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B2 noun 10 min read

유족

yujok

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 유족 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 유족 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '유족' might be a bit difficult because it is formal. However, it is a very important word to know if you watch the news or read stories. It means 'the family that is still alive after someone dies.' Think of it as 'the family left behind.' Usually, we use the word '가족' for family, but when we talk about a sad situation where someone has passed away, we use '유족' in news or official papers. You don't need to use this word with your friends, but if you see it in a book, remember it means 'the grieving family.' For example, if a famous person dies, the news will talk about the '유족' (the family they left behind). It is a respectful word. You might see it in simple sentences like '유족들이 울고 있어요' (The bereaved family members are crying). Even at a basic level, knowing this word helps you understand that a situation is serious and respectful.

For A2 learners, '유족' is a noun you will encounter in more formal reading materials or when listening to reports about events. It translates to 'bereaved family.' The character '유' means 'to leave behind,' and '족' means 'family.' So, it literally means 'the family left behind.' In Korea, when someone dies, the family becomes the '유족.' You will often see this word at a '장례식장' (funeral hall). On the screen at the funeral hall, it will list the names of the '유족.' In sentences, you might see '유족을 위로하다,' which means 'to comfort the bereaved family.' It’s important to distinguish this from the general word '가족.' You use '가족' for everyday talk, but '유족' is specifically for when you are showing respect after a death. If you learn this word now, you will be able to understand the basic context of many Korean news stories and dramas involving family tragedies.

At the B1 level, you should start using '유족' in formal writing or when discussing serious topics. It is the standard term for 'surviving family members' or 'the bereaved.' You will notice it frequently in news broadcasts, especially during reports on accidents, illnesses, or the passing of public figures. A key point for B1 learners is the collocations: '유족에게 알리다' (to notify the family), '유족의 동의' (the family's consent), and '유족을 위로하다' (to comfort the family). You should also be aware of the honorific form '유족분들,' which is used to show extra respect. For example, '유족분들께 깊은 애도를 표합니다' is a very common and useful phrase for expressing condolences. Understanding this word helps you navigate the formal register of Korean, which is essential for moving beyond basic conversational skills. It also appears in legal or administrative contexts, such as '유족 연금' (survivor's pension), which you might encounter if you live or work in Korea.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances and social implications of the word '유족.' This word is not just a label; it carries a significant weight of social responsibility and legal standing. In Korea, the '유족' are the primary decision-makers after a death, and their wishes are highly prioritized in both legal and cultural matters. You should be able to distinguish between '유족' and '유가족.' While often interchangeable, '유가족' is frequently used for larger groups or associations formed after a collective tragedy. You should also be comfortable using '유족' in complex sentence structures, such as '유족 측은 진상 규명을 위해 법적 대응을 검토 중이라고 밝혔다' (The bereaved family's side stated they are reviewing legal action for the purpose of finding the truth). At this level, you should also understand the Hanja roots (遺族), which will help you connect it to other related words like '유산' (inheritance) or '유언' (will/testament). This deeper understanding allows for more precise communication in professional and formal settings.

For C1 learners, '유족' should be a word you can use and analyze within various sociopolitical and historical contexts. It often appears in discussions about transitional justice, historical compensation, and national tragedies. For instance, the '유족회' (Bereaved Families Association) of historical events like the Gwangju Uprising or the Jeju April 3rd Incident plays a crucial role in Korean civil society. You should understand the subtle shifts in tone when '유족' is used in legal discourse versus media sensationalism. Furthermore, you should be aware of the ethical considerations surrounding the '유족,' such as the 'right to be forgotten' or privacy rights during high-profile investigations. In academic or journalistic writing, you might use the term to discuss the long-term psychological impact on the '유족' or the socioeconomic challenges they face. Your mastery of this word involves not just its definition, but its function as a symbol of loss, memory, and legal entitlement within the broader Korean cultural and legal framework.

At the C2 level, your understanding of '유족' should encompass its full range of legal, historical, and philosophical connotations. You should be able to discuss the evolution of the term and its usage in classical versus modern literature. In the legal sphere, you would analyze the '유족''s rights in terms of inheritance law (상속법) and tort law, specifically regarding emotional distress and compensation. You might explore how the concept of '유족' intersects with Korean traditional Confucian values, where the continuity of the family line and the performance of ancestral rites (제사) are central responsibilities of the surviving family. Furthermore, you should be able to critique the media's portrayal of '유족' and how the collective identity of '유가족' can become a powerful force for social change or a target of political polarization. At this level, '유족' is not just a vocabulary word but a lens through which to examine Korean society's approach to death, justice, and the enduring bonds of kinship.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

유족 in 30 Seconds

유족 refers to the surviving family members left behind after a person's death, used primarily in formal, legal, and mourning contexts across Korea.
The word is derived from Hanja, meaning 'remnant family,' and is the standard term for news reports, funeral announcements, and expressions of formal sympathy.
It is different from the common word '가족' (family) as it specifically highlights the status of being in mourning and carries a tone of high respect.
Commonly paired with administrative terms like '유족 연금' (survivor's pension) or honorifics like '유족분들' to address the family with dignity and care.

The Korean word 유족 (Yujok) is a formal noun that translates to "bereaved family" or "surviving family members." Rooted in Hanja (Chinese characters), it consists of 遺 (yu), meaning 'to leave behind' or 'remnant,' and 族 (jok), meaning 'family' or 'clan.' Therefore, the literal meaning is the family left behind after someone passes away. This term is not typically used in casual, everyday conversation about one's own family unless the context specifically involves a death or a formal memorial setting. It is the standard term used in news reports, legal documents, funeral announcements, and formal expressions of sympathy.

Societal Nuance: In Korean society, showing respect to the 유족 is a paramount social obligation. When a death occurs, the family is often referred to collectively as the 유족 to emphasize their shared state of mourning and their legal status regarding the deceased's affairs.
Formal vs. Everyday: While you would call your own family 가족 (gajok), a news anchor reporting on a tragedy would exclusively use 유족 to refer to those who lost their loved ones. It carries a heavy, respectful weight that 가족 lacks in this specific context.
Grammatical Role: As a noun, it often functions as the subject or object in sentences concerning condolences, inheritance, or memorial services. It is frequently paired with the honorific suffix -분들 (people) to become 유족분들 when addressing or speaking about them with extra respect.

사고 소식을 접한 유족들은 오열했습니다. (Upon hearing the news of the accident, the bereaved family wailed in grief.)

Understanding 유족 requires an appreciation for Korean funeral culture. In Korea, funerals are often three-day affairs held in hospital funeral halls. During this time, the 유족 receive guests, and the chief mourner (usually the eldest son or spouse) is called the 상주 (sangju). However, the term 유족 encompasses everyone in the immediate family who is mourning. It is a word that evokes immediate empathy and a sense of gravity in any conversation.

정부는 유족들에게 보상금을 지급하기로 결정했습니다. (The government decided to pay compensation to the surviving family members.)

Furthermore, the word is often expanded to 유가족 (yugajok). While 유족 and 유가족 are largely interchangeable, 유가족 is slightly more common when referring to a specific group of families affected by a large-scale disaster or historical event, such as the "Sewol Ferry Bereaved Families" (세월호 유가족). In these cases, the word becomes a symbol of collective identity and activism.

유족의 동의 없이 시신을 부검할 수 없습니다. (An autopsy cannot be performed without the consent of the bereaved family.)

Legal Context: In legal terms, 유족 refers to those entitled to inheritance or survivor's pensions. Terms like 유족연금 (survivor's pension) are essential in administrative Korean.

Using 유족 correctly requires an understanding of formal sentence structures and honorifics. Because the word deals with a sensitive subject—death—the surrounding verbs and particles often take a more respectful or serious tone. Below are detailed breakdowns of how to integrate this word into various types of communication.

Expressing Condolences: When speaking to or about the family, you often use the verb 위로하다 (to comfort) or 애도하다 (to mourn). For example: "우리는 유족의 슬픔을 함께 나눕니다" (We share in the sorrow of the bereaved family).

장례식장에는 고인을 추모하기 위한 유족들과 지인들이 모였습니다. (The bereaved family and acquaintances gathered at the funeral hall to memorialize the deceased.)

In news reporting, 유족 is frequently the subject of verbs like 항의하다 (to protest), 요구하다 (to demand), or 오열하다 (to wail/cry bitterly). This reflects the active role families often play in seeking justice or expressing grief after a public tragedy. For instance: "유족들은 철저한 진상 규명을 요구하며 거리로 나섰습니다" (The bereaved families took to the streets demanding a thorough investigation into the truth).

Administrative and Legal Use: In paperwork, you will see 유족 combined with other nouns. 유족 연금 (survivor pension), 유족 급여 (survivor benefits), and 유족 확인서 (certificate of bereaved family status) are common administrative terms. Example: "유족 연금을 신청하려면 관련 서류가 필요합니다" (To apply for a survivor pension, related documents are required).

그는 유족들에게 고인의 유품을 전달했습니다. (He delivered the belongings of the deceased to the surviving family.)

When showing extreme respect, especially in a direct address or a written eulogy, use the honorific suffix -분들. "유족분들께 어떤 위로의 말씀을 드려야 할지 모르겠습니다" (I do not know what words of comfort to offer to the family members). This softens the tone and acknowledges their pain with high formality.

갑작스러운 사고로 유족들은 큰 충격에 빠졌습니다. (Due to the sudden accident, the bereaved family fell into a state of great shock.)

Common Verb Pairings: - 유족을 위로하다: To comfort the family.
- 유족에게 알리다: To inform the family.
- 유족의 뜻을 따르다: To follow the family's wishes.

In a historical context, you might read about 전몰군경 유족 (families of fallen soldiers and police). This highlights how the word is used to dignify the sacrifice of the deceased by acknowledging the status of those they left behind. Whether in a hospital, a courtroom, or a news studio, 유족 is the bridge between the deceased and the living world's responsibilities.

The word 유족 is ubiquitous in specific professional and social settings in Korea. While you won't hear it at a party or a casual dinner, it is a staple of the Korean media and administrative landscape. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the gravity of the word when it appears.

1. News and Media: This is the most common place for learners to encounter 유족. News anchors use it to report on deaths from natural disasters, accidents, or high-profile crimes. It provides a standardized, objective yet respectful way to refer to the victims' families. You will often see headlines like "유족들, 진상 규명 촉구" (Bereaved families urge for truth-finding).

뉴스데스크: "오늘 유족 측은 기자회견을 열고 공식 입장을 발표했습니다." (News Desk: "Today, the bereaved family's side held a press conference and announced an official position.")

In Korean dramas (K-Dramas), especially crime thrillers or medical dramas, 유족 is used frequently. A detective might say to a colleague, "유족들에게는 연락했나?" (Have you contacted the family?). In these scenes, the word emphasizes the professional distance of the detective while acknowledging the tragedy of the situation.

2. Funeral Halls (장례식장): At a Korean funeral, the electronic display outside the mourning room will list the 유족. It typically lists the names of the children, spouse, and siblings of the deceased. When guests arrive, they may ask the staff, "유족분들은 어디 계신가요?" (Where are the family members?).

안내문: "본 장례식장은 유족의 요청에 따라 조의금을 받지 않습니다." (Notice: "This funeral hall does not accept condolence money at the request of the bereaved family.")

Legal and financial institutions are another primary environment for this word. Bank tellers or insurance agents will use 유족 when discussing the transfer of assets or the payout of a life insurance policy. "유족임을 증명할 수 있는 가족관계증명서를 제출해 주세요" (Please submit a family relationship certificate that can prove you are a surviving family member).

법원 판결문: "피고는 유족에게 위자료를 지급할 의무가 있다." (Court Ruling: "The defendant has an obligation to pay alimony/compensation to the bereaved family.")

Lastly, historical memorials often feature the word. The 5.18 유족회 (May 18th Bereaved Families Association) is a prominent group in Korea representing the families of those killed during the Gwangju Uprising. Here, the word transcends a simple family unit and becomes a political and historical collective, representing a shared legacy of loss and the fight for justice.

While 유족 seems straightforward as "bereaved family," its formal nature and specific Hanja roots lead to several common pitfalls for English speakers and even native Korean speakers in certain contexts.

1. Confusing '가족' (Gajok) and '유족' (Yujok): The most common mistake is using 가족 in a formal mourning context where 유족 is required. While 가족 is technically correct (they are family), it sounds overly casual and slightly insensitive in a news report or funeral announcement. Conversely, never use 유족 to refer to your own family in a normal setting. Saying "I'm going home to see my 유족" would imply that you are a ghost or that your family is currently in mourning for someone else.

Incorrect: 우리 유족은 4명이에요. (My bereaved family is 4 people.)
Correct: 우리 가족은 4명이에요. (My family is 4 people.)

Another mistake involves the word 미망인 (mimangin). In the past, this word was used to mean "widow," but its literal Hanja meaning is "a person who has not yet died" (accompanying the husband). This is now considered outdated and highly offensive by many. Nowadays, 유족 or 고인의 부인 (the deceased's wife) is much preferred as a respectful and neutral alternative.

2. Pronunciation Errors: Some learners might confuse the pronunciation with 유적 (yujeok), which means "historic ruins" or "remains." While they sound similar, saying "We visited the 유족" instead of "We visited the 유적" would mean you visited a grieving family instead of a historical site like a palace. Pay close attention to the final vowel: ㅗ (o) in 유족 vs ㅓ (eo) in 유적.

"경주에는 많은 유적(ruins)이 있습니다." vs "유족(bereaved family)의 슬픔."

Finally, ensure you don't overuse the word 유가족 (yugajok) when 유족 is more appropriate for a single family unit. 유가족 often carries a nuance of a larger group or a more formal association. For a private, personal condolence, 유족 or simply 남겨진 가족 (the family left behind) sounds more intimate and sincere.

In Korean, the vocabulary surrounding death is rich and nuanced, with various words used depending on the relationship, the level of formality, and the specific role a person plays during the mourning period. Here is a comparison of 유족 with its closest synonyms and related terms.

1. 유가족 (Yugajok) vs. 유족 (Yujok): 유가족: Adds the character 家 (ga - house/family). It is slightly more formal and often refers to families in a collective sense (e.g., all the families of victims of a specific disaster).
유족: More commonly used for the immediate family of a specific individual. In most daily formal contexts, they are interchangeable.
2. 상주 (Sangju): Meaning: The chief mourner.
Difference: While 유족 refers to the whole family, the 상주 is the specific person (usually the eldest son or the spouse) who takes the lead in organizing the funeral and greeting guests. You would say, "The 상주 is standing at the entrance."

"유족 전체가 슬픔에 잠겼지만, 상주는 꿋꿋이 손님을 맞이했습니다." (The entire bereaved family was deep in sorrow, but the chief mourner steadfastly greeted the guests.)

3. 유산 (Yusan) and 유물 (Yumul): 유산: Inheritance or legacy (money, property).
유물: Artifacts or physical relics left behind.
These words share the 유 (遺) character with 유족, indicating something "left behind." Understanding this connection helps in memorizing the word family.
4. 고인 (Goin): Meaning: The deceased.
Relationship: You cannot have 유족 without a 고인. In formal speech, you refer to the dead person as the 고인 and their family as the 유족.

For more poetic or emotional contexts, you might see 남겨진 이들 (those left behind). This is less clinical than 유족 and is often used in song lyrics or literature to emphasize the emotional burden of survival. For example: "남겨진 이들의 슬픔은 말로 다 할 수 없습니다" (The sorrow of those left behind cannot be fully expressed in words).

In summary, while 유족 is the standard term, being aware of 유가족, 상주, and 고인 allows you to navigate the complex social etiquette of mourning in Korea with grace and precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '유' (遺) is the same one used in '유산' (inheritance) and '유언' (will). It creates a semantic link between the person, their belongings, and their family—all of which are 'left behind'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /juː.dʒɒk/

US /juː.dʒɑːk/

The stress is equal on both syllables: 유-족.

Rhymes With

부족 (bujok - shortage/tribe) 만족 (manjok - satisfaction) 민족 (minjok - nation/ethnic group) 가족 (gajok - family) 친족 (chinjok - relatives) 발족 (baljok - start/launch) 자족 (jajok - self-sufficiency) 실족 (siljok - slip/mistake)

Common Errors

Confusing '유족' (yujok) with '유적' (yujeok - ruins). Focus on the 'o' sound in 'jok'.
Pronouncing '족' as 'jo' without the final 'k' sound (batchim).
Over-emphasizing the 'yu' sound so it sounds like 'yoo-oo'. Keep it crisp.
Using a voiced 'j' sound like in 'judge' too strongly; in Korean, it's slightly softer.
Replacing 'y' with 'ee', making it sound like 'ee-oo-jok'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and formal texts, easy to recognize once the Hanja is known.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal sentence endings and honorifics to use correctly.

Speaking 4/5

Must be used with the correct somber tone and in appropriate social contexts.

Listening 3/5

Easily heard in news broadcasts and dramas.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가족 (family) 죽다 (to die) 슬프다 (to be sad) 사람 (person) 말하다 (to speak)

Learn Next

고인 (deceased) 장례식 (funeral) 추모 (memorial) 애도 (condolence) 위로 (comfort)

Advanced

상속 (inheritance) 유언 (will) 부검 (autopsy) 배상 (compensation) 위자료 (alimony/damages)

Grammar to Know

Honorific Suffix -분들

유족분들 (Respectful way to address the family).

Noun + 측 (Side/Party)

유족 측 (The family as a legal or social party).

Dative Particle -에게

유족에게 소식을 전하다 (To deliver news to the family).

Possessive Particle -의

유족의 슬픔 (The sorrow of the family).

Connective -에 따라 (According to)

유족의 요청에 따라 (According to the family's request).

Examples by Level

유족들이 울고 있어요.

The bereaved family is crying.

Subject marker -이/가 is used with 유족들.

유족은 슬픕니다.

The bereaved family is sad.

Topic marker -은 is used for general description.

유족에게 인사해요.

Say hello (greet/show respect) to the bereaved family.

Dative particle -에게 indicates the recipient.

유족이 밥을 먹어요.

The bereaved family is eating.

Simple present tense.

유족들이 많아요.

There are many bereaved family members.

Plural suffix -들 is added to 유족.

유족을 도와주세요.

Please help the bereaved family.

Object marker -을 and imperative -아/어 주세요.

여기는 유족 대기실입니다.

This is the waiting room for the bereaved family.

Noun + noun compound used as a place name.

유족의 이름이 뭐예요?

What is the name of the bereaved family member?

Possessive particle -의.

유족들에게 꽃을 드렸어요.

I gave flowers to the bereaved family members.

Honorific verb 드리다 (to give).

유족은 고인을 그리워합니다.

The bereaved family misses the deceased.

The verb 그리워하다 means to miss someone.

유족들이 장례식장에 모였습니다.

The bereaved family gathered at the funeral hall.

Past tense of 모이다 (to gather).

유족의 동의가 필요합니다.

The consent of the bereaved family is required.

Noun + 명사 (동의) structure.

유족들은 검은 옷을 입었습니다.

The bereaved family members wore black clothes.

Past tense of 입다 (to wear).

우리는 유족을 위로했습니다.

We comforted the bereaved family.

위로하다 is a key verb used with 유족.

유족에게 편지를 썼어요.

I wrote a letter to the bereaved family.

Past tense of 쓰다 (to write).

유족분들이 도착하셨습니다.

The bereaved family members (honorific) have arrived.

Honorific suffix -분들 and -시- in the verb.

정부는 유족들에게 보상금을 지급했습니다.

The government paid compensation to the bereaved families.

지급하다 is a formal verb for 'to pay/distribute'.

유족들은 사고의 진실을 알고 싶어 합니다.

The bereaved families want to know the truth of the accident.

-고 싶어 하다 is used for the third person's desire.

유족의 슬픔을 말로 다 표현할 수 없습니다.

The sorrow of the bereaved family cannot be fully expressed in words.

Potential form -ㄹ 수 없다 with '말로 다' (fully by words).

경찰은 유족에게 사망 소식을 알렸습니다.

The police informed the bereaved family of the death.

알리다 (to inform) takes -에게 for the person being informed.

유족들은 고인의 뜻을 따르기로 했습니다.

The bereaved family decided to follow the deceased's wishes.

-기로 하다 indicates a decision.

유족을 위한 심리 치료 프로그램이 생겼습니다.

A psychological therapy program for bereaved families has been created.

-을 위한 (for the sake of) used with a noun.

유족들은 장례 절차를 논의하고 있습니다.

The bereaved family members are discussing funeral procedures.

Progressive tense -고 있다.

그는 유족들의 손을 꼭 잡았습니다.

He held the hands of the bereaved family members tightly.

Adverb 꼭 (tightly/surely).

유족 측은 병원 측의 과실을 주장하고 있습니다.

The bereaved family's side is claiming negligence on the part of the hospital.

측 (side) is used to denote a party in a dispute.

유족 연금 수령 자격에 대해 알아보았습니다.

I looked into the eligibility for receiving a survivor's pension.

수령 (receiving) and 자격 (qualification/eligibility).

유족들은 고인이 남긴 일기를 공개했습니다.

The bereaved family made public the diary left behind by the deceased.

공개하다 (to make public/disclose).

갑작스러운 비보에 유족들은 망연자실했습니다.

At the sudden sad news, the bereaved family was devastated.

망연자실하다 is a high-level adjective for being 'stunned with grief'.

유족들은 매년 고인을 기리는 추모식을 엽니다.

The bereaved family holds a memorial service every year to honor the deceased.

기리다 (to honor/commemorate) and 추모식 (memorial service).

유족의 요청에 따라 부검은 실시하지 않기로 했습니다.

According to the family's request, it was decided not to perform an autopsy.

-에 따라 (according to) is a formal connective.

유족들은 서로를 의지하며 힘든 시간을 견디고 있습니다.

The bereaved family members are enduring difficult times by relying on each other.

의지하다 (to rely on) and 견디다 (to endure).

그 기사는 유족의 사생활을 침해했다는 비판을 받았습니다.

That article was criticized for invading the privacy of the bereaved family.

침해하다 (to invade/infringe) and 비판 (criticism).

유족들은 국가를 상대로 손해 배상 청구 소송을 제기했습니다.

The bereaved families filed a lawsuit for damages against the state.

-를 상대로 (against) and 소송을 제기하다 (to file a lawsuit).

고인의 유산 분배 문제를 두고 유족들 사이에 갈등이 생겼습니다.

A conflict arose among the bereaved family members over the issue of distributing the deceased's inheritance.

-을 두고 (over/concerning) and 갈등 (conflict).

유족회는 진상 조사가 미흡하다며 강력히 반발했습니다.

The bereaved families' association strongly protested, saying the investigation into the truth was insufficient.

-며 (short for -면서) and 반발하다 (to protest/resist).

유족들의 아픔을 정치적으로 이용하는 행태를 멈춰야 합니다.

The practice of politically exploiting the pain of bereaved families must stop.

이용하다 (to use/exploit) and 행태 (behavior/practice).

유족들은 고인의 명예를 회복하기 위해 평생을 바쳤습니다.

The bereaved family members dedicated their lives to restoring the honor of the deceased.

명예를 회복하다 (to restore honor).

재단은 유족들의 생활 안정을 위해 장학금을 전달했습니다.

The foundation delivered scholarships to ensure the stability of the bereaved families' livelihoods.

생활 안정 (stability of life) and 장학금 (scholarship).

유족들은 참사 현장에 추모 공간을 마련해 달라고 요구했습니다.

The bereaved families demanded that a memorial space be prepared at the site of the disaster.

마련하다 (to prepare/arrange) and 요구하다 (to demand).

유족들의 목소리에 귀를 기울이는 것이 진정한 위로의 시작입니다.

Listening to the voices of the bereaved families is the beginning of true comfort.

귀를 기울이다 (to listen carefully/lend an ear).

유족들의 집단적 트라우마를 치유하기 위한 사회적 합의가 필요합니다.

A social consensus is needed to heal the collective trauma of the bereaved families.

집단적 (collective) and 사회적 합의 (social consensus).

유족들이 겪는 비탄의 과정은 개인마다 상이하며 존중받아야 합니다.

The process of grief experienced by bereaved families differs for each individual and must be respected.

상이하다 (to be different) and 존중받다 (to be respected).

법원은 유족의 권리를 보호하기 위해 상속법을 개정하기로 했습니다.

The court decided to revise the inheritance law to protect the rights of the bereaved family.

개정하다 (to revise/amend a law).

유족들의 숭고한 희생정신을 기리는 비석이 세워졌습니다.

A monument was erected to honor the noble spirit of sacrifice of the bereaved families.

숭고하다 (noble) and 희생정신 (spirit of sacrifice).

유족들은 고인의 유지에 따라 전 재산을 사회에 환원했습니다.

The bereaved family returned all assets to society in accordance with the deceased's last wishes.

유지 (last wishes) and 환원하다 (to return/donate back).

참사의 고통은 유족들만의 것이 아니라 우리 사회 전체의 부채입니다.

The pain of the disaster is not just for the bereaved families, but a debt for our entire society.

부채 (debt/liability) used metaphorically.

유족들이 보여준 인내와 용기는 많은 이들에게 깊은 울림을 주었습니다.

The patience and courage shown by the bereaved families gave a deep resonance to many.

울림을 주다 (to resonate/touch hearts).

유족들의 법적 지위와 보상 체계에 관한 다각적인 검토가 이루어지고 있습니다.

A multilateral review of the legal status and compensation system for bereaved families is being conducted.

다각적 (multilateral/multifaceted) and 이루어지다 (to be carried out).

Common Collocations

유족을 위로하다

유족 연금

유족의 동의

유족 측

유족 확인

유족 급여

유족 대기실

유족들의 슬픔

유족에게 알리다

유족을 찾다

Common Phrases

유족분들께 깊은 애도를 표합니다

— A standard formal expression to say 'I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family.'

조의금 봉투에 유족분들께 깊은 애도를 표한다는 말을 적었습니다.

유족의 뜻에 따라

— Meaning 'according to the wishes of the family,' often used for funeral arrangements.

유족의 뜻에 따라 장례는 조용히 치러졌습니다.

유족의 동의를 얻다

— To get the consent of the bereaved family for legal or medical procedures.

기증을 위해 유족의 동의를 얻는 과정이 필요합니다.

유족의 슬픔을 함께하다

— To share in the sorrow of the family, a common way to show empathy.

우리는 유족의 슬픔을 함께하며 기도를 올렸습니다.

유족을 지원하다

— To support the bereaved families, often through financial or emotional aid.

정부는 재난 피해 유족을 지원하기 위한 대책을 마련했습니다.

유족의 권리

— The legal rights of the surviving family members.

유족의 권리를 보호하기 위한 법적 장치가 필요합니다.

유족에게 전달하다

— To deliver something (like news or items) to the family.

고인의 유품을 유족에게 전달했습니다.

유족의 요청

— A request made by the bereaved family.

언론사는 유족의 요청을 받아들여 기사를 삭제했습니다.

유족을 배려하다

— To be considerate of the bereaved family's feelings and situation.

장례식장에서는 유족을 배려해 조용히 행동해야 합니다.

유족이 되다

— To become a member of a bereaved family (to lose a loved one).

하루아침에 유족이 된 그들의 심정은 어떨까요?

Often Confused With

유족 vs 유적 (Yujeok)

Means 'ruins' or 'remains'. Sound similar but very different meanings.

유족 vs 유적 (Yujeok - same spelling)

Can also mean 'traces' or 'vestiges' of a person, sometimes confused with 'yujok'.

유족 vs 가족 (Gajok)

General word for family. 'Yujok' is specifically for families of the deceased.

Idioms & Expressions

"유족의 가슴에 대못을 박다"

— To say or do something that causes extreme pain to the already grieving family (literally: to drive a large nail into their chest).

악성 댓글은 유족의 가슴에 대못을 박는 행위입니다.

Emotional/Media

"눈물로 밤을 지새우는 유족"

— Describes a family that spends the night crying in grief.

유족들은 눈물로 밤을 지새우며 고인을 추모했습니다.

Literary

"유족의 피눈물"

— Refers to the intense, agonizing sorrow of the family (literally: blood tears).

유족의 피눈물을 닦아줄 수 있는 진실이 필요합니다.

Emphatic/Media

"유족의 슬픔을 외면하다"

— To ignore or turn a blind eye to the suffering of the bereaved family.

사회를 책임지는 사람들은 유족의 슬픔을 외면해서는 안 됩니다.

Critical/Formal

"유족의 품으로 돌아가다"

— To return (usually a body or remains) to the arms of the family.

실종되었던 군인이 70년 만에 유족의 품으로 돌아갔습니다.

Respectful/Media

"유족의 한을 풀다"

— To resolve the deep resentment or sorrow (Han) of the family, often through justice.

범인을 잡는 것이 유족의 한을 푸는 첫걸음입니다.

Cultural/Deep

"유족의 이름으로"

— In the name of the bereaved family (often used when taking action or making a statement).

유족의 이름으로 장학 재단을 설립했습니다.

Formal

"유족의 그림자"

— Metaphor for the lingering grief that follows a family.

죽음은 떠났지만 유족의 그림자는 길게 남았습니다.

Poetic

"유족의 입을 빌리다"

— To speak through the family or quote them directly.

기자는 유족의 입을 빌려 현장의 참혹함을 전했습니다.

Journalistic

"유족의 눈물을 닦아주다"

— To comfort and help the bereaved family (literally: to wipe their tears).

정부는 보상안을 통해 유족의 눈물을 닦아주려 노력했습니다.

Political/Media

Easily Confused

유족 vs 유가족

Almost identical meaning.

Yugajok is slightly more formal and collective.

참사 유가족 (Disaster families) vs. 고인의 유족 (Deceased's family).

유족 vs 상주

Both found at funerals.

Sangju is the one person in charge; Yujok is the whole family.

상주가 누구예요? (Who is the chief mourner?)

유족 vs 미망인

Both refer to those left behind.

Mimangin is specifically for a widow and is now often considered offensive.

Use '유족' instead of '미망인' for respect.

유족 vs 유산

Shares the 'Yu' character.

Yusan is the money/property; Yujok is the people.

유족들이 유산을 물려받았습니다.

유족 vs 유물

Shares the 'Yu' character.

Yumul is a physical object left behind.

유족들이 고인의 유물을 보관하고 있습니다.

Sentence Patterns

유족들이 [Emotion/Action].

유족들이 슬퍼하고 있습니다.

유족에게 [Object]을/를 전달하다.

유족에게 위로금을 전달했습니다.

유족을 위한 [Service/Program].

유족을 위한 상담이 진행 중입니다.

유족의 뜻에 따라 [Action].

유족의 뜻에 따라 화장을 하기로 했습니다.

유족 측은 [Claim/Statement].

유족 측은 사과가 진정성이 없다고 말했습니다.

유족들의 [Abstract Noun]을 기리다.

유족들의 숭고한 정신을 기립시다.

[Event] 유족회.

세월호 참사 유족회.

유족의 법적 권리와 [Topic].

유족의 법적 권리와 상속의 관계.

Word Family

Nouns

유가족 (bereaved families)

유족회 (bereaved families association)

유족연금 (survivor pension)

유족급여 (survivor benefits)

고인 (deceased)

장례 (funeral)

상주 (chief mourner)

추모 (memorial)

위로 (comfort)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news, law, and funerals; Low in daily casual life.

Common Mistakes

Using '유족' for your own healthy family. → 우리 가족은 3명이에요.
Using '유족' implies someone has died.
Confusing '유족' with '유적'. → 경주에는 유적이 많아요.
'유적' means historical ruins, not family.
Using '유족' in a happy/congratulatory setting. → N/A
This word is strictly for mourning.
Forgetting the honorific '-분들' when speaking to the family. → 유족분들, 힘내세요.
Addressing them as just '유족' can sound cold.
Using '미망인' as a respectful term for a widow. → 고인의 부인 or 유족.
'미망인' has negative historical connotations.

Tips

Context is Everything

Only use '유족' in the context of death. Using it elsewhere is a major social faux pas.

Learn the Pair

Always learn '유족' alongside '고인' (the deceased). They are two sides of the same coin.

Formal Documents

When filling out insurance or legal forms in Korea, look for '유족' to find where surviving family info goes.

Showing Respect

Adding '-분들' (유족분들) is the best way to sound polite and empathetic in person.

News Keywords

'유족' is a key word for understanding Korean news. If you hear it, the story is likely about a tragedy or memorial.

Funeral Etiquette

Look for the list of '유족' at the entrance of a funeral mourning room to know who the family members are.

Hanja Insight

Remembering 遺 (leave behind) + 族 (family) makes the meaning intuitive.

Legal Rights

'유족' have the legal right to refuse an autopsy in Korea unless a warrant is issued.

Collective Noun

Treat '유족' as a group, but use '유족들' if you want to emphasize the individual people.

Crisp Ending

Ensure the 'k' (ㄱ) sound at the end of 'jok' is a sharp stop, not a soft breath.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yu' as 'You' and 'Jok' as 'Jokes' (but serious). 'You' (the family) are left behind when the 'Jokes' (life) ends. Or: 'Yu' (Remnant) + 'Jok' (Family/Clan).

Visual Association

Imagine a group of people in black mourning clothes standing together, with one empty chair in the middle representing the person they lost.

Word Web

고인 (Deceased) 장례식 (Funeral) 슬픔 (Sorrow) 상속 (Inheritance) 위로 (Condolence) 가족 (Family) 추모 (Memorial) 연금 (Pension)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a news report you might see on TV using the word '유족'. Focus on different contexts: emotional, legal, and social.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja characters 遺 (유) and 族 (족). 遺 means 'to leave behind', 'to lose', or 'remnant'. 族 means 'family', 'clan', or 'tribe'.

Original meaning: The family members who remain in the world after a person has departed.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Always use this word with a somber tone. Avoid using it in a way that sounds like you are gossiping about a family's tragedy.

In English, we often say 'the family' or 'survivors.' 'Bereaved family' is the closest formal equivalent to '유족'.

The 'Sewol Ferry Bereaved Families' (세월호 유가족) are a major social and political force in modern Korea. The '5.18 Bereaved Families Association' (5.18 유족회) represents the victims of the Gwangju Uprising. The 'War Bereaved Families Association' (전몰군경유족회) supports families of fallen soldiers.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Funerals

유족 대기실이 어디인가요?
유족분들은 안쪽에 계십니다.
유족에게 조의를 표합니다.
유족의 슬픔이 큽니다.

News Reporting

유족 측은 반발하고 있습니다.
유족들에게 보상금이 지급되었습니다.
유족들이 기자회견을 열었습니다.
유족의 오열이 이어졌습니다.

Legal/Insurance

유족 연금을 신청하세요.
유족 관계 증명서가 필요합니다.
유족의 동의가 있어야 합니다.
유족 보상 범위를 확인하세요.

History/Memorials

유족회에서 행사를 주최합니다.
유족들의 한을 풀어주어야 합니다.
유족들의 희생을 기억합시다.
전몰군경 유족을 지원합니다.

Hospitals

유족에게 사망 진단서를 발급합니다.
유족의 결정을 기다리고 있습니다.
유족 상담실로 안내해 드릴게요.
유족들에게 안정을 취하게 하세요.

Conversation Starters

"유족분들께 어떤 위로의 말을 전하는 것이 좋을까요? (What words of comfort should we offer to the bereaved family?)"

"유족 연금 신청 절차가 어떻게 되는지 아세요? (Do you know what the application process for the survivor's pension is?)"

"뉴스에서 유족들이 시위하는 것을 보셨나요? (Did you see the bereaved families protesting on the news?)"

"장례식장에서 유족을 대할 때 주의할 점이 있을까요? (Are there things to be careful about when dealing with the family at a funeral?)"

"유족들의 슬픔을 사회가 어떻게 보듬어줄 수 있을까요? (How can society embrace the sorrow of the bereaved families?)"

Journal Prompts

뉴스에서 본 유족들의 이야기에 대해 느낀 점을 써 보세요. (Write about your feelings regarding the stories of bereaved families you saw on the news.)

만약 내가 유족을 위로해야 한다면 어떤 편지를 쓸지 작성해 보세요. (If you had to comfort a bereaved family, write what kind of letter you would send.)

한국의 유족 문화와 본인 나라의 문화 차이에 대해 생각해보세요. (Think about the differences between Korean 'yujok' culture and your own country's culture.)

유족들에게 가장 필요한 지원은 무엇이라고 생각하시나요? (What kind of support do you think is most needed for bereaved families?)

'유족'이라는 단어가 주는 무게감에 대해 자신의 생각을 정리해 보세요. (Organize your thoughts on the weight and gravity of the word 'yujok'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should never use '유족' to refer to your own family in normal conversation. It implies that you are dead or that your family is currently mourning. Use '가족' instead.

They are mostly interchangeable. However, '유가족' is more formal and often used for larger groups of families from a tragedy, while '유족' is more common for the family of a single individual.

It is a formal word, but not inherently honorific. To make it honorific and more respectful, you should add '-분들' to make '유족분들'.

You will see it most often in news reports about accidents or when visiting a funeral hall (장례식장) in Korea.

Yes, '유족' generally includes the spouse, children, parents, and siblings—anyone who is a surviving immediate family member.

Yes, '유족' is a standard term in both North and South Korea, often used for the families of 'revolutionary martyrs'.

Yes, it is a collective noun but can refer to a single surviving family member if they are the only one left.

A common phrase is '삼가 고인의 명복을 빕니다' (I sincerely pray for the deceased's happiness in the next life) or '유족분들께 깊은 위로를 드립니다'.

They share the same 'Yu' (遺 - left behind) but have different second characters. 'Jok' (族) is family, and 'Jeok' (跡) is a trace or mark.

Because it clearly defines the group of people who have legal rights to inheritance, pensions, and decision-making after a death.