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B1 noun #6,000 most common 9 min read

양녀

yangnyeo Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 양녀 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 양녀 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that '양녀' (yang-nyeo) means 'adopted daughter.' You can think of it as two parts: 'yang' (raised/adoption) and 'nyeo' (girl/daughter). In very simple sentences, you might see it as '그녀는 양녀예요' (She is an adopted daughter). At this stage, focus on recognizing the word when you see it in a family tree or a simple story. It's not a word you'll use every day, but it's good to know for basic family descriptions. Remember that '딸' (ttal) is the basic word for daughter, and '양녀' is a specific type of daughter.

At the A2 level, you can start using '양녀' in simple sentences with verbs like '이다' (to be). You should be able to distinguish it from '양자' (adopted son). For example, '그 부부에게는 양녀가 한 명 있어요' (That couple has one adopted daughter). You might also encounter it in simple stories or fairy tales where a child is taken in by a new family. Focus on the grammar of possession: '누구의 양녀' (someone's adopted daughter). Understanding the 'yang' (養) part helps you connect it to other words like 'yang-yuk' (raising a child) which you might see in basic health or family topics.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social and legal context of '양녀.' You can use it with more complex verbs like '삼다' (to make/take as) or '입양하다' (to adopt). You should recognize the difference between '양녀' (formal/legal) and '양딸' (informal/spoken). This is the level where you might hear the word in Korean dramas or news reports about social issues. You should be able to explain the relationship: '그녀는 법적으로 그 집의 양녀가 되었습니다' (She legally became that family's adopted daughter). You can also start to understand the cultural nuances of adoption in Korea, such as the importance of family registry.

At the B2 level, you can use '양녀' to discuss societal trends, inheritance laws, or complex character motivations in literature. You should be comfortable with the Hanja roots and how they appear in related words like '양부모' (adoptive parents) or '양자연결' (adoption matching). You can participate in discussions about the 'Special Act on Adoption' or the history of international adoption using this term. You understand that '양녀' carries a legal weight and can distinguish it from '수양딸' (informal/foster daughter) and '의붓딸' (step-daughter) in nuanced conversations about family dynamics.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the legal and historical implications of the word '양녀.' You can discuss the evolution of the Korean family system (Hoju system) and how the status of an '양녀' has changed over the decades. You can use the word in academic or professional settings, such as law, sociology, or social work. You are aware of the emotional baggage the term might carry in different contexts and can choose between '양녀,' '입양인' (adoptee), or '친양자' (full legal child) depending on the precision required. You can analyze literary works where the 'yang-nyeo' identity is a central theme.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '양녀' and all its surrounding legal, historical, and emotional connotations. You can interpret high-level legal documents regarding '친양자 입양' (full adoption) and understand the subtle differences in rights between an '일반양녀' (general adopted daughter) and a '친양자' (full legal daughter). You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of family, blood vs. upbringing, and the ethics of adoption practices in Korea. You can also appreciate wordplay or historical puns involving the Hanja '養' and '女' in classical literature or advanced word games.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

양녀 in 30 Seconds

Yang-nyeo is the formal Korean word for an adopted daughter, combining 'to raise' and 'woman/daughter'.
It is used primarily in legal, formal, or third-party descriptions rather than in direct affectionate address.
The word is distinct from 'yang-ja' (adopted son) and 'ip-yang-a' (general adopted child).
In modern Korea, it implies a legal bond that often grants equal inheritance and social rights as biological children.

The Korean word 양녀 (Yang-nyeo) is a noun that specifically refers to an adopted daughter. To understand this word deeply, we must look at its Hanja (Chinese character) roots: 養 (Yang), meaning 'to raise,' 'to nurture,' or 'to foster,' and 女 (Nyeo), meaning 'woman' or 'daughter.' Unlike a biological daughter (친딸 - chin-ttal), a yang-nyeo is a female who has entered a family through legal or social adoption processes rather than birth.

Linguistic Root: The character 養 is also found in words like 양육 (yang-yuk) meaning 'upbringing' and 영양 (yeong-yang) meaning 'nutrition.' This highlights that the core of being a yang-nyeo is the act of being nurtured and raised by someone other than biological parents.
Social Context: Historically, in Confucian Korean society, adoption was often focused on continuing the male lineage (양자 - yang-ja, adopted son). However, the term 양녀 has gained significant usage in modern legal frameworks and social narratives as perceptions of family have evolved to include emotional bonds over strictly biological ones.

In daily life, you won't often hear a parent call their child 'my yang-nyeo' directly to their face; they would simply use 딸 (ttal). The term 양녀 is primarily used when describing the relationship to a third party or within legal and formal contexts to clarify the family structure.

그들은 전쟁 고아였던 소녀를 양녀로 삼아 정성껏 키웠습니다. (They took the girl, who was a war orphan, as their adopted daughter and raised her with great care.)

The word is essential for B1 learners because it appears frequently in news reports about social welfare, historical dramas (Sa-geuk) involving succession, and modern family-themed TV shows. Understanding the distinction between legal adoption and biological relations is crucial for navigating Korean social etiquette and understanding family trees.

법적으로 그녀는 그 가문의 양녀로 등록되어 있습니다. (Legally, she is registered as the adopted daughter of that family.)

In modern South Korea, there are two legal types of adoption: 일반입양 (General Adoption) and 친양자입양 (Full Adoption). While the term 양녀 covers both, the latter grants the child the same legal status as a biological child, including taking the father's surname and severing legal ties with the biological parents. This nuance is often discussed using the term 양녀 in legal advice columns or social service contexts.

Modern Usage: Nowadays, the term is frequently seen in discussions about international adoption (해외 입양) and the rights of adopted individuals seeking their roots.

해외로 입양된 양녀가 서른 살이 되어 친부모를 찾으러 한국에 왔다. (The adopted daughter who was sent abroad came to Korea at the age of thirty to find her biological parents.)

Using 양녀 correctly involves understanding the verbs it commonly pairs with. Because it describes a status or relationship, it is often the object of verbs like 'to make,' 'to take,' or 'to become.' Here, we explore the most frequent grammatical patterns.

Pattern: ~를 양녀로 삼다: This is the most common way to say 'to take (someone) as an adopted daughter.' The particle ~로 indicates the capacity or status.
Example: 그 부부는 조카를 양녀로 삼기로 결정했다. (The couple decided to take their niece as an adopted daughter.)

왕비는 가난한 집의 소녀를 양녀로 들였다. (The Queen brought in a girl from a poor family as an adopted daughter.)

Another common verb is 들이다 (deul-i-da), which means 'to bring in' or 'to admit.' When used with 양녀, it implies bringing someone into the family fold. This is often used in historical contexts or formal narratives.

Pattern: ~가 양녀가 되다: This means 'to become an adopted daughter.' It focuses on the subject's change in status.
Example: 그녀는 유명한 화가의 양녀가 되어 예술 교육을 받았다. (She became the adopted daughter of a famous painter and received an art education.)

When discussing legalities, the word 입양하다 (ip-yang-ha-da - to adopt) is used. You might say '양녀를 입양하다,' though this is slightly redundant (like saying 'adopt an adopted daughter'). Instead, it's more natural to say '딸을 양녀로 입양하다' (to adopt a girl as an adopted daughter).

그는 자신의 비서였던 여성을 법적 양녀로 입적시켰다. (He had the woman who was his secretary registered as his legal adopted daughter.)

In formal documents or news reports, 양녀 acts as a precise descriptor. For example, in inheritance disputes or family tree explanations, it provides the necessary legal distinction from biological children (친자 - chin-ja).

재산 상속 문제에서 양녀도 친딸과 동일한 권리를 가집니다. (In matters of inheritance, an adopted daughter has the same rights as a biological daughter.)

Formal vs. Informal: Formal: 양녀 (Yang-nyeo). Informal/Affectionate: 양딸 (Yang-ttal). While 'yang-nyeo' sounds more like a legal term, 'yang-ttal' is more commonly used in spoken, warm conversations.

할머니는 이웃집 소녀를 친손녀처럼 아끼며 양딸 삼으셨다. (The grandmother cherished the neighborhood girl like her own granddaughter and made her her adopted daughter.)

While 양녀 might not be a word you use every day in a coffee shop, it is pervasive in specific areas of Korean culture and media. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word when it appears.

Korean Dramas (K-Dramas): Adoption is a classic trope in K-Dramas. You will often hear the term when a character's true identity is revealed. A common storyline involves a wealthy family adopting a girl who turns out to be the long-lost daughter of a rival family. In these intense scenes, characters might scream, "내가 네 양녀인 줄 알았어?" (Did you think I was just your adopted daughter?)

드라마 주인공은 회장님의 양녀로 들어가 복수를 다짐한다. (The drama protagonist enters as the Chairman's adopted daughter and vows revenge.)

In news and social documentaries, 양녀 is used in the context of South Korea's complex history with international adoption. Following the Korean War, many children were sent abroad. Documentaries focusing on these individuals returning to find their biological families often use the term to describe their status in their overseas families.

Historical dramas (Sa-geuk) also use this word. In the past, powerful families would sometimes adopt daughters from lower-ranking families to marry them off to other powerful families to strengthen political alliances. In this context, 양녀 carries a heavy weight of duty and political maneuvering.

그녀는 대감집의 양녀가 되어 궁궐로 들어갔다. (She became the adopted daughter of a high official and entered the palace.)

Legal and Administrative Offices: If you ever visit a Dong-samuso (local community center) or deal with family registry documents (가족관계증명서), you will see '양자' (adopted son) or '양녀' (adopted daughter) used as official designations for family relationships.

Finally, in literature and classic novels, the term is used to explore themes of belonging and identity. Writers use the 'adopted daughter' archetype to highlight the contrast between blood ties and the bonds created through years of living together.

소설 속에서 양녀는 친딸보다 더 지극정성으로 부모를 모셨다. (In the novel, the adopted daughter served her parents with even more devotion than a biological daughter.)

Learning 양녀 can be tricky because of its specific gender and the existence of similar-sounding words. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Confusing Gender (양녀 vs. 양자): The most common error is using 양자 (Yang-ja) for everyone. While 양자 can sometimes be used as a generic term for an 'adopted child' in a legal sense (like 'adoptee'), it specifically means 'adopted son.' If you are referring to a daughter, you must use 양녀.
Wrong: 그녀는 그 집의 양자예요. (She is the adopted son of that house.)
Right: 그녀는 그 집의 양녀예요.

성별을 구분하지 않을 때는 '입양아'(adopted child)를 쓰는 것이 더 정확합니다. (When not distinguishing gender, it is more accurate to use 'ip-yang-a'.)

Another mistake is using 양녀 in casual conversation when introducing your own adopted child. In Korean culture, emphasizing the 'adopted' part can sometimes feel cold or unnecessary. Unless the context requires legal clarification, most people simply say 우리 딸 (u-ri ttal - our daughter).

Mistake 2: Confusing with '수양딸' (Su-yang-ttal): Learners often mix up 양녀 and 수양딸. While they both mean 'adopted daughter,' 양녀 is the formal/legal term. 수양딸 is often used for informal adoptions, such as when a child is raised by a godparent or a close family friend without legal paperwork. Using 양녀 for an informal 'foster-like' relationship might sound too clinical.

법적 절차를 거쳤다면 양녀, 정서적 관계라면 '수양딸'이 적절합니다. (If legal procedures were followed, 'yang-nyeo' is used; for emotional relationships, 'su-yang-ttal' is appropriate.)

Finally, watch out for the pronunciation. Some learners misread the Hanja and say '양여' (Yang-yeo). Remember that the 'ㄴ' (n) sound in 녀 is distinct. Practice saying 'Yang' and then 'Nyeo' clearly to avoid confusion with other similar-sounding words like '양어' (fish farming).

Pronunciation Check: Yang (양) + Nyeo (녀). The 'ng' at the end of 'Yang' flows into the 'N' of 'Nyeo'. It should sound like [yang-nyeo].

To truly master the vocabulary around adoption, you need to know the related terms that vary by register and nuance. Here is a comparison of 양녀 with its synonyms.

양딸 (Yang-ttal): Meaning: Adopted daughter (Native Korean version).
Usage: This is the less formal, more common spoken version of 양녀. While 양녀 uses the Hanja '녀' (nyeo), 양딸 uses the native Korean '딸' (ttal). It sounds warmer and more personal.
Example: "그녀는 우리 집 양딸이나 다름없어요." (She is no different from an adopted daughter in our house.)
입양아 (Ip-yang-a): Meaning: Adopted child (Gender-neutral).
Usage: This is a general term used to describe anyone who has been adopted, regardless of age or gender. It is frequently used in news, sociology, and social work.
Example: 입양아들의 권익을 보호해야 합니다. (We must protect the rights of adopted children.)

'양녀'는 딸이라는 관계에 집중하고, '입양아'는 입양되었다는 사실에 집중합니다. ('Yang-nyeo' focuses on the relationship as a daughter, while 'ip-yang-a' focuses on the fact of adoption.)

수양딸 (Su-yang-ttal): Meaning: Foster daughter / Informal adopted daughter.
Usage: The prefix 수양 (su-yang) implies a relationship of care and discipline. Historically, this term was used when a family took in a girl to raise her, often without formal legal adoption. In modern times, it's used for very close emotional bonds that mimic a parent-child relationship.
Example: 이웃집 아주머니는 나를 수양딸처럼 돌봐주셨다. (The neighborhood lady looked after me like a foster daughter.)

Contrast these with 친딸 (Chin-ttal), which means biological daughter. In many Korean stories, the dynamic between a 양녀 and a 친딸 is a source of conflict or deep emotional bonding. Another related term is 의붓딸 (Ui-but-ttal), which means step-daughter (a daughter from a spouse's previous marriage). It is important not to confuse 양녀 (adoption) with 의붓딸 (remarriage).

양녀는 법적으로 부모가 된 경우이고, 의붓딸은 재혼을 통해 가족이 된 경우입니다. (Yang-nyeo is when one becomes a parent legally, while ui-but-ttal is when one becomes family through remarriage.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, the character 養 was used for raising livestock, but it evolved to signify the high moral duty of raising children and supporting elderly parents.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jaŋ.njʌ/

US /jɑŋ.njʌ/

The stress is balanced between both syllables, though the first syllable '양' often carries a slightly higher pitch in standard Seoul dialect.

Rhymes With

상녀 (sang-nyeo) 강녀 (gang-nyeo) 장녀 (jang-nyeo - eldest daughter) 차녀 (cha-nyeo - second daughter) 숙녀 (suk-nyeo - lady) 미녀 (mi-nyeo - beautiful woman) 악녀 (ak-nyeo - wicked woman) 효녀 (hyo-nyeo - filial daughter)

Common Errors

Saying 'Yang-yeo' instead of 'Yang-nyeo' (missing the 'n' sound).
Pronouncing 'nyeo' like 'neo' (missing the 'y' semi-vowel).
Over-emphasizing the 'ng' so that it breaks the flow to the second syllable.
Confusing 'nyeo' with 'neo' (you) or 'nyeo' with 'nyeo' (woman) in isolation.
Incorrectly applying the initial sound rule to the second syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to read if you know basic Hanja for 'woman'. The word is phonetically consistent.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the '녀' spelling and the particle '~로' usually used with it.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires smooth transition from 'ng' to 'n'.

Listening 4/5

Can be confused with '양자' (son) if the ending is not heard clearly in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

딸 (Daughter) 입양 (Adoption) 여자 (Woman) 가족 (Family) 부모 (Parents)

Learn Next

양자 (Adopted son) 친양자 (Full legal child) 파양 (Dissolution of adoption) 가족관계증명서 (Family relationship certificate) 호적 (Family register - historical)

Advanced

서자 (Child of a concubine - historical) 적자 (Legitimate child - historical) 후계자 (Successor) 상속인 (Heir)

Grammar to Know

Particle '~로' for status

그녀를 양녀로 삼았다. (I took her as an adopted daughter.)

Noun + '이다' (to be)

그녀는 양녀입니다. (She is an adopted daughter.)

Passive '되다' (to become)

그녀는 작년에 양녀가 되었다. (She became an adopted daughter last year.)

Modifier '-(으)ㄴ' for verbs

입양된 양녀 (An adopted daughter who was adopted.)

Possessive '의'

그분의 양녀 (That person's adopted daughter.)

Examples by Level

그녀는 저의 양녀입니다.

She is my adopted daughter.

Simple A=B sentence using '입니다'.

양녀가 한 명 있어요.

I have one adopted daughter.

Using '있다' to show possession.

이 아이는 양녀예요.

This child is an adopted daughter.

Polite informal ending '-예요'.

제 친구는 양녀입니다.

My friend is an adopted daughter.

Subject marker '-는'.

양녀는 예뻐요.

The adopted daughter is pretty.

Adjective '예쁘다' in polite form.

그녀는 양녀가 아니에요.

She is not an adopted daughter.

Negative form '이/가 아니에요'.

누가 양녀예요?

Who is the adopted daughter?

Question word '누구' with subject marker '가'.

양녀와 같이 살아요.

I live with my adopted daughter.

Particle '-와' meaning 'with'.

우리 집에는 귀여운 양녀가 있어요.

There is a cute adopted daughter in our house.

Modifier '귀여운' (cute).

그녀는 작년에 양녀가 되었어요.

She became an adopted daughter last year.

Past tense of '되다' (to become).

그 부부는 소녀를 양녀로 맞았어요.

The couple welcomed the girl as an adopted daughter.

Verb '맞다' (to welcome/receive).

양녀의 이름은 민지예요.

The adopted daughter's name is Minji.

Possessive particle '의'.

그녀는 양녀라서 사랑을 많이 받아요.

Because she is an adopted daughter, she receives a lot of love.

Causal connector '-(이)라서'.

양녀에게 선물을 주었어요.

I gave a gift to the adopted daughter.

Dative particle '에게' (to).

그녀는 양녀지만 친딸 같아요.

She is an adopted daughter, but she is like a biological daughter.

Contrastive connector '-지만'.

누가 그 집 양녀입니까?

Who is that house's adopted daughter?

Formal question ending '-입니까'.

그는 고아원 아이를 양녀로 삼기로 했다.

He decided to take an orphan child as his adopted daughter.

Expression '~기로 하다' (to decide to).

법적으로 그녀는 그 가문의 양녀입니다.

Legally, she is the adopted daughter of that family.

Adverb '법적으로' (legally).

양녀로 들어온 이후 집안 분위기가 밝아졌다.

Since she came in as an adopted daughter, the house atmosphere has brightened.

Time connector '-(으)ㄴ 이후' (since).

그녀는 자신이 양녀라는 사실을 알고 있다.

She knows the fact that she is an adopted daughter.

Noun clause '~라는 사실' (the fact that...).

부모님은 그녀를 양녀가 아닌 친딸처럼 키우셨다.

The parents raised her like a biological daughter, not an adopted one.

Comparison '~처럼' (like).

양녀로 입양된 소녀는 새로운 환경에 잘 적응했다.

The girl adopted as an adopted daughter adapted well to the new environment.

Passive-like construction '입양된' (adopted).

그들은 양녀를 찾기 위해 신문에 광고를 냈다.

They placed an ad in the newspaper to find an adopted daughter.

Purpose connector '~기 위해' (in order to).

양녀는 부모님의 은혜에 보답하고 싶어 했다.

The adopted daughter wanted to repay her parents' kindness.

Desire for third person '~고 싶어 하다'.

양녀로 입적되는 과정에서 여러 법적 절차가 필요했다.

In the process of being registered as an adopted daughter, several legal procedures were necessary.

Noun '입적' (entering a family register).

그녀는 비록 양녀였지만 가문의 후계자로 지목되었다.

Although she was an adopted daughter, she was designated as the successor of the family.

Concessive '비록 ~였지만' (even though).

드라마에서는 양녀와 친딸 사이의 갈등이 자주 다뤄진다.

In dramas, conflicts between an adopted daughter and a biological daughter are frequently handled.

Passive '다뤄지다' (to be handled/dealt with).

그녀는 양녀로서의 의무를 다하기 위해 노력했다.

She made an effort to fulfill her duties as an adopted daughter.

Particle '~로서' (as a/in the capacity of).

양녀를 대하는 부모님의 태도는 매우 공정했다.

The parents' attitude toward the adopted daughter was very fair.

Determiner '-는' modifying '태도'.

그녀는 자신이 양녀라는 점이 전혀 부끄럽지 않았다.

She was not at all ashamed of the fact that she was an adopted daughter.

Noun phrase '~라는 점' (the point/fact that...).

양녀로 받아들여진 이후 그녀의 삶은 완전히 바뀌었다.

After being accepted as an adopted daughter, her life changed completely.

Passive '받아들여지다' (to be accepted).

그들은 해외에서 온 소녀를 양녀로 입양하기로 합의했다.

They agreed to adopt a girl from overseas as an adopted daughter.

Verb '합의하다' (to agree/reach consensus).

한국의 근대 소설에서 양녀는 종종 가부장적 제도의 희생양으로 묘사된다.

In modern Korean novels, adopted daughters are often depicted as scapegoats of the patriarchal system.

Complex noun '희생양' (scapegoat).

친양자 제도가 도입되면서 양녀의 법적 지위가 크게 강화되었다.

With the introduction of the full adoption system, the legal status of adopted daughters was significantly strengthened.

Causal connector '~면서' (while/as).

그녀는 양녀라는 신분이 주는 심리적 압박감을 극복해냈다.

She overcame the psychological pressure given by her status as an adopted daughter.

Verb '극복해내다' (to manage to overcome).

양녀와 양부모 사이의 유대감은 혈연 그 이상의 가치를 지닌다.

The bond between an adopted daughter and adoptive parents holds a value beyond blood ties.

Comparison '그 이상' (beyond that).

상속법 개정안은 양녀에게도 동등한 상속권을 보장하는 내용을 담고 있다.

The inheritance law amendment contains content that guarantees equal inheritance rights to adopted daughters.

Expression '~을 담고 있다' (to contain/carry).

그녀는 양녀로서 가문의 전통을 계승하는 데 중추적인 역할을 했다.

As an adopted daughter, she played a pivotal role in succeeding the family traditions.

Adjective '중추적인' (pivotal/central).

사회적 편견에도 불구하고 그녀는 당당히 양녀임을 밝혔다.

Despite social prejudice, she confidently revealed that she was an adopted daughter.

Expression '~에도 불구하고' (despite).

양녀 제도는 과거 가문의 대를 잇기 위한 방편으로 활용되기도 했다.

The adopted daughter system was sometimes utilized as a means to continue the family line in the past.

Noun '방편' (means/expedient).

양녀라는 기표 속에 숨겨진 근대적 주체성의 발현을 고찰해 볼 필요가 있다.

It is necessary to examine the manifestation of modern subjectivity hidden within the signifier 'adopted daughter'.

Academic term '기표' (signifier) and '발현' (manifestation).

그녀의 삶은 양녀라는 주변인적 위치에서 중심부로 진입하는 투쟁의 연속이었다.

Her life was a series of struggles to enter the center from the peripheral position of being an adopted daughter.

Metaphorical use of '주변인적' (peripheral).

양녀의 입적과 파양을 둘러싼 법적 공방은 가족의 정의를 재고하게 만든다.

The legal battle surrounding the registration and dissolution of adoption of an adopted daughter makes us reconsider the definition of family.

Term '파양' (dissolution of adoption).

문학 비평가들은 그 소설 속 양녀 캐릭터를 식민지 시대의 알레고리로 해석한다.

Literary critics interpret the adopted daughter character in that novel as an allegory of the colonial era.

Term '알레고리' (allegory).

양녀로서 겪는 정체성의 혼란은 단순한 개인의 문제를 넘어 구조적 모순을 시사한다.

The identity confusion experienced as an adopted daughter goes beyond simple individual problems and suggests structural contradictions.

Verb '시사하다' (to suggest/imply).

그녀는 양녀라는 굴레를 벗어나 자신만의 독립적인 서사를 구축했다.

She escaped the shackles of being an adopted daughter and built her own independent narrative.

Metaphor '굴레' (shackles/bridle).

양녀 제도의 변천사는 한국 사회의 혈연 중심주의가 해체되는 과정을 보여준다.

The history of the adopted daughter system shows the process of the dissolution of blood-centeredness in Korean society.

Noun '변천사' (history of changes).

그녀는 양녀라는 명목하에 자행된 인권 침해 사례를 폭로하며 사회적 경종을 울렸다.

She sounded a social alarm by exposing cases of human rights violations committed under the name of being an adopted daughter.

Expression '경종을 울리다' (to sound an alarm/warning).

Common Collocations

양녀로 삼다

양녀로 들이다

양녀로 입적하다

양녀가 되다

양녀를 입양하다

법적 양녀

양녀로 맞이하다

수양 양녀

양녀 신분

친딸과 양녀

Common Phrases

양녀로 삼기로 결정하다

— To decide to take someone as an adopted daughter. Used when families finalize their choice.

고심 끝에 그녀를 양녀로 삼기로 결정했다.

양녀로 들어오다

— To come into a family as an adopted daughter. Focuses on the arrival of the child.

그녀가 양녀로 들어온 후 집안이 활기차졌다.

양녀로 키우다

— To raise someone as an adopted daughter. Emphasizes the nurturing process.

그들은 조카를 양녀로 지극정성 키웠다.

양녀로 등록하다

— To register as an adopted daughter. Used in administrative contexts.

아이를 양녀로 등록하기 위해 서류를 준비했다.

양녀 출신

— Originating from the status of an adopted daughter. Often used in biographies.

그녀는 양녀 출신임에도 훌륭하게 자랐다.

양녀의 권리

— The rights of an adopted daughter. Common in legal discussions.

양녀의 권리도 친딸과 동일하게 보장된다.

양녀를 맞다

— To receive an adopted daughter. A slightly formal way to say 'to adopt'.

그 집은 늦은 나이에 양녀를 맞았다.

양녀로 입양되다

— To be adopted as an adopted daughter. Passive form focusing on the child.

그녀는 어릴 때 미국으로 양녀로 입양되었다.

양녀를 찾다

— To look for an adopted daughter. Used when searching for a child to adopt.

그들은 오랫동안 기다려온 양녀를 찾았다.

양녀의 도리

— The duty of an adopted daughter. Used in moral or traditional contexts.

그녀는 양녀의 도리를 다하기 위해 부모님을 모셨다.

Often Confused With

양녀 vs 양자 (Yang-ja)

Often used as a general term for an adoptee, but specifically means an adopted son. Don't use it for girls.

양녀 vs 수양딸 (Su-yang-ttal)

Refers to an informal or emotional adoption without legal papers. '양녀' is the legal term.

양녀 vs 의붓딸 (Ui-but-ttal)

Means step-daughter (from a spouse's previous marriage). Adoption (양녀) is a different legal process.

Idioms & Expressions

"양녀 삼듯 하다"

— To treat someone like an adopted daughter. Implies taking someone under one's wing with great care.

그녀는 이웃집 소녀를 양녀 삼듯 돌봐주었다.

Literary

"피보다 진한 양녀의 정"

— An adopted daughter's affection that is thicker than blood. Emphasizes the strength of non-biological bonds.

그녀와 양부모님은 피보다 진한 양녀의 정을 나누고 있다.

Emotional

"양녀가 복덩이"

— The adopted daughter is a bundle of luck. Used when a family's fortune improves after adoption.

그 집은 양녀가 복덩이라서 사업이 잘 풀렸다.

Colloquial

"친딸보다 나은 양녀"

— An adopted daughter who is better than a biological daughter. Usually refers to filial piety.

그녀는 친딸보다 나은 양녀로 동네에 소문이 났다.

Praising

"양녀로 대를 잇다"

— To continue the lineage through an adopted daughter. Historically significant in certain family structures.

아들이 없던 그 집은 양녀로 대를 이었다.

Historical

"양녀를 금이야 옥이야"

— Raising an adopted daughter like gold and jade. Meaning raising her with extreme care and preciousness.

그들은 양녀를 금이야 옥이야 키웠다.

Affectionate

"양녀 설움"

— The sorrow of an adopted daughter. Refers to the hidden sadness or discrimination an adoptee might feel.

그녀는 양녀 설움을 딛고 성공했다.

Poetic

"양녀가 효녀"

— The adopted daughter is the filial one. A common observation in Korean stories about devotion.

사람들은 그 집 양녀가 효녀라고 칭찬했다.

General

"양녀로 뿌리 내리다"

— To take root as an adopted daughter. Meaning to fully settle into the new family.

그녀는 그 집의 양녀로 깊이 뿌리 내렸다.

Metaphorical

"양녀의 굴레"

— The shackle of being an adopted daughter. Refers to the feeling of being restricted by one's status.

그녀는 양녀의 굴레를 벗어나고 싶어 했다.

Dramatic

Easily Confused

양녀 vs 장녀 (Jang-nyeo)

Sounds similar because of the 'nyeo' ending and two syllables.

Jang-nyeo means 'eldest daughter' (birth order), whereas Yang-nyeo means 'adopted daughter' (legal status).

그녀는 그 집의 장녀이자 양녀입니다. (She is the eldest and adopted daughter of that house.)

양녀 vs 차녀 (Cha-nyeo)

Similar syllable structure ending in 'nyeo'.

Cha-nyeo means 'second daughter' by birth order.

그녀는 양녀로 들어와 차녀가 되었다. (She came in as an adopted daughter and became the second daughter.)

양녀 vs 악녀 (Ak-nyeo)

Ends in 'nyeo'.

Ak-nyeo means 'wicked woman' or 'villainess'. Completely unrelated to family status.

드라마 속 양녀는 사실 악녀였다. (The adopted daughter in the drama was actually a villainess.)

양녀 vs 숙녀 (Suk-nyeo)

Ends in 'nyeo'.

Suk-nyeo means 'lady' or 'refined woman'.

양녀는 어느덧 아름다운 숙녀가 되었다. (The adopted daughter soon became a beautiful lady.)

양녀 vs 양여 (Yang-yeo)

Phonetically very close if the 'n' is dropped.

Yang-yeo (讓與) is a legal term meaning 'transfer' or 'assignment' (e.g., of property).

재산 양여와 양녀 입적은 다른 문제다. (Property transfer and adoption are different matters.)

Sentence Patterns

N은/는 양녀입니다.

미나는 양녀입니다.

N을/를 양녀로 맞다.

아이를 양녀로 맞았어요.

N을/를 양녀로 삼기로 하다.

소녀를 양녀로 삼기로 했다.

N이/가 양녀로 입적되다.

그녀가 법적 양녀로 입적되었다.

양녀로서의 권리를 주장하다.

그녀는 양녀로서의 권리를 주장했다.

양녀라는 사실을 밝히다.

그는 자신이 양녀라는 사실을 밝혔다.

양녀 제도의 모순을 지적하다.

학자는 양녀 제도의 모순을 지적했다.

양녀를 둘러싼 법적 공방.

양녀를 둘러싼 법적 공방이 치열하다.

Word Family

Nouns

양자 (adopted son)

양부모 (adoptive parents)

양부 (adoptive father)

양모 (adoptive mother)

입양 (adoption)

입양아 (adopted child)

Verbs

입양하다 (to adopt)

입양되다 (to be adopted)

양육하다 (to raise/nurture)

Adjectives

양자적인 (adoptive-like)

입양된 (adopted)

친딸 (biological daughter)

의붓딸 (step-daughter)

수양딸 (foster/informal adopted daughter)

가족관계증명서 (family relationship certificate)

파양 (dissolution of adoption)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in legal, historical, and dramatic contexts; less common in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '양자' for a girl. → 양녀
While '양자' is sometimes used as a general term for 'adoptee' in law, it specifically means 'son'. Use '양녀' for females.
Saying '양여' (Yang-yeo). → 양녀 (Yang-nyeo)
Missing the 'n' sound changes the meaning to 'transfer' or 'assignment'. Practice the 'nyeo' sound carefully.
Using '양녀' for a step-daughter. → 의붓딸 (Ui-but-ttal)
Adoption and remarriage are different. Only use '양녀' if a legal adoption has occurred.
Introducing your child as '제 양녀입니다'. → 제 딸입니다.
Using '양녀' in a personal introduction can sound cold. It's better to use '딸' unless you need to specify the adoption.
Confusing '양녀' with '장녀'. → 양녀 (Adopted), 장녀 (Eldest)
These sound similar but refer to completely different things: legal status vs. birth order.

Tips

Use with 삼다

Always remember the pattern '양녀로 삼다'. It's the most natural way to express the action of adopting a daughter in a narrative context.

Learn the Pair

Always learn '양녀' (daughter) and '양자' (son) together. It helps you remember the gender distinction immediately.

Sensitivity Matters

Avoid using '양녀' when introducing your own child to others unless necessary. Just say '제 딸입니다' to avoid making the child feel different.

Focus on 'Nyeo'

In fast speech, the 'n' in 'nyeo' can be subtle. Listen for the 'y' sound (nye-o) to distinguish it from 'neo' (you).

Legal Contexts

If you are writing a formal report or a story about family laws, '양녀' is the mandatory term over '양딸'.

Hanja Clue

If you see the character 養 in a word, think 'adoption' or 'nurturing'. It will help you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Smooth Transition

Don't pause between 'Yang' and 'Nyeo'. Let the 'ng' nasal sound slide directly into the 'n' sound.

Root Meaning

Remembering that 'Yang' means 'to raise' helps you understand that an '양녀' is a daughter defined by her upbringing.

Yang-nyeo vs Ui-but-ttal

Don't confuse adoption (양녀) with step-parenting (의붓딸). They are different legal and social statuses.

Formal Documents

Look for '양녀' in '가족관계증명서' (Family Relationship Certificates) to identify legal adoption status.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yang' as 'Young' (raising someone young) and 'Nyeo' as 'New' (a new daughter). So, a 'Young-New' daughter is an adopted daughter.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of hands (養) gently holding a small girl (女) to represent the act of taking in and raising an adopted daughter.

Word Web

입양 (Adoption) 딸 (Daughter) 가족 (Family) 법 (Law) 사랑 (Love) 양부모 (Adoptive Parents) 친딸 (Biological Daughter) 양자 (Adopted Son)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences describing a famous fictional character who is an adopted daughter (like Anne of Green Gables) using the word '양녀'.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean roots. The first character 養 (양) originates from the image of a person feeding a sheep, symbolizing nurturing and care. The second character 女 (녀) originates from the image of a kneeling woman.

Original meaning: A female who is nurtured and raised (by non-biological parents).

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this word around families with adopted children. It is a descriptive term, but calling someone a 'yang-nyeo' instead of a 'daughter' can be seen as excluding them from the 'real' family if not used sensitively.

In English, we say 'adopted daughter.' In Korean, the term is slightly more formal than the English equivalent, which is often replaced by just 'daughter' quickly.

The movie 'Broker' (브로커) deals with themes of adoption and becoming 'yang-nyeo/yang-ja'. Historical figure Princess Deokhye was sometimes discussed in terms of her complex family ties. The K-drama 'My Golden Life' features intense plot points regarding 'yang-nyeo' status.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Procedures

양녀 입적 서류
법적 양녀 인정
양녀 파양 절차
친양자 입양 신청

Family History

양녀로 가문의 대를 잇다
누구의 양녀로 들어가다
양녀 신분을 숨기다
양녀임을 밝히다

K-Drama Plotlines

잃어버린 친딸 대신 양녀
양녀의 복수
회장님의 양녀
가짜 양녀 소동

Social Work

양녀 양육 지원
해외 양녀 인권
국내 양녀 입양 장려
양녀와 부모의 상담

Inheritance Disputes

양녀의 상속 지분
양녀와 친자의 갈등
양녀의 법적 권리
유산 상속과 양녀

Conversation Starters

"그 영화에서 주인공이 양녀라는 사실이 중요했나요?"

"한국에서는 요즘 양녀 입양에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요?"

"드라마 속 양녀 캐릭터의 심리를 이해할 수 있나요?"

"가족관계증명서에 양녀로 표시되는 것이 어떤 의미인가요?"

"양녀와 친딸의 차별 없는 대우가 가능하다고 보시나요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 만약 양녀로 새로운 가족을 만난다면 어떤 기분일지 써보세요.

한국 드라마에서 양녀라는 소재가 왜 자주 쓰이는지 분석해 보세요.

혈연보다 중요한 가족의 가치에 대해 양녀라는 단어를 포함해 에세이를 쓰세요.

양녀로서의 권리와 의무는 무엇이라고 생각하는지 적어보세요.

입양된 딸(양녀)이 친부모를 찾는 과정에서 겪을 수 있는 어려움을 상상해 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is not rude, but it is very formal. In front of the person, it is much more polite to just say '딸' (daughter). Using '양녀' repeatedly can emphasize that they are 'not biological,' which might be sensitive. Use it when you need to be factually or legally precise.

'양녀' specifically means an adopted daughter. '입양아' (ip-yang-a) means an adopted child in general. If you know the person is female and you want to describe her relationship to her parents, '양녀' is better. If you are talking about the fact that she was adopted as a child, '입양아' is common.

Usually, no. A step-daughter is '의붓딸' (ui-but-ttal). However, if a step-father legally adopts his step-daughter, she then becomes his '양녀' (specifically a '친양자' in modern law). Without the legal adoption process, '의붓딸' is the correct term.

You can say '딸을 입양하다' or '양녀로 삼다'. The second one is very common in literature and dramas. Example: '그들은 소녀를 양녀로 삼았다' (They took the girl as their adopted daughter).

Yes, in Korea, adult adoption is legally possible. A person can become an '양녀' at any age to join a family registry, often for inheritance or to provide care for elderly people who have no children.

It means 'to raise,' 'to nurture,' or 'to foster.' It implies that the relationship is built on the act of bringing someone up rather than a biological connection. It's the same 'Yang' as in 'Yang-yuk' (parenting).

The opposite in terms of biology is '친딸' (biological daughter). The opposite in terms of gender is '양자' (adopted son).

Subtitles often aim for a more natural, conversational tone. '양딸' is the native Korean/Sino-Korean hybrid that people actually use when speaking warmly about an adopted daughter.

Yes. Under modern South Korean law, a legally registered '양녀' has the same inheritance rights as a biological child. This is a common topic in legal dramas.

Yes, the term is part of the shared linguistic heritage of the Korean peninsula and is used in North Korean legal and social contexts as well, though the social systems surrounding it differ.