three brothers.

Uses '중' to mean 'among/of'.

장남이 부모님께 선물을 드렸어요.

The eldest son gave a gift to his parents.

Uses the humble verb '드리다' (to give).

어머니는 장남을 아주 사랑하세요.

The mother loves her eldest son very much.

Uses the honorific '-세요' for the mother's action.

장남의 이름은 무엇입니까?

What is the name of the eldest son?

Possessive '의' and formal question.

그는 장남으로서 공부를 열심히 해요.

As the eldest son, he studies hard.

Uses '-로서' to indicate status or role.

장남은 집안의 대를 이어야 한다는 압박을 받곤 합니다.

Eldest sons often feel pressured to carry on the family line.

Uses '-곤 하다' to express a recurring action or state.

요즘은 장남이라고 해서 특별히 더 많이 상속받지 않아요.

These days, just because someone is the eldest son doesn't mean they inherit more.

Uses '-ㄴ다고 해서' to show a cited reason for a negative result.

그는 장남의 역할을 다하기 위해 노력하고 있습니다.

He is making an effort to fulfill his role as the eldest son.

Uses '-기 위해' to express purpose.

장남이 결혼하면 부모님을 모실지 결정해야 해요.

When the eldest son gets married, he has to decide whether to live with his parents.

Uses '-ㄹ지' to express uncertainty or choice.

그는 장남답게 의젓하고 믿음직스러운 성격입니다.

Like an eldest son, he has a mature and reliable personality.

Uses '-답게' to mean 'befitting of' or 'like'.

장남에게는 명절 때마다 해야 할 일이 많습니다.

The eldest son has many things to do every holiday.

Uses '-ㄹ 일' as a future-oriented noun modifier.

그 집안은 장남을 중심으로 모든 일이 결정됩니다.

In that family, everything is decided centering around the eldest son.

Uses '-을 중심으로' to mean 'centering on'.

장남이 성공하기를 온 가족이 바라고 있어요.

The whole family hopes for the eldest son to succeed.

Uses '-기(를) 바라다' to express a wish.

한국 사회에서 장남이 짊어진 심리적 부담감은 상당합니다.

The psychological burden carried by the eldest son in Korean society is considerable.

Uses '짊어지다' (to shoulder/carry) metaphorically.

장남 상속의 전통이 점차 사라지면서 가족 갈등이 생기기도 합니다.

As the tradition of inheritance by the eldest son gradually disappears, family conflicts sometimes arise.

Uses '-면서' to show simultaneous actions/states.

그는 장남이라는 이유로 자신의 꿈을 포기해야만 했습니다.

He had to give up his dreams simply because he was the eldest son.

Uses '-어야만 하다' to express strong necessity or obligation.

현대 사회에서는 장남과 다른 형제들 사이의 차별이 거의 없습니다.

In modern society, there is almost no discrimination between the eldest son and other siblings.

Uses '사이의' to indicate a relationship between entities.

장남이 제사를 모시는 문화는 유교 사상에서 비롯되었습니다.

The culture of the eldest son performing ancestral rites originated from Confucian thought.

Uses '-에서 비롯되다' to mean 'to originate from'.

그는 장남으로서의 권위보다는 책임을 더 중요하게 생각합니다.

He values responsibility more than the authority of being the eldest son.

Uses '-보다는' for comparison.

장남이 가업을 물려받는 것은 이제 선택의 문제가 되었습니다.

The eldest son taking over the family business has now become a matter of choice.

Uses '-는 것' to nominalize a clause.

많은 장남들이 부모님의 기대에 부응하기 위해 고군분투합니다.

Many eldest sons struggle to meet their parents' expectations.

Uses '고군분투하다' (to struggle alone/fight hard).

장남에게 집중되었던 과거의 가부장적 권위는 이제 찾아보기 어렵습니다.

The patriarchal authority of the past that was concentrated on the eldest son is now hard to find.

Uses '-었던' to describe a past state that has changed.

민법 개정 이후 장남의 상속 비율에 대한 법적 차별이 완전히 철폐되었습니다.

After the revision of the Civil Code, legal discrimination regarding the inheritance ratio of the eldest son was completely abolished.

Uses technical legal terms like '민법' and '철폐되다'.

그는 종갓집 장남으로서 문중의 대소사를 챙기는 데 일생을 바쳤습니다.

As the eldest son of the head family, he dedicated his life to taking care of the clan's affairs.

Uses '대소사' (major and minor affairs) and '-는 데' (in doing something).

장남이라는 명분이 때로는 개인의 자유를 억압하는 굴레가 되기도 합니다.

The justification of being the eldest son sometimes becomes a shackle that suppresses individual freedom.

Uses metaphors like '명분' (justification) and '굴레' (shackle).

문학 작품 속에서 장남은 종종 구세대와 신세대의 갈등을 상징하는 인물로 그려집니다.

In literary works, the eldest son is often depicted as a character symbolizing the conflict between the old and new generations.

Uses '-로 그려지다' (to be depicted as).

부모님의 편애가 장남에게 쏠릴 경우, 형제간의 우애에 금이 갈 수 있습니다.

If parents' favoritism leans toward the eldest son, the bond between siblings can be fractured.

Uses '금이 가다' (to crack/be fractured) idiomatically.

그는 장남으로서의 자부심과 동시에 무거운 부채감을 느끼며 살아왔습니다.

He has lived feeling both the pride of being the eldest son and a heavy sense of debt.

Uses '동시에' (simultaneously) and '-며 살아오다' (to have lived doing/feeling).

장남의 사회적 지위 변화는 한국 가족 제도의 변천사를 극명하게 보여줍니다.

The change in the social status of the eldest son clearly shows the history of changes in the Korean family system.

Uses '변천사' (history of changes) and '극명하게' (clearly/starkly).

장남이라는 기표가 한국인의 무의식 속에 투사하는 권력과 책임의 역학은 매우 복잡합니다.

The dynamics of power and responsibility that the signifier 'eldest son' projects into the Korean unconscious are very complex.

Uses academic terms like '기표' (signifier) and '투사하다' (to project).

전통적 가치관의 해체 과정에서 장남들이 겪는 정체성의 혼란은 심도 있는 고찰이 필요합니다.

The identity confusion experienced by eldest sons during the process of dismantling traditional values requires in-depth consideration.

Uses '해체' (dismantling) and '고찰' (consideration/study).

그의 소설은 장남이라는 존재가 지닌 실존적 고독을 유려한 문체로 풀어내고 있습니다.

His novel unravels the existential loneliness of the eldest son with an elegant writing style.

Uses '실존적' (existential) and '풀어내다' (to unravel/express).

유교적 장자 상속제가 근대적 평등주의와 충돌하며 빚어내는 파열음은 여전히 사회 곳곳에 남아 있습니다.

The discordant sounds produced by the collision of Confucian primogeniture and modern egalitarianism still remain throughout society.

Uses metaphorical language like '파열음' (discordant sound/bursting sound).

장남의 희생을 담보로 유지되었던 대가족 제도의 모순이 핵가족화와 함께 수면 위로 떠올랐습니다.

The contradictions of the extended family system, which were maintained at the cost of the eldest son's sacrifice, have surfaced with the trend toward nuclear families.

Uses '-을 담보로' (at the cost of/with something as collateral).

그는 가문의 명예를 수호해야 한다는 장남의 강박에서 벗어나기 위해 치열하게 저항했습니다.

He fiercely resisted to escape the obsession of an eldest son who must protect the family's honor.

Uses '강박' (obsession/compulsion) and '치열하게' (fiercely).

한국 현대사에서 장남은 산업화의 역군이자 가족 부양의 최전선에 서 있던 비극적 영웅이기도 했습니다.

In modern Korean history, the eldest son was both a driving force of industrialization and a tragic hero standing at the forefront of family support.

Uses '-이자' (both... and...) and '역군' (driving force/worker).

장남이라는 호칭 속에 내포된 역사적 중의성은 한국어의 사회언어학적 특징을 잘 보여주는 사례입니다.

The historical ambiguity implied in the title 'eldest son' is a good example showing the sociolinguistic characteristics of the Korean language.

Uses '내포된' (implied/connoted) and '중의성' (ambiguity).

よく使う組み合わせ

장남으로 태어나다

장남의 책임

종갓집 장남

장남 노릇

장남 상속

장남 증후군

귀한 장남

장남을 모시다

장남의 권위

장남과 차남

よく使うフレーズ

장남이 잘되어야 집안이 일어난다

— The family prospers only if the eldest son succeeds. This reflects traditional beliefs about family success.

옛날 어른들은 장남이 잘되어야 집안이 일어난다고 믿으셨다.

장남은 기둥이다

— The eldest son is the pillar of the family. He supports the entire structure.

아버지는 항상 나에게 장남은 집안의 기둥이라고 말씀하셨다.

장남 며느리

— The wife of the eldest son. This role is famously difficult in traditional Korean families.

장남 며느리는 명절에 일이 정말 많아요.

장남의 무게

— The weight/burden of being the eldest son. Refers to the psychological pressure.

그는 장남의 무게를 견디지 못하고 유학을 떠났다.

장남을 앞세우다

— To put the eldest son forward. Usually means letting him lead or represent the family.

어머니는 항상 장남을 앞세워 손님을 맞이하셨다.

장남 구실

— Doing one's part as the eldest son. Often used when someone is failing or succeeding in their role.

돈만 벌어다 준다고 장남 구실을 다하는 건 아니다.

장남한테 몰아주다

— To give everything (usually resources or inheritance) to the eldest son.

예전에는 교육 기회를 장남한테 몰아주는 경우가 많았다.

장남 덕을 보다

— To benefit from the success of the eldest son.

동생들은 장남 덕을 봐서 편하게 공부했다.

장남이 살아야 동생들이 산다

— If the eldest son survives/prospers, the younger siblings will also survive/prosper.

그는 장남이 살아야 동생들이 산다는 생각으로 밤낮없이 일했다.

장남 노릇 하기 힘들다

— It's hard to act as the eldest son. A common complaint among first-born males.

명절 때마다 장남 노릇 하기 힘들다는 생각이 든다.

よく混同される語

장남 vs 첫째

'첫째' is the first child (any gender). '장남' is the first son. A '장남' might be the '둘째' child if he has an older sister.

장남 vs 장녀

'장녀' is the eldest daughter. Do not use '장남' for females.

장남 vs 장자

'장자' is more academic and related to primogeniture. Avoid using it in casual conversation.

慣用句と表現

"장남은 하늘이 낸다"

— Heaven bestows the eldest son. Implies that birth order and gender are divine will.

장남은 하늘이 낸다는데, 우리 집은 딸만 셋이다.

Traditional

"맏아들 (장남)은 살림 밑천이다"

— The eldest son is the family's capital/asset. He is the one who will build the family's wealth.

옛날에는 맏아들은 살림 밑천이라고 해서 아주 귀하게 여겼지.

Old-fashioned

"장남이 망하면 집안이 망한다"

— If the eldest son fails, the whole family fails. Emphasizes his central role.

장남이 망하면 집안이 망한다는 압박감에 그는 늘 긴장하며 살았다.

Traditional

"장남은 부모의 거울이다"

— The eldest son reflects the parents. His behavior shows how the parents raised him.

장남은 부모의 거울이라는데, 그를 보니 부모님이 훌륭하신 분들 같다.

Moral

"열 아들 장남 하나 못하다"

— Ten sons are not as good as one eldest son. A hyperbolic expression of the eldest son's importance.

과거에는 열 아들 장남 하나 못하다는 말이 있을 정도로 장남을 우대했다.

Archaic

"장남 어깨에 집이 달려 있다"

— The house is hanging on the eldest son's shoulders. He carries the entire family.

장남 어깨에 집이 달려 있으니 함부로 직장을 그만둘 수도 없다.

Metaphorical

"장남은 집안의 얼굴이다"

— The eldest son is the face of the family. He represents the family to the outside world.

장남은 집안의 얼굴이니까 어디 가서든 행동을 조심해야 한다.

Social

"장남이 서야 집안이 선다"

— The family stands only when the eldest son stands (succeeds).

아버지는 늘 장남이 서야 집안이 선다고 강조하셨다.

Traditional

"장남은 반 부모다"

— The eldest son is half a parent. He acts as a second father to his siblings.

부모님이 일찍 돌아가셔서 장남인 형이 반 부모 역할을 했다.

Family

"장남 복이 많다"

— To have a lot of 'eldest son luck'. Usually means having a very successful or dutiful eldest son.

할머니는 장남 복이 많아서 노후가 편안하시다.

Social

間違えやすい

장남 vs 장난 (Jang-nan)

Similar sound.

'장남' ends in 'm', '장난' ends in 'n'. '장난' means a joke or prank.

장남이 장난을 쳐요. (The eldest son is playing a prank.)

장남 vs 정남 (Jeong-nam)

Similar vowels.

'장남' starts with 'j' (ㅈ), '정남' starts with 'j' but has a different vowel 'eo'. '정남' is often used in '정남향' (facing straight south).

우리 집은 정남향이에요.

장남 vs 장남감 (Jang-nam-gam)

Sounds like '장난감' (toy).

'장남감' is a pun, '장난감' is the actual word for toy.

이 인형은 제 장난감이에요.

장남 vs 장면 (Jang-myeon)

Starts with '장'.

'장면' means a 'scene' in a movie or play.

이 장면이 제일 슬퍼요.

장남 vs 장군 (Jang-gun)

Starts with '장'.

'장군' means a 'general' in the military.

이순신 장군님은 영웅입니다.

文型パターン

저는 [Family Role]입니다.

저는 장남입니다.

[Name]은/는 [Family Role]이라서 [Action].

민수는 장남이라서 동생을 도와줘요.

[Family Role]으로서 [Duty/Responsibility].

장남으로서 부모님을 모십니다.

[Family Role]이라고 해서 [Negative Expectation].

장남이라고 해서 다 보수적인 건 아니에요.

[Family Role]이라는 명분 아래 [Action/State].

장남이라는 명분 아래 많은 희생을 강요당했다.

[Family Role]에 집중된 [Resource/Authority].

장남에게 집중된 상속 제도는 변하고 있다.

[Family Role]이라는 기표가 지닌 [Abstract Concept].

장남이라는 기표가 지닌 사회적 함의를 고찰하다.

[Action]은 [Family Role]의 실존적 [State].

가업 승계는 장남의 실존적 선택이었다.

語族

名詞

장녀 (Eldest daughter)

차남 (Second son)

차녀 (Second daughter)

삼남 (Third son)

삼녀 (Third daughter)

장자 (Eldest son/Heir - academic)

장손 (Eldest grandson)

使い方

frequency

Very high in family-related contexts and social introductions.

よくある間違い

Using '장남' for the first-born child if they are a girl. → 장녀 (Jang-nyeo)
'장남' specifically contains the character for 'male'. Use '장녀' for a female first-born.
Saying '장남' in a very casual way to a little boy. → 첫째 (Cheot-jae) or 큰아들 (Keun-adeul)
'장남' sounds quite formal and heavy. '첫째' is more natural for children.
Confusing '장남' with '장난'. → 장남 (Eldest son) / 장난 (Joke)
Watch the final consonant. Pronouncing 'm' as 'n' changes the meaning entirely.
Thinking '장남' always means the first child. → 첫째 (First child)
A '장남' can be the second or third child if the older siblings are girls.
Using '장자' in casual speech. → 장남
'장자' is for history books or legal discussions. It sounds weird in a coffee shop.

ヒント

Respect the Role

When meeting a Korean family, acknowledging the '장남' can show your understanding of their traditional structure, but don't overdo it as modern families vary.

Hanja Help

Remember 長 (Long/Old) and 男 (Male). This character '長' is also in '사장' (CEO) and '교장' (Principal), meaning 'leader'.

Marriage Context

In Korea, being a '장남' is sometimes a topic of concern for potential partners because of the perceived family duties. Be aware of this nuance.

Particle Choice

Use '장남으로서' when talking about his actions as a leader, and '장남이라서' when explaining why he feels pressured.

Synonym Selection

Use '큰아들' for warmth and '장남' for clarity and formality.

Drama Clues

If a character is called '장남', expect themes of succession, duty, or parental conflict to follow.

Polite Reference

When talking about someone else's son, use '장남분' to be extra polite.

Formal Documents

On forms, always use '장남' or '차남' rather than '첫째 아들'.

The 'J' Link

Associate 'Jang' with 'Justice' or 'Judge'—someone who has to be serious and lead, like an eldest son.

Holiday Dynamics

Watch how the '장남' takes the lead during ancestral ceremonies to see the word in action.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Jang' as a 'Giant' (the big brother) and 'Nam' as 'Man'. The Giant Man of the siblings is the 장남.

視覚的連想

Imagine a tall mountain (장 - high/long) and a small figure of a man (남) standing at the very peak, looking over his smaller brothers.

Word Web

장녀 (Eldest daughter) 장남 (Eldest son) 차남 (Second son) 장손 (Eldest grandson) 장자 (Heir) 맏이 (First-born) 큰아들 (Big son) 가장 (Head of household)

チャレンジ

Try to identify the '장남' in every Korean drama you watch. Notice how the other characters treat him differently compared to his younger brothers.

語源

Derived from the Hanja characters 長 (장) and 男 (남). The character 長 originally depicted a person with long hair, symbolizing age, growth, and leadership. The character 男 depicts a field (田) and strength/plow (力), symbolizing a man working in the fields.

元の意味： The leader of the males; the first-born male child.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-derived).

文化的な背景

Be careful when discussing '장남' roles with modern Koreans, as some may find the traditional expectations patriarchal or outdated. However, it is still a very common and neutral term for birth order.

In English-speaking cultures, being the 'eldest son' might imply leadership, but it rarely carries the specific ritual and legal burdens that '장남' once did in Korea.

The drama 'Reborn Rich' (재벌집 막내아들) explores the conflict between the eldest son's right to inherit and the merit of younger family members. The movie 'Ode to My Father' (국제시장) depicts the immense sacrifices a 장남 makes for his family during the Korean War and industrialization. The classic novel 'The Dwarf' (난장이가 쏘아올린 작은 공) touches on the pressures faced by the eldest son in a struggling family.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Family Introductions

장남이 누구예요?
제가 장남입니다.
그는 집안의 장남입니다.
장남은 지금 어디에 있나요?

Traditional Holidays (Chuseok/Seollal)

장남이 제사를 지냅니다.
장남이라서 할 일이 많아요.
장남 며느리가 고생이 많네요.
장남이 술을 올립니다.

Marriage Discussions

상대방이 장남인가요?
장남하고 결혼하면 힘들까요?
장남이라 부모님을 모셔야 해요.
장남인 게 마음에 걸려요.

Legal/Official Documents

가족관계증명서에 장남으로 기재됨
장남 상속 비율
장남의 법적 지위
장남임을 증명하다

Psychological/Social Talk

장남 증후군이 있는 것 같아요.
장남의 무게가 느껴져요.
전형적인 장남 스타일이네요.
장남이라서 책임감이 강해요.

会話のきっかけ

"혹시 형제 중에서 장남이신가요? (Are you the eldest son among your siblings?)"

"한국에서는 장남의 역할이 아주 중요하다고 들었어요. (I heard the role of the eldest son is very important in Korea.)"

"장남으로서 부모님에 대한 책임감을 많이 느끼시나요? (Do you feel a lot of responsibility toward your parents as the eldest son?)"

"요즘 한국에서도 장남이 꼭 부모님을 모시고 살아야 하나요? (Do eldest sons in Korea still have to live with their parents these days?)"

"장남이라서 명절에 더 바쁘시겠어요. (You must be busier during holidays because you're the eldest son.)"

日記のテーマ

만약 당신이 한국의 장남이라면, 어떤 점이 가장 힘들 것 같나요? (If you were a Korean eldest son, what would be the hardest part?)

당신의 문화권에서 '맏아들'의 역할은 한국의 '장남'과 어떻게 다른가요? (How does the role of the 'eldest son' in your culture differ from the Korean 'jangnam'?)

전통적인 장남의 역할이 현대 사회에서 사라져야 한다고 생각하시나요? (Do you think the traditional role of the eldest son should disappear in modern society?)

장남에게만 주어지는 권위와 책임에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 써 보세요. (Write about what you think concerning the authority and responsibility given only to the eldest son.)

가족 내에서 태어난 순서가 성격 형성에 어떤 영향을 미친다고 생각하시나요? (How do you think birth order in a family affects personality formation?)

よくある質問

10 問

Biologically and traditionally, no. He remains the '차남' (second son) but he may take over the '장남의 역할' (role of the eldest son). In modern legal terms, he would become the primary heir if the first son has no descendants.

Usually, an only son is called '외아들'. However, he is also the '장남' because he is the first (and only) son. In formal documents, he might be listed as '장남'.

It's a modern slang term referring to the specific struggles of Korean eldest sons who are burdened by traditional expectations while living in a modern world.

Because Korean dramas often focus on family inheritance and power struggles, where the '장남' is the traditional legitimate successor.

'맏이' is the eldest child of any gender. If the '맏이' is a boy, he is also the '장남'.

No, you usually say '우리 형' (my older brother) or '우리 오빠'. Use '장남' only when discussing family structure or formal roles.

It refers to the psychological pressure, anxiety, and sense of obligation felt by eldest sons to meet their parents' high expectations.

Legally, no. Since 1990, all children inherit equally. However, some families still favor the '장남' in private gift-giving or business succession.

It is rooted in patriarchal traditions (Confucianism). While the word itself is just a label, its historical usage prioritized males over females.

The term is '장녀' (Jang-nyeo).

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