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A2 noun 10 min read

양가

yangga

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 양가 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 양가 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '양가' (yangga) as a special word for 'two families.' In Korea, when a man and a woman get married, their families become very important. 'Yang' means 'two' or 'both,' and 'ga' means 'house' or 'family.' So, 'yangga' is used when you want to talk about the bride's family and the groom's family together. For example, if you say 'yangga bumonim,' you mean 'the parents of both sides.' You might hear this in simple stories about weddings or holidays. It is a polite word, so using it makes you sound very respectful. Just remember: it's not just any two families, but specifically the two families of a couple.

At the A2 level, you should start using '양가' in the context of social obligations. In Korea, holidays like Chuseok are times when people visit their 'yangga' (both families). A common sentence might be '명절에 양가를 방문해요' (I visit both families during the holidays). This word is useful because it saves you from having to say 'my parents and my wife's parents' every time. It's a collective noun. You will also see it in basic news or posters about wedding fairs. It's important to notice that 'yangga' is often followed by '부모님' (parents) or '어른들' (elders). It shows that you are thinking about the wider family connection, which is a big part of Korean culture.

For B1 learners, '양가' becomes a key term for discussing social harmony and traditional customs. You'll encounter it when learning about '상견례' (sang-gyeon-rye), the formal meeting between two families before a wedding. In this context, '양가의 화합' (harmony between both families) is a common theme. You should be able to use '양가' with various particles like '-의' (possessive) to describe things like '양가의 허락' (permission from both families). It's also used when discussing the balance of time or resources spent between the husband's side and the wife's side. Understanding this word helps you navigate conversations about family responsibilities more naturally and respectfully.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuance '양가' carries in formal and semi-formal settings. It's not just a word for 'both families'; it's a term that acknowledges the equality and mutual respect between two lineages. You might hear it in discussions about '양가 갈등' (conflicts between both families), which is a frequent trope in Korean media. In these cases, 'yangga' represents the conflicting interests of two different family backgrounds. You should also be comfortable using it in written forms, such as formal invitations or thank-you notes. It reflects a higher level of social intelligence to use 'yangga' instead of more casual or singular family terms when referring to the collective group.

At the C1 level, '양가' is used in more complex sociological and legal discussions. You might analyze how the concept of 'yangga' has shifted in modern Korea—from a traditional patriarchal focus to a more bilateral 'yangga' system where both sides are treated with equal importance. You will see it in academic papers or deep-dive articles about '고부갈등' (conflict between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law) or '장서갈등' (conflict between son-in-law and mother-in-law), where 'yangga' serves as the arena for these interactions. You should also be aware of homonyms like '양가성' (ambivalence) in psychological contexts, though the family-related 'yangga' remains the most frequent in daily high-level discourse.

For C2 proficiency, you should master the subtle diplomatic use of '양가' in high-stakes social situations. This includes using the word to navigate delicate family negotiations, inheritance discussions, or high-level formal speeches at weddings or anniversaries. You'll understand the historical evolution of the word from its Hanja roots to its current role in a rapidly changing society. You can discuss the implications of '양가' in the context of Korea's declining birth rate and how the focus on 'yangga' support is changing. At this level, you don't just know the definition; you feel the weight of the social expectations and the history of kinship that the word 'yangga' carries in every syllable.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

양가 in 30 Seconds

Yangga refers to the two families of a couple.
It is a formal and respectful term used mostly for marriage.
Commonly used when discussing holidays, weddings, and parental meetings.
It reflects the importance of family unions in Korean culture.

The Korean word 양가 (Yang-ga) is a specialized noun that refers to 'both families,' specifically in the context of a couple who are engaged or married. Derived from the Hanja characters 兩 (Yang - both/two) and 家 (Ga - house/family), it encapsulates the collective identity of the bride's and groom's respective kin. In Korean society, marriage has historically been viewed less as an individual contract and more as a profound union between two family lineages. Therefore, 'yangga' is not just a pluralization of 'family' but a term that signifies the balance and mutual respect required between the two sides of a marital alliance.

Cultural Weight: In Korea, decisions regarding weddings, holidays, and major life events are rarely made without considering the opinions and welfare of 'yangga.' This term is frequently used when discussing logistics like where to spend Chuseok or how to distribute wedding invitations.

저희는 결혼하기 전에 양가 부모님을 모시고 식사를 했습니다. (Before getting married, we had a meal with the parents of both families.)

You will most commonly encounter this word during the 'Sang-gyeon-rye' (상견례), which is the formal initial meeting between the two families. During this event, the couple acts as the bridge, ensuring that the 'yangga' elders are comfortable and respected. The term also appears frequently in legal and administrative contexts regarding family trees or inheritance, though its most vibrant use remains in the social sphere of matrimonial harmony. It carries a tone of formality and politeness, reflecting the high value placed on family structures in Confucian-influenced Korean culture. Even in modern times, where individualistic trends are rising, 'yangga' remains a staple in the vocabulary of respect and social obligation.

Furthermore, the word 'yangga' is often paired with the word '부모님' (parents) to create the phrase '양가 부모님.' While 'yangga' alone implies the families, adding 'parents' specifies the primary decision-makers. It is also used in the phrase '양가 합의' (agreement between both families), which is crucial for traditional wedding procedures. Understanding 'yangga' is a window into the Korean psyche, where the individual is often seen as a representative of their family unit. To disrespect one side of the 'yangga' is to create an imbalance that can affect the stability of the entire marriage.

Etymology Breakdown: The first character 兩 (yang) means 'a pair' or 'both.' The second character 家 (ga) means 'house' or 'home.' Together, they signify the dual domestic spheres that join through marriage.

양가의 축복 속에서 두 사람은 부부가 되었습니다. (The two became a couple amidst the blessings of both families.)

Using 양가 correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun that often functions as a modifier or a subject in sentences related to social unions. It is rarely used in casual settings among friends unless discussing the serious topic of marriage or family conflicts. Instead, it thrives in formal conversations, wedding planning, and holiday greetings. One of the most common sentence patterns involves the particle '-의' (possessive) or '-에서' (from/at), as in '양가의 허락' (permission of both families) or '양가에서 반대하다' (both families oppose).

Common Verb Pairings: Typical verbs following 'yangga' include '인사드리다' (to give formal greetings), '방문하다' (to visit), '합의하다' (to agree), and '지원하다' (to support/provide for).

명절에는 양가를 모두 방문하는 것이 한국의 전통적인 관습입니다. (Visiting both families during holidays is a traditional Korean custom.)

When constructing sentences, remember that 'yangga' inherently includes your own family and your spouse's family. If you are only talking about your spouse's family, you would use '시댁' (husband's side) or '처가' (wife's side). 'Yangga' is the neutral, overarching term for both. For example, if a couple is struggling to decide where to spend New Year's Day, they might say, '양가 일정이 겹쳐서 고민이에요' (We are worried because the schedules of both families overlap). This usage highlights the 'tug-of-war' or 'balance' that married couples often navigate.

In more complex sentences, 'yangga' can be used to describe financial or emotional support. '양가의 도움 없이 결혼식을 준비했다' (They prepared the wedding without help from both families) implies a sense of independence and self-reliance. Conversely, '양가의 전폭적인 지지' (Full support from both families) suggests a very harmonious and well-funded start to a marriage. The word also appears in sociological discussions about '양가성' (ambivalence), but this is a different Hanja (兩價性) and should not be confused with the family-related 'yangga.' Always ensure the context involves parents or relatives to use the family 'yangga' correctly.

Syntactic Patterns: Pattern 1: [Yangga] + [Noun] (e.g., 양가 부모님, 양가 친척). Pattern 2: [Yangga] + [-에/에서/의] (e.g., 양가에 선물을 보내다).

이번 주말에 양가 어른들을 모시고 온천 여행을 가기로 했어요. (We decided to take the elders of both families on a hot spring trip this weekend.)

If you are a fan of K-dramas, specifically the 'weekend dramas' (주말 드라마) which often focus on family dynamics, you will hear 양가 in almost every episode. It usually appears when a couple is announcing their intention to marry, or when there is a conflict between the two sets of parents. For instance, a character might say, '양가 어른들께 정식으로 인사부터 드려야지' (We should first give formal greetings to the elders of both families). This signals the transition from a private dating relationship to a public, family-sanctioned engagement.

Wedding Planning Context: At wedding halls (예식장), staff will often ask about '양가 혼주' (the parents of both families who are hosting the wedding). This is a very specific professional context where the word is used to organize seating and protocols.

드라마 대사: "양가 부모님 뜻이 그러하시다면 저희도 따르겠습니다." (Drama line: "If that is the wish of both families' parents, we will follow it.")

In real life, you'll hear it during the major Korean holidays, Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Harvest Festival). Couples often discuss their '양가 방문 일정' (schedule for visiting both families). Because travel during these holidays is notoriously difficult (the 'great migration'), managing the time spent at each family's home is a sensitive topic that requires clear communication using this word. You might hear a friend complain, '양가 집이 너무 멀어서 이동하는 데만 하루가 다 걸려요' (Both families' houses are so far away that it takes a whole day just to travel between them).

Additionally, in the context of childcare, many young Korean couples rely on '양가 부모님' for help. You might hear a colleague say, '양가 부모님이 번갈아 가며 아이를 봐주세요' (Parents from both families take turns looking after the baby). This highlights the continued importance of the extended family network in modern urban Korea. Whether it's in a tense negotiation over wedding gifts or a heartwarming story about grand-parental support, 'yangga' is the keyword that links two distinct family trees into one narrative.

Legal and Formal Documents: When filling out family relationship certificates or dealing with inheritance laws, 'yangga' might be used in a more technical sense to refer to paternal and maternal lineages, though '친가' and '외가' are more common for individuals.

결혼식 날 양가 어머니들께서 한복을 입고 화촉을 밝히셨습니다. (On the wedding day, the mothers of both families wore Hanbok and lit the ceremonial candles.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 양가 when they only mean 'two families' in a general sense (like two different families living in an apartment building). 'Yangga' specifically refers to the two families joined by a marriage or engagement. If you are talking about two random families, you should use '두 가족' (du gajok). Using 'yangga' out of the matrimonial context sounds very strange and confusing to native speakers.

Confusion with 'Yang-ga' (Ambivalence): There is a homonym '양가성' (Ambivalence - 兩價性). While 'yangga' (family) is common, 'yangga' (ambivalence) is an academic term. Don't worry about using them interchangeably, but be aware of the context in psychological texts.

Incorrect: 아파트 1층에 양가가 살고 있어요. (Two families live on the 1st floor - Wrong use of 'yangga').
Correct: 아파트 1층에 두 가족이 살고 있어요.

Another mistake is forgetting the level of formality. 'Yangga' is a relatively formal word. While it's not wrong to use it in casual speech, using it to describe your own family and your spouse's family in a very slang-heavy conversation might feel slightly mismatched. However, it is always better to be too formal than too casual when discussing parents. Also, be careful not to confuse 'yangga' with '양가' (良家), which means 'a good/respectable family' (Hanja: 良家). While both involve families, the latter is an adjective-like noun describing the status or reputation of a single family, not the union of two.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the distinction between 'yangga' and '사돈' (sa-don). 'Sa-don' refers to the relationship between the two sets of parents (in-laws to each other). 'Yangga' is the collective term for the families themselves. You would say '양가 부모님이 만나셨다' (The parents of both families met), but you would refer to your child's in-laws as '사돈 어른.' Using 'yangga' as a title for a person is incorrect; it is a collective noun for the groups.

Misuse of Possessives: Avoid saying '나의 양가' (my both families). Since 'yangga' already includes your side and the other side, just '양가' or '저희 양가' (our both families) is more natural.

Mistake: 양가에게 결혼 소식을 알렸어요. (I told 'yangga' the wedding news - technically okay, but '양가 부모님께' is much more natural.)

To master the use of 양가, it is helpful to compare it with other family-related terms that might seem similar but have distinct nuances. The most common alternatives are '양측' (both sides) and '양가 부모님' (parents of both families). While 'yangga' focuses on the domestic and lineage aspect, 'yang-cheuk' is more generic and can be used in business or legal disputes as well. In the context of marriage, 'yangga' is the warmer, more appropriate choice.

Comparison: Yangga vs. Sadon: 'Yangga' is the collective noun for the two family units. 'Sadon' (사돈) refers to the specific relationship between the two sets of parents. You visit 'yangga,' but you talk about your 'sadon.'

비교: 양가 (Both families) vs. 친가/외가 (Paternal/Maternal family). Yangga covers both sides of a couple, while Chinga/Oega covers both sides of one person's parents.

Another set of related words includes '시댁' (husband's family) and '처가' (wife's family). These are directional. If you are the wife, your husband's family is 'sidek.' If you are the husband, your wife's family is 'cheoga.' When you want to refer to both of these groups simultaneously without showing bias, 'yangga' is the perfect inclusive term. It avoids the gendered directionality of the other terms and treats both families as equal pillars of the marriage.

In formal writing or news, you might see '양측 집안' (both sides' households). This is slightly more descriptive than 'yangga' but carries the same meaning. However, 'yangga' is more idiomatic and concise. There is also '쌍방' (both parties), but this is strictly legal and would sound very cold if used to describe families. For example, '쌍방의 합의' sounds like a police report, while '양가의 합의' sounds like a respectful family decision. Choosing 'yangga' shows you understand the social fabric of Korea.

Summary of Differences: 1. **양가**: Best for marriage/family unions. 2. **양측**: Best for generic 'both sides.' 3. **시댁/처가**: Specific to one side of the in-laws. 4. **두 가족**: Generic 'two families' (not necessarily related).

저희는 양가 부모님의 도움 없이 우리 힘으로 집을 샀습니다. (We bought a house with our own strength, without help from both families' parents.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 兩 (Yang) originally represented a scale with two weights, symbolizing balance—which is exactly what a couple tries to maintain between their 'yangga'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jæŋ.ɡɑː/

US /jɑːŋ.ɡɑː/

Equal stress on both syllables, common in Korean nouns.

Rhymes With

상가 (Sangga - commercial building) 장가 (Jangga - getting married for a man) 단가 (Danga - unit price) 참가 (Chamga - participation) 추가 (Chuga - addition) 국가 (Gukga - nation) 작가 (Jakga - author) 원가 (Wonga - cost)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yang' like 'yang' in English (rhyming with 'bang'). It should be 'yahng'.
Adding a puff of air to the 'g' sound making it sound like 'k' (khah). It should be a soft, unaspirated 'g'.
Stressing the first syllable too hard.
Dropping the 'ng' sound at the end of the first syllable.
Pronouncing 'ga' as 'jay' or 'gay'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the simple Hanja roots 'Yang' and 'Ga'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the context of marriage to use correctly.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation with no complex sound changes.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct sound in wedding or holiday contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

가족 (Family) 결혼 (Marriage) 부모님 (Parents) 둘 (Two) 집 (House)

Learn Next

상견례 (Formal meeting) 시댁 (Husband's family) 처가 (Wife's family) 사돈 (In-laws) 친정 (Bride's home)

Advanced

가부장제 (Patriarchy) 호주제 (Head of family system) 양가성 (Ambivalence) 인척 (Affinal relatives) 방계 (Collateral line)

Grammar to Know

Honorifics (시/께서/께)

양가 부모님께서 기뻐하셨습니다.

Possessive Particle (의)

양가의 전통을 따릅니다.

Plural Marker (들)

양가 어른들께 인사드려요.

Location Particles (에/에서)

양가에서 선물이 왔어요.

Conjunction (와/과)

신랑과 양가 식구들.

Examples by Level

양가 부모님이 만나요.

Both families' parents are meeting.

양가 (both families) + 부모님 (parents) + -이 (subject particle)

양가에 인사해요.

I greet both families.

양가 (both families) + -에 (to/at particle)

양가가 모두 행복해요.

Both families are all happy.

양가 (both families) + -가 (subject particle)

우리 양가는 친해요.

Our both families are close.

우리 (our) + 양가 (both families)

양가 부모님께 선물을 드려요.

I give gifts to both families' parents.

양가 (both families) + -께 (honorific 'to' particle)

양가 가족이 모였어요.

Both families' members gathered.

양가 (both families) + 가족 (family)

양가 집이 가까워요.

Both families' houses are close.

양가 (both families) + 집 (house)

양가 모두 찬성했어요.

Both families all agreed.

양가 (both families) + 모두 (all)

명절에는 양가를 모두 방문합니다.

During holidays, we visit both families.

명절 (holiday) + -에는 (time particle)

양가 어른들께 연락을 드렸어요.

I contacted the elders of both families.

어른들 (elders) + -께 (honorific to)

양가 부모님 모시고 식사할까요?

Shall we have a meal with both families' parents?

모시고 (accompanying - honorific)

양가 허락을 받고 결혼해요.

We are getting married after getting permission from both families.

허락 (permission) + -을 (object particle)

양가 분위기가 아주 좋아요.

The atmosphere of both families is very good.

분위기 (atmosphere)

양가 선물을 준비해야 해요.

We need to prepare gifts for both families.

준비해야 해요 (must prepare)

양가 일정을 확인해 보세요.

Please check the schedules of both families.

일정 (schedule) + 확인 (check)

양가 어르신들이 기뻐하셨어요.

The elders of both families were pleased.

기뻐하셨어요 (were happy - honorific)

양가의 합의 하에 결혼 날짜를 정했습니다.

We set the wedding date under the agreement of both families.

합의 (agreement) + 하에 (under)

양가 부모님의 도움으로 새 집을 마련했어요.

With the help of both families' parents, we got a new house.

도움 (help) + -으로 (by means of)

상견례 자리에서 양가가 처음 만났습니다.

Both families met for the first time at the formal meeting.

상견례 (formal family meeting)

양가 어른들의 의견을 존중해야 합니다.

We must respect the opinions of the elders of both families.

의견 (opinion) + 존중 (respect)

결혼식 비용을 양가에서 똑같이 부담하기로 했어요.

We decided to split the wedding costs equally between both families.

부담하기로 했어요 (decided to bear/pay)

양가 친척들이 모두 결혼식에 참석했습니다.

Relatives from both families all attended the wedding.

친척들 (relatives)

양가 사이의 갈등을 해결하는 것이 중요해요.

It is important to resolve conflicts between both families.

갈등 (conflict) + 해결 (resolution)

양가 부모님께 감사의 편지를 썼습니다.

I wrote letters of gratitude to the parents of both families.

감사 (gratitude) + 편지 (letter)

양가의 전통이 달라서 조율이 필요했습니다.

Since the traditions of both families were different, coordination was necessary.

전통 (tradition) + 조율 (coordination/adjustment)

양가 어른들의 기대에 부응하기 위해 노력하고 있어요.

We are making efforts to meet the expectations of the elders of both families.

기대 (expectation) + 부응 (meeting/responding to)

양가 부모님은 자녀들의 행복을 위해 양보하셨습니다.

The parents of both families made concessions for their children's happiness.

양보 (concession/yielding)

양가 모두의 축복 속에 화려한 결혼식이 거행되었습니다.

A grand wedding was held amidst the blessings of both families.

거행되었습니다 (was held/conducted)

양가의 가치관 차이로 인해 가끔 다툼이 생기기도 합니다.

Sometimes quarrels arise due to differences in the values of both families.

가치관 (values) + 차이 (difference)

양가 부모님을 공평하게 모시는 것이 효도의 시작입니다.

Treating the parents of both families fairly is the beginning of filial piety.

공평하게 (fairly) + 효도 (filial piety)

양가 어른들이 정해주신 규칙을 따르기로 했습니다.

We decided to follow the rules set by the elders of both families.

정해주신 (set/decided - honorific)

양가의 재산 상속 문제로 법적 분쟁이 일어났습니다.

A legal dispute arose over the inheritance issues of both families.

재산 상속 (inheritance) + 분쟁 (dispute)

현대 사회에서 양가의 역할은 과거와 많이 달라졌습니다.

In modern society, the role of both families has changed significantly from the past.

역할 (role) + 달라졌습니다 (has changed)

양가 부모님의 노후 대책을 함께 고민하는 부부들이 늘고 있습니다.

The number of couples worrying together about the retirement plans of both families' parents is increasing.

노후 대책 (retirement plan) + 늘고 있습니다 (is increasing)

양가 간의 원활한 소통은 고부갈등을 예방하는 핵심입니다.

Smooth communication between both families is the key to preventing conflicts between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

원활한 (smooth) + 소통 (communication)

양가의 체면을 중시하는 문화가 결혼 준비를 복잡하게 만듭니다.

The culture of valuing the 'face' (reputation) of both families makes wedding preparations complicated.

체면 (face/reputation) + 중시 (valuing)

양가 어른들의 지혜를 빌려 어려운 시기를 극복할 수 있었습니다.

We were able to overcome difficult times by borrowing the wisdom of the elders of both families.

지혜 (wisdom) + 극복 (overcoming)

양가의 유산을 보존하고 계승하는 것은 자손들의 의무입니다.

Preserving and succeeding the heritage of both families is the duty of descendants.

유산 (heritage) + 보존 (preservation)

양가 부모님께 효도하는 방식이 시대에 따라 변모하고 있습니다.

The way of practicing filial piety toward both families' parents is transforming according to the times.

변모하고 있습니다 (is transforming)

양가 친척들 사이의 유대감을 강화하기 위해 정기적인 모임을 갖습니다.

We have regular meetings to strengthen the bond between relatives of both families.

유대감 (bond) + 강화 (strengthening)

양가의 결합은 단순한 혼인을 넘어 두 가문의 역사가 만나는 지점입니다.

The union of both families is a point where the histories of two clans meet, beyond simple marriage.

결합 (union) + 지점 (point)

양가 부모님의 가치관이 충돌할 때 부부는 중재자로서의 역량을 발휘해야 합니다.

When the values of both families' parents clash, the couple must demonstrate their capability as mediators.

중재자 (mediator) + 역량 (capability)

양가의 사회적 지위가 혼인 성립에 미치는 영향에 대한 사회학적 분석이 필요합니다.

A sociological analysis of the impact of both families' social status on the establishment of marriage is needed.

사회적 지위 (social status) + 분석 (analysis)

양가의 호혜적 관계는 가족 공동체의 지속 가능성을 담보하는 중요한 요소입니다.

The reciprocal relationship between both families is an important factor that guarantees the sustainability of the family community.

호혜적 (reciprocal) + 담보 (guarantee)

양가의 제사 관습 차이를 극복하는 과정에서 새로운 가족 문화가 형성됩니다.

In the process of overcoming differences in ancestral rite customs of both families, a new family culture is formed.

제사 (ancestral rite) + 형성 (formation)

양가 어른들의 정서적 지지는 고난을 이겨내는 가장 강력한 원동력이 됩니다.

The emotional support of the elders of both families becomes the most powerful driving force for overcoming hardships.

정서적 지지 (emotional support) + 원동력 (driving force)

양가의 역사적 배경이 자녀들의 정체성 형성에 심오한 영향을 끼칩니다.

The historical backgrounds of both families exert a profound influence on the formation of the children's identity.

정체성 (identity) + 심오한 (profound)

양가 부모님의 헌신적인 삶은 후대에게 귀감이 되는 소중한 자산입니다.

The dedicated lives of both families' parents are precious assets that serve as models for future generations.

헌신적인 (dedicated) + 귀감 (model/example)

Common Collocations

양가 부모님

양가 어른들

양가 허락

양가 합의

양가 방문

양가 인사

양가 갈등

양가 도움

양가 친척

양가 상견례

Common Phrases

양가 부모님 뜻에 따라

— Following the wishes of both families' parents. Used when making decisions that respect elders.

양가 부모님 뜻에 따라 소규모로 결혼식을 올리기로 했습니다.

양가 어른들을 뵙다

— To meet/visit the elders of both families. A formal way to describe a visit.

이번 주말에 양가 어른들을 뵙기로 했어요.

양가의 축복 속에

— Amidst the blessings of both families. Often used to describe a happy wedding.

두 사람은 양가의 축복 속에 부부가 되었습니다.

양가를 오가다

— To go back and forth between both families. Common during holidays.

명절 내내 양가를 오가느라 피곤해요.

양가에 연락하다

— To contact both families. Usually to share news.

합격 소식을 듣고 바로 양가에 연락했어요.

양가 모두 찬성하다

— Both families agree/approve. Used for engagements or big moves.

유학 가는 것에 대해 양가 모두 찬성하셨어요.

양가 형편에 맞춰

— According to the circumstances of both families. Used for financial planning.

양가 형편에 맞춰 예단을 생략하기로 했습니다.

양가 어르신들 모시고

— Accompanying/hosting the elders of both families.

양가 어르신들 모시고 제주도 여행을 다녀왔습니다.

양가에 선물을 보내다

— To send gifts to both families.

추석을 맞아 양가에 과일 상자를 보냈어요.

양가 집안의 내력

— The history or background of both families.

양가 집안의 내력을 잘 아는 분께 조언을 구했습니다.

Often Confused With

양가 vs 양가성

Means 'ambivalence' in psychology. Sounds the same but has different Hanja.

양가 vs 양가 (良家)

Means 'a respectable family.' Used to describe a single family's status.

양가 vs 양측

Generic 'both sides.' Use 'yangga' for families specifically.

Idioms & Expressions

"양가 어른들 눈 밖에 나다"

— To lose favor with the elders of both families. To be disliked.

행동을 조심하지 않으면 양가 어른들 눈 밖에 날 수 있어.

Informal/Neutral

"양가 기둥이 뽑히다"

— Used metaphorically when a wedding or event is so expensive it ruins both families' finances.

그렇게 화려하게 결혼하면 양가 기둥이 뽑히겠다.

Slang/Exaggeration

"양가 얼굴에 먹칠하다"

— To bring shame to both families. Literally 'to smear ink on the faces.'

너의 잘못된 행동이 양가 얼굴에 먹칠을 했다.

Formal/Serious

"양가 다리를 놓다"

— To act as a bridge or mediator between the two families.

중간에서 신랑이 양가 다리를 잘 놓아야 해요.

Neutral

"양가 문턱이 닳도록"

— To visit both families so often that the doorsteps wear down.

결혼 준비 기간 동안 양가 문턱이 닳도록 드나들었어요.

Informal

"양가 손을 빌리다"

— To ask for help from both families (usually for childcare or money).

맞벌이를 하느라 양가 손을 빌려 아이를 키우고 있어요.

Neutral

"양가 등골을 휘게 하다"

— To make the parents of both families work too hard or spend too much money (literally 'bend their spines').

무리한 요구로 양가 부모님 등골을 휘게 해서는 안 된다.

Informal/Critical

"양가 화합의 장"

— A place or event for the harmony of both families.

이번 가족 여행은 양가 화합의 장이 되었습니다.

Formal

"양가 뿌리가 깊다"

— Both families have a long, deep history or tradition.

양가 모두 뿌리가 깊은 집안이라 예절을 중시합니다.

Formal

"양가 입을 막다"

— To stop both families from complaining or talking (usually with gifts or success).

성공한 모습으로 양가 부모님 입을 막아버렸어요.

Slang/Casual

Easily Confused

양가 vs 시댁

Both refer to in-laws.

Sidek is only the husband's family. Yangga is both sides.

시댁만 가는 게 아니라 양가를 다 가야 해요.

양가 vs 처가

Both refer to in-laws.

Cheoga is only the wife's family. Yangga is both sides.

처가 식구들과 양가 어른들이 다 모였어요.

양가 vs 친가

Both refer to families.

Chinga is one's paternal family. Yangga is the union of two married families.

친가 식구들도 양가 모임에 왔어요.

양가 vs 사돈

Both involve the relationship between families.

Sadon is the relationship/title. Yangga is the collective noun for the groups.

사돈끼리 만나서 양가 문제를 논의했어요.

양가 vs 가족

Both mean family.

Gajok is general. Yangga is specifically the two families of a couple.

우리 가족과 양가 부모님은 다릅니다.

Sentence Patterns

양가 + 부모님 + [Verb]

양가 부모님이 만나요.

양가 + -에 + [Verb]

양가에 선물을 보내요.

양가 + 어른들 + -께 + [Verb]

양가 어른들께 인사드렸어요.

양가의 + [Noun] + -에 따라

양가의 합의에 따라 결정했어요.

양가 + 간의 + [Abstract Noun]

양가 간의 소통이 중요합니다.

양가 + -를 + [Complex Verb]

양가를 중재하는 역할을 수행합니다.

양가 + 모두 + [Adjective]

양가 모두 행복합니다.

양가 + [Noun] + -이/가 + [Adjective]

양가 분위기가 좋아요.

Word Family

Nouns

양가성 (Ambivalence - different Hanja but same sound)

양가 부모님 (Parents of both families)

양가 어른들 (Elders of both families)

결혼 (Marriage)

상견례 (Formal meeting)

시댁 (Husband's family)

처가 (Wife's family)

사돈 (In-laws)

How to Use It

frequency

High in adult life, especially among those aged 25-50.

Common Mistakes

Using 'yangga' for two unrelated families. → 두 가족
Yangga is only for families joined by marriage/engagement.
Using 'yangga' as a title for a person. → 사돈 어른
Yangga is a collective noun for the group, not a person's title.
Pronouncing it as 'yang-ja'. → 양가 (yang-ga)
Yang-ja means 'adopted son.' Be careful with the 'ga' sound.
Saying '나의 양가' (My both families). → 우리 양가 or 양가
Since it includes your spouse's side, 'uri' (our) is more natural.
Using 'yangga' in very casual slang with friends. → 부모님들
Yangga can feel a bit stiff in very informal settings.

Tips

Balance is Key

In Korea, showing equal attention to 'yangga' is a sign of a good spouse. If you buy a gift for one, buy one for the other!

Hanja Power

Remembering 兩 (Yang - Two) helps you learn other words like 양쪽 (both sides) and 양손 (both hands).

Formal Meetings

During a 'Sang-gyeon-rye,' always refer to the families as 'yangga' to maintain a respectful, formal tone.

Chuseok Travel

If someone asks why you are busy on holidays, saying '양가를 다 가야 해서요' (Because I have to go to both families) is a perfect explanation.

Particle Choice

Use '양가에서' when one or both families are performing an action (like giving money) and '양가에' for a destination.

Honorifics

Always pair 'yangga' with honorific verbs like '뵙다' (to see) or '드리다' (to give) when talking about parents.

News Sharing

When you have big news (like a baby), the first thing people ask is '양가에 알렸어요?' (Did you tell both families?).

Bowing

At a wedding, the couple bows to '양가 부모님' separately. This is a crucial part of the ceremony.

Drama Clichés

Watch for the 'angry mother-in-law' trope; she often complains about the 'yangga' differences in status.

Childcare

'Yangga' support is the backbone of many working families in Korea today.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yang' as in Yin-Yang (two halves) and 'Ga' as in 'Garage' (where a house/family keeps their car). Two houses = Yang-ga.

Visual Association

Imagine two traditional Korean houses (Hanok) connected by a bright red bridge. The bridge is the marriage, and the two houses are the 'yangga'.

Word Web

Marriage Parents Holidays Tradition Respect Both Union In-laws

Challenge

Try to use 'yangga' in a sentence about planning a holiday trip. For example: '이번 크리스마스에는 양가에 가지 않기로 했어요' (We decided not to go to both families this Christmas).

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean (Hanja) roots. 兩 (양) meaning 'both' or 'two' and 家 (가) meaning 'house' or 'family'.

Original meaning: Two households; specifically the two family lineages joined by a social bond.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'yangga' if one partner's parents are deceased or if they are estranged from their family; in such cases, 'yangga' might be a sensitive term.

In English, we usually say 'both our families' or 'the in-laws.' English lacks a single, formal word that encapsulates both sides as elegantly as 'yangga.'

The movie 'Clash of the Families' (위험한 상견례) centers entirely on the conflict between 'yangga'. K-drama 'My Father is Strange' explores the complex dynamics of merging 'yangga'. Traditional wedding songs often mention the blessing of 'yangga'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Wedding Planning

양가 하객 수 (Number of guests from both sides)
양가 혼주 (Parents of the couple)
양가 합의 (Agreement between families)
양가 인사 (Greeting families)

Holidays (Seollal/Chuseok)

양가 방문 (Visiting both families)
양가 선물 (Gifts for both families)
양가 일정 (Holiday schedule)
양가 어른들 (Elders of both families)

Childcare

양가 도움 (Help from both families)
양가 부모님 (Both sets of grandparents)
양가 육아 (Childcare from both sides)
양가 교대 (Switching between families)

Conflict Resolution

양가 갈등 (Conflict between families)
양가 중재 (Mediating between families)
양가 차이 (Differences between families)
양가 입장 (Positions of both families)

Formal Dinner (Sang-gyeon-rye)

양가 소개 (Introducing both families)
양가 대화 (Conversation between families)
양가 분위기 (Atmosphere of the meeting)
양가 첫 만남 (First meeting of families)

Conversation Starters

"양가 부모님은 어디에 사세요? (Where do the parents of both families live?)"

"이번 명절에 양가 방문 계획은 어떻게 되세요? (What are your plans for visiting both families this holiday?)"

"양가 어른들이 결혼을 찬성하셨나요? (Did the elders of both families approve of the marriage?)"

"양가 식구들이 다 같이 모인 적이 있나요? (Have all the members of both families ever gathered together?)"

"양가 부모님께 드릴 선물로 뭐가 좋을까요? (What would be a good gift for the parents of both families?)"

Journal Prompts

양가 부모님을 처음 뵈었을 때의 느낌을 써 보세요. (Write about how you felt when you first met the parents of both families.)

한국의 '양가' 문화와 당신 나라의 가족 문화는 어떻게 다른가요? (How is the Korean 'yangga' culture different from your country's family culture?)

미래의 배우자와 양가 부모님을 어떻게 모시고 싶은지 계획해 보세요. (Plan how you would like to treat the parents of both families with your future spouse.)

양가 사이의 갈등이 생겼을 때 어떻게 해결하는 것이 좋을까요? (How should conflicts between both families be resolved?)

양가의 도움 없이 자립하는 것에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요? (What are your thoughts on being independent without help from both families?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes. It is also used for engaged couples (약혼자) who are planning to marry. It is rarely used for casual dating partners unless they are at the 'meeting the parents' stage.

Yes, from your perspective, they are the 'yangga' of your sister's marriage. It is a very natural way to refer to them collectively.

Grammatically it is a singular noun, but its meaning is inherently plural (two families). You don't need a plural marker like '-들' unless you are talking about multiple pairs of families.

The most common phrase is '양가 부모님' (parents of both families), followed by '양가 어른들' (elders of both families).

Yes, 'yangga' is a standard Korean word derived from Hanja and is used in both North and South Korea to refer to both families in a marriage.

Technically no, it is a human-centric term for kinship. However, in a humorous or very modern context, people might use it for 'both families' of a breeding pair of dogs, but it's not standard.

It's not rude, but it's less precise. 'Yangga' sounds more sophisticated and shows you understand the specific social connection of marriage.

You can say '양가 모두 찬성하셨습니다' or '양가에서 합의했습니다.' Both are natural.

It is the formal first meeting between the 'yangga.' It is a very important event in Korean wedding culture where 'yangga' members are introduced.

It can. While it primarily focuses on parents, '양가 친척' (relatives of both families) is a common phrase that includes the extended family.