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맞벌이

B2 noun 10 min read

맞벌이

matbeori

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 맞벌이 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 맞벌이 in your Level:

맞벌이 (mat-beol-i) is a word used to describe a family where both the mom and the dad (or husband and wife) go to work to earn money. Think of it as 'Two workers in one home.' In Korea, many families are like this. You can say '맞벌이해요' (We are a dual-income family). It comes from '맞' (together) and '벌이' (making money). If only one person works, it is called '외벌이.' At this level, just remember that it means 'both parents work.' It is a very common word because many people in Korea work very hard. You might hear it when people talk about their jobs and their families. For example, 'Are you 맞벌이?' means 'Do both you and your spouse work?'

At the A2 level, you should know that 맞벌이 is a noun but is frequently used with the verb '하다' (to do). You will see it in sentences like '우리 부부는 맞벌이를 합니다' (Our couple does dual-income). This word is important when discussing daily life and routines. For instance, if both parents work, they might be busy in the evening. You can use it to explain why someone is busy or why a child goes to an after-school academy. It is often paired with '부부' (couple) to make '맞벌이 부부.' Understanding this word helps you understand basic Korean social structures, where the traditional model of one person working is changing to both people working.

For B1 learners, 맞벌이 represents a significant social trend. You should be able to use it to discuss pros and cons. For example, '맞벌이를 하면 돈을 많이 벌 수 있지만, 시간이 부족해요' (If you are a dual-income couple, you can earn a lot of money, but you lack time). You will encounter this word in reading passages about modern Korean society, childcare, and economic challenges. It's also useful to learn related terms like '육아 휴직' (parental leave), which 맞벌이 부부 often need. You should be comfortable using the word in different grammatical forms, such as '맞벌이하느라고' (because of being a dual-income couple) or '맞벌이하는 가정' (families that are dual-income).

At the B2 level, you should understand the economic and systemic implications of the 맞벌이 phenomenon. It is often discussed in the context of South Korea's low birth rate (저출산) and high cost of living (고물가). B2 learners should be able to participate in a debate about whether 맞벌이 is a choice or a necessity in modern society. You will see this word in news articles about government subsidies for '맞벌이 가구' (dual-income households) or changes in labor laws. You should also recognize the nuance of the word in professional settings, where it might be used to explain a need for flexible work arrangements. It is a key term for understanding the 'work-life balance' (워라밸) discourse in Korea.

C1 learners should be familiar with the sophisticated discourse surrounding 맞벌이. This includes the 'gendered' aspect of the term—how even in 맞벌이 households, the 'second shift' of housework often falls on women. You should be able to analyze sociological texts that use the term to describe the transition from the patriarchal 'breadwinner' model to a more egalitarian but high-pressure economic model. You should also know related high-level vocabulary like '가사 분담' (division of household chores) and '경력 단절 여성' (women whose careers are interrupted). At this level, you should be able to use 맞벌이 in a formal presentation or a complex written essay about urban economics or social policy.

At the C2 level, you should have a native-like grasp of the connotations of 맞벌이. This includes understanding the historical shift from the 1970s-80s (where it was less common) to the post-IMF era. You should be able to discuss the nuances of '맞벌이' versus '맞벌이 부부' in legal and policy documents. You can use the term to critique social structures, such as how the educational system assumes a stay-at-home parent, creating '맞벌이 공백' (the gap in care for children of dual-income parents). You should also be able to understand puns or literary references involving the word, and use it fluently in any register, from highly academic sociological research to intimate, nuanced conversations about family dynamics and life choices.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

맞벌이 in 30 Seconds

맞벌이 refers to a dual-income household where both spouses work. It is the opposite of 외벌이 (single income).
The word is a compound of '맞' (together) and '벌이' (earning). It is mostly used with the verb 하다.
It is a central concept in discussions about Korean economy, childcare, and modern family roles.
Commonly paired with nouns like 부부 (couple), 가정 (family), and 가구 (household).

The Korean word 맞벌이 (mat-beol-i) is a compound noun that defines a modern social and economic reality in South Korea. Etymologically, it combines the prefix '맞-' (meaning 'facing each other,' 'reciprocal,' or 'together') with the noun '벌이' (meaning 'earning' or 'income,' derived from the verb '벌다' to earn). Therefore, it literally translates to 'earning together' or 'reciprocal earning.' In a practical sense, it refers to a household where both spouses—traditionally the husband and the wife—are engaged in professional work to generate income. This term stands in direct contrast to 외벌이 (oe-beol-i), which refers to a single-income household where only one partner works.

Economic Necessity: In the past, the traditional Korean family structure was built on the 'breadwinner husband and homemaker wife' model. However, since the late 1990s, particularly following the IMF financial crisis, the 'mat-beol-i' lifestyle has shifted from being a choice to a necessity for many. High housing costs in Seoul, the astronomical expense of private education (hagwons), and the desire for a higher quality of life have made the dual-income model the standard for middle-class families.

요즘은 물가가 너무 비싸서 맞벌이를 하지 않으면 생활하기가 힘들어요. (These days, prices are so high that it's hard to make a living without being a dual-income couple.)

The term is used frequently in sociological discussions, news reports, and casual conversations about work-life balance. When you hear Koreans talk about 'mat-beol-i,' they are often discussing the challenges of 'dok-bak-yuk-a' (solo parenting) that occurs when both parents work but the burden of childcare still falls on one person, or the 'sandwich generation' problem where dual-income couples must care for both their children and their aging parents.

Social Context: The rise of the 'mat-beol-i' culture has led to significant changes in Korean urban infrastructure. It has spurred the growth of late-night childcare centers, premium prepared-meal (banchan) shops, and a massive increase in the 'silver industry' as grandparents are often recruited to help with childcare while the parents are at work.

저희는 결혼하고 나서 계속 맞벌이를 하고 있어요. (We have been a dual-income couple ever since we got married.)

Furthermore, 'mat-beol-i' carries a connotation of industriousness and modernization. It reflects the increasing participation of women in the workforce and the gradual (though slow) shift toward more egalitarian domestic roles. In professional settings, companies often discuss 'mat-beol-i welfare' (맞벌이 복지), which might include flexible working hours or on-site nurseries to support employees who belong to dual-income households.

Cultural Nuance: Interestingly, the term is rarely used for unmarried couples living together; it specifically implies a marital bond or a long-term committed domestic partnership where finances are shared. It suggests a shared financial destiny and a collaborative effort to build a family's wealth.

맞벌이 부부에게는 퇴근 후의 가사 분담이 가장 큰 숙제입니다. (For dual-income couples, dividing household chores after work is the biggest challenge.)

내 친구는 맞벌이 가정에서 자랐어요. (My friend grew up in a dual-income household.)

Using 맞벌이 correctly requires understanding its function as a noun that often acts like a modifier or combines with verbs. The most common construction is 맞벌이 부부 (dual-income couple) or 맞벌이를 하다 (to work as a dual-income couple). Here, we explore the grammatical nuances and various sentence structures where this word appears.

Noun + Noun Compounds: In Korean, you can frequently drop the possessive particle '의' when connecting '맞벌이' to other nouns. Common compounds include: 맞벌이 부부 (dual-income couple), 맞벌이 가정 (dual-income family), 맞벌이 가구 (dual-income household), and 맞벌이 자녀 (children of dual-income parents).

맞벌이 부부를 위한 정부의 지원 정책이 확대되고 있습니다. (Government support policies for dual-income couples are expanding.)

When you want to describe the action of both partners working, you use the object particle '를' or '을' followed by '하다'. However, in casual speech, the particle is often omitted: 맞벌이해요. This verbal form is versatile and can be conjugated into various tenses and levels of politeness.

Expressing Intent or Necessity: Often, '맞벌이' is used with expressions of necessity like '-야 하다' (must) or '-기로 하다' (decide to). For example: '아이 교육비를 위해 맞벌이를 하기로 했어요' (We decided to be a dual-income couple for our child's education expenses).

결혼하면 맞벌이를 하실 건가요? (Do you plan to be a dual-income couple after you get married?)

Another sophisticated way to use the word is as a subject in a sentence discussing statistics or trends. You might see sentences starting with '맞벌이 비중이...' (The proportion of dual-income households...) or '맞벌이 가구가 늘어나면서...' (As dual-income households increase...).

한국의 맞벌이 가구 비율은 매년 최고치를 경신하고 있습니다. (The ratio of dual-income households in Korea is breaking record highs every year.)

In terms of syntax, '맞벌이' often attracts modifiers that explain the reason or the duration. You might see '평생 맞벌이' (lifelong dual-income) or '신혼 맞벌이' (newlywed dual-income). These combinations help specify the stage of life the couple is in.

Contrastive Usage: You will often see '맞벌이' used in contrast with '전업주부' (full-time homemaker). For example: '전업주부로 살기보다는 맞벌이를 하며 경력을 쌓고 싶어요' (Rather than living as a full-time homemaker, I want to be a dual-income earner and build my career).

맞벌이를 하느라 아이와 보낼 시간이 부족해서 고민이에요. (I'm worried because I don't have enough time to spend with my child due to being a dual-income couple.)

요즘은 남성들도 맞벌이를 선호하는 경향이 있습니다. (These days, men also tend to prefer dual-income arrangements.)

If you live in Korea or watch Korean media, you will encounter 맞벌이 in very specific and high-frequency contexts. It is not just a vocabulary word; it is a cultural touchstone that appears in news, dramas, and even at the bank.

News and Economy: Every quarter, the National Statistical Office releases data on the labor force. You will hear anchors say, '맞벌이 가구 비중이 역대 최대를 기록했습니다' (The proportion of dual-income households has hit an all-time high). In this context, it is treated as a key economic indicator of the nation's financial health and labor market trends.

정부는 맞벌이 부부의 육아 부담을 줄이기 위해 돌봄 서비스를 강화하고 있습니다. (The government is strengthening care services to reduce the childcare burden on dual-income couples.)

In Korean dramas (K-Dramas), 'mat-beol-i' is a frequent source of conflict. You'll see scenes where a mother-in-law complains that her daughter-in-law is working ('맞벌이') instead of staying home to care for the children, or a husband and wife arguing over whose turn it is to pick up the child from the daycare center because both are busy with work.

Banking and Real Estate: When applying for a mortgage (주택담보대출), the bank clerk will inevitably ask, '맞벌이신가요?' (Are you a dual-income couple?). This is because a dual income significantly increases your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, allowing you to borrow more money for a home. In real estate, certain apartments are marketed as 'ideal for mat-beol-i' if they are near subway stations or have good childcare facilities.

맞벌이 소득 합산이 일정 기준을 넘으면 청약 자격이 제한될 수 있습니다. (If the combined income of a dual-income couple exceeds a certain standard, eligibility for apartment subscriptions may be restricted.)

In the workplace, colleagues might use 'mat-beol-i' as a point of empathy. A manager might say, '김 대리님도 맞벌이라 힘드시겠어요' (Manager Kim, it must be hard for you since you're also in a dual-income household). It serves as a shorthand for acknowledging the 'double burden' of professional and domestic responsibilities.

Education and Parenting Forums: Online communities like 'Mom's Cafe' are filled with threads titled '맞벌이 맘들, 저녁 어떻게 해결하시나요?' (Dual-income moms, how do you handle dinner?). Here, 'mat-beol-i' is an identity that bonds people together over shared struggles like time management and guilt over not being home with children.

이번 초등학교 입학식에는 맞벌이 부모들을 위해 저녁 시간에 설명회를 연다고 합니다. (They say this elementary school entrance ceremony will hold an orientation in the evening for dual-income parents.)

While 맞벌이 is a straightforward concept, learners often make specific errors in its application, nuance, or grammatical collocation. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Using it for Non-Married Couples: The '맞' in '맞벌이' implies a partnership, and in the Korean linguistic context, this almost exclusively refers to a married couple. If two roommates both work, they are NOT '맞벌이.' If a boyfriend and girlfriend live together and both work, Koreans would rarely use this term unless they are viewed as a 'de facto' married couple (사실혼). Instead, you would simply say '둘 다 일해요' (Both are working).

Incorrect: 룸메이트와 저는 맞벌이를 해요. (My roommate and I are a dual-income couple.)
Correct: 룸메이트와 저 둘 다 직장에 다녀요. (Both my roommate and I go to work.)

Another common mistake is confusing '맞벌이' with having a 'side job' or 'side hustle.' If one person has two jobs, that is 투잡 (two-job) or 부업 (bu-eop). '맞벌이' must involve two different people in a partnership.

Mistake 2: Confusing the Direction of '맞': Some learners think '맞' means 'correct' (from 맞다). While they sound the same, the '맞' here is a prefix for 'mutual.' Don't confuse '맞벌이' with 'right earning' or 'correct income.' It's about 'mutual earning.'

Mistake: 돈을 맞벌이로 벌어야 해요. (This sounds like you are trying to earn money 'correctly' or 'in a dual-income way' in a confusing manner.)
Natural: 경제적인 이유로 맞벌이가 불가피해요. (Dual-income is inevitable for economic reasons.)

Finally, there's a nuance regarding 'voluntary' vs. 'involuntary' work. If one partner works a tiny part-time job (like 2 hours a week) just for fun, calling it '맞벌이' might be seen as an exaggeration. The term usually implies that both incomes are significant contributors to the household budget.

Mistake 3: Over-complicating the Verb: Learners often try to use complex verbs like '수행하다' (to perform) or '진행하다' (to proceed) with '맞벌이.' Keep it simple: use '하다' (to do). '맞벌이를 하고 있어요' is the most natural way to express the ongoing state.

Awkward: 우리 부부는 맞벌이를 유지하고 있습니다. (Too formal/stiff for daily talk.)
Natural: 우리 부부는 맞벌이 중이에요. (Our couple is in the middle of/currently doing dual-income.)

To truly master 맞벌이, you should know its antonyms and related terms that describe different household financial structures. Korean has a rich vocabulary for these social categories.

외벌이 (Oe-beol-i): The direct opposite. '외' means 'single' or 'only.' This refers to a household where only one person (usually the husband, but increasingly the wife) earns the income. Example: '외벌이로는 서울에서 아파트를 사기 힘들어요' (It's hard to buy an apartment in Seoul with a single income).
전업주부 (Jeon-eop-ju-bu): A full-time homemaker. This is the person in an 'oe-beol-i' household who does not work for a salary. While '맞벌이' refers to the couple, '전업주부' refers to the individual role. Recently, '전업주부 아빠' (stay-at-home dad) has also become a recognized term.

맞벌이와 외벌이 사이에서 고민하는 신혼부부들이 많습니다. (There are many newlyweds who agonize between being a dual-income or a single-income couple.)

In more academic or formal settings, you might encounter 양육과 경제 활동의 병행 (the parallelism of childcare and economic activity). However, this is quite a mouthful compared to the punchy 'mat-beol-i.'

딩크족 (DINK-jok): Borrowed from the English 'Double Income, No Kids.' A 'DINK-jok' is a subset of '맞벌이 부부' who have explicitly decided not to have children. While all DINKs are 'mat-beol-i,' not all 'mat-beol-i' are DINKs.

There is also the slang term 쌍끌이 (ssang-kkeul-i). Originally a fishing term for two boats pulling one net, it is metaphorically used to describe a couple where both are 'pulling in' a lot of money. It's more informal and carries a slightly more aggressive or successful connotation regarding wealth accumulation.

Summary Table

맞벌이: Standard term for dual-income.
외벌이: Single-income (the opposite).
딩크족: Dual-income with no children (lifestyle).
쌍끌이: Slang for high-earning dual-income.

저희 부부는 맞벌이를 하지만, 아이를 키우는 딩크족은 아니에요. (Our couple is dual-income, but we aren't DINKs because we are raising a child.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the 1970s, the term was rarely used because the 'single-income' model was so dominant that there wasn't a strong need for a specific word to contrast it.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mat.pʌl.i/

US /mɑt.bʌl.i/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'mat'.

Rhymes With

벌이 (beol-i) 털이 (teol-i) 멀리 (meol-li - near rhyme) 널리 (neol-li - near rhyme) 걸이 (geol-i) 절이 (jeol-i) 설이 (seol-i) 열이 (yeol-i)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '맞' as 'ma-ji' (it should be 'mat').
Failing to tense the 'b' in 'beol' (it often sounds like 'mat-peol-i').
Over-emphasizing the final 'i'.
Confusing it with '마중' (ma-jung).
Pronouncing the 't' sound too clearly before the 'b'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word itself is simple, but it appears in complex socio-economic texts.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of the '-하다' verb conversion and compounding rules.

Speaking 2/5

Very common in daily conversation, easy to drop into a sentence.

Listening 3/5

Needs to be distinguished from similar sounding words like '마중' or '맞다'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

부부 일하다 벌다 가족 돈

Learn Next

외벌이 육아 휴직 가사 분담 경력 단절 저출산

Advanced

신자유주의 가계 부채 자아실현 유연 근무제 돌봄 공백

Grammar to Know

Noun + 하다 to form a verb

맞벌이 + 하다 = 맞벌이하다

-(으)면서 to show simultaneous action

맞벌이를 하면서 아이를 키워요.

-느라(고) to show reason for a negative result

맞벌이하느라 피곤해요.

-(이)라서 for 'because it is [noun]'

맞벌이 부부라서 바빠요.

-기 위해(서) for 'in order to'

집을 사기 위해 맞벌이를 해요.

Examples by Level

우리 부부는 맞벌이예요.

Our couple is a dual-income couple.

Noun + 이다 (to be)

맞벌이 부부는 바빠요.

Dual-income couples are busy.

Noun compounding (맞벌이 + 부부)

엄마와 아빠는 맞벌이를 해요.

Mom and Dad are a dual-income couple.

맞벌이를 하다 (to do dual-income)

맞벌이 가정은 돈이 많아요?

Do dual-income families have a lot of money?

Question form

우리는 맞벌이 안 해요.

We are not a dual-income couple.

Negative form with '안'

제 친구 부모님은 맞벌이예요.

My friend's parents are a dual-income couple.

Possessive particle '의' (omitted)

맞벌이는 힘들어요.

Being a dual-income couple is hard.

Subject marker '는'

요즘 맞벌이가 많아요.

There are many dual-income couples these days.

Adverb '요즘' (these days)

결혼하면 맞벌이를 할 거예요.

I will be a dual-income earner if I get married.

Future tense -(으)ㄹ 거예요

맞벌이 부부에게는 시간이 중요해요.

Time is important for dual-income couples.

Dative particle '에게는' (for/to)

맞벌이하느라 아이를 못 봐요.

I can't see my child because I'm working as a dual-income couple.

-느라 (because of doing...)

맞벌이 가정을 위한 어린이집이에요.

This is a daycare center for dual-income families.

-를 위한 (for the sake of)

우리는 맞벌이하기로 결정했어요.

We decided to be a dual-income couple.

-기로 결정하다 (decide to)

맞벌이하면 저녁은 누가 해요?

If you are a dual-income couple, who makes dinner?

Conditional -(으)면

그들은 맞벌이 부부라서 바빠요.

Because they are a dual-income couple, they are busy.

Reason particle -(이)라서

맞벌이 소득이 더 높아요.

Dual-income earnings are higher.

Subject marker '이'

맞벌이를 해야 집을 살 수 있어요.

You have to be a dual-income couple to be able to buy a house.

-어/아야 (must... in order to...)

맞벌이 부부의 가사 분담이 문제예요.

The division of housework for dual-income couples is a problem.

Noun phrase '가사 분담' (housework division)

맞벌이가 늘어나면서 외식도 늘었어요.

As dual-income couples increase, eating out has also increased.

-(으)면서 (while/as...)

맞벌이 가정의 자녀들은 학원에 많이 다녀요.

Children of dual-income families go to many academies.

Possessive '의'

맞벌이를 중단하고 육아에 집중하고 싶어요.

I want to stop being a dual-income earner and focus on childcare.

-고 싶다 (want to)

맞벌이 부부를 위한 세금 혜택이 있나요?

Are there tax benefits for dual-income couples?

Interrogative form

맞벌이 때문에 부모님께 아이를 맡겼어요.

I left my child with my parents because of being a dual-income couple.

때문에 (because of)

맞벌이하는 사람들은 주말에 몰아서 쉬어요.

Dual-income people rest all at once on the weekend.

Noun-modifying form -는

맞벌이 가구의 소득 격차가 심화되고 있습니다.

The income gap among dual-income households is intensifying.

Present progressive -고 있다

정부는 맞벌이 부부의 돌봄 공백을 메우려 노력합니다.

The government is trying to fill the care gap for dual-income couples.

-(으)려 노력하다 (try to...)

경제적 자립을 위해 맞벌이는 필수적인 선택입니다.

Dual-income is an essential choice for economic independence.

Noun '자립' (independence)

맞벌이 부부는 퇴근 후에도 '제2의 노동'에 시달립니다.

Dual-income couples suffer from 'second labor' even after work.

Passive form '시달리다' (to suffer from)

맞벌이 비중이 높아지는 것은 사회적 변화를 반영합니다.

The rising proportion of dual-income households reflects social changes.

-는 것 (nominalization)

맞벌이 부부에게 유연 근무제는 큰 도움이 됩니다.

Flexible working hours are a huge help to dual-income couples.

Noun '유연 근무제' (flexible work system)

맞벌이를 유지하면서 자아실현을 꾀하는 여성들이 많습니다.

There are many women who seek self-actualization while maintaining a dual-income status.

-(으)면서 (while)

맞벌이 가정이 겪는 고충을 이해할 필요가 있습니다.

There is a need to understand the hardships faced by dual-income families.

-(으)ㄹ 필요가 있다 (need to...)

맞벌이 부부의 증가가 가계 소비 패턴을 획기적으로 변화시켰다.

The increase in dual-income couples has drastically changed household consumption patterns.

Causative form '변화시키다'

맞벌이 가구의 가사 노동 분담 불균형은 여전히 해결해야 할 과제이다.

The imbalance in household labor division in dual-income households remains a task to be solved.

Noun '불균형' (imbalance)

저출산 문제의 핵심에는 맞벌이 부부의 양육 부담이 자리 잡고 있다.

At the core of the low birth rate problem lies the childcare burden of dual-income couples.

Metaphorical '자리 잡고 있다'

맞벌이 여성이 직면한 '유리 천장'은 사회적 손실을 야기한다.

The 'glass ceiling' faced by dual-income women causes social losses.

Idiom '유리 천장' (glass ceiling)

정부의 맞벌이 지원 정책이 실효성을 거두려면 현장의 목소리를 들어야 한다.

For the government's dual-income support policies to be effective, they must listen to voices from the field.

-(으)려면 (if one intends to...)

맞벌이 부부의 소득 합산액이 청약 당첨의 변수로 작용하기도 한다.

The combined income of dual-income couples also acts as a variable in winning apartment subscriptions.

Noun '변수' (variable)

맞벌이 문화의 확산은 전통적인 성 역할 고정관념을 타파하고 있다.

The spread of dual-income culture is breaking down traditional gender role stereotypes.

Noun '타파' (breakdown/overthrow)

맞벌이 부부의 삶의 질을 높이기 위한 다각적인 접근이 요구된다.

A multi-faceted approach is required to improve the quality of life for dual-income couples.

Passive '요구된다'

맞벌이 가구의 구조적 고착화는 노동 시장의 유연성과 밀접한 관련이 있다.

The structural solidification of dual-income households is closely related to labor market flexibility.

Noun '고착화' (solidification/fixation)

신자유주의 경제 체제 하에서 맞벌이는 선택이 아닌 생존의 기제로 전락했다.

Under the neoliberal economic system, dual-income has degenerated from a choice into a survival mechanism.

Noun '기제' (mechanism)

맞벌이 부부의 시간 빈곤(time poverty) 문제는 현대 사회의 새로운 소외를 낳는다.

The issue of 'time poverty' among dual-income couples creates new forms of alienation in modern society.

Abstract noun '소외' (alienation)

도시화와 맞벌이의 결합은 공동체 기반의 육아 시스템 붕괴를 가속화했다.

The combination of urbanization and dual-income has accelerated the collapse of community-based childcare systems.

Verb '가속화하다' (to accelerate)

맞벌이 가구 내에서의 감정 노동 분담 또한 중요한 연구 대상이다.

The division of emotional labor within dual-income households is also an important subject of research.

Noun '감정 노동' (emotional labor)

맞벌이 부부의 은퇴 설계는 외벌이 가구와는 상이한 전략적 접근을 요한다.

Retirement planning for dual-income couples requires a different strategic approach than for single-income households.

Verb '요하다' (to require)

맞벌이 가계의 가처분 소득 증가는 소비 시장의 고급화를 견인하는 동력이 된다.

The increase in disposable income of dual-income households becomes a driving force leading the premiumization of the consumer market.

Verb '견인하다' (to pull/lead)

맞벌이 담론의 진화는 한국 사회의 가부장적 질서가 해체되는 과정을 여실히 보여준다.

The evolution of the dual-income discourse clearly shows the process of the dismantling of the patriarchal order in Korean society.

Adverb '여실히' (clearly/vividly)

Synonyms

맞벌이 부부 공동 부양

Antonyms

외벌이 홑벌이

Common Collocations

맞벌이 부부

맞벌이를 하다

맞벌이 가구

맞벌이 비중

맞벌이 지원

맞벌이 육아

맞벌이 소득

맞벌이 공백

맞벌이 선호

신혼 맞벌이

Common Phrases

맞벌이 부부예요.

— We are a dual-income couple. Used to introduce household status.

저희는 맞벌이 부부라서 낮에는 집에 없어요.

맞벌이가 대세다.

— Dual-income is the mainstream. Describes the social trend.

요즘은 외벌이보다 맞벌이가 대세예요.

맞벌이로 전향하다.

— To switch to a dual-income lifestyle. Used when one partner starts working again.

아이가 유치원에 가면서 맞벌이로 전향했어요.

맞벌이도우미를 구하다.

— To look for a helper for a dual-income home.

급하게 맞벌이도우미를 구하고 있어요.

맞벌이 환경.

— A dual-income environment/setting.

맞벌이 환경에서 자란 아이들.

맞벌이 소득 기준.

— Income standards for dual-earners.

정부 지원금의 맞벌이 소득 기준을 확인하세요.

맞벌이 필수.

— Dual-income is a must. Expresses economic necessity.

서울에서 살려면 맞벌이는 필수예요.

맞벌이 고민.

— Agonizing over whether to be a dual-income couple.

둘째가 생기니 맞벌이 고민이 깊어지네요.

맞벌이의 고충.

— The hardships of being a dual-income couple.

맞벌이의 고충은 겪어본 사람만 알아요.

맞벌이 혜택.

— Benefits for dual-income couples.

회사에서 맞벌이 혜택을 제공합니다.

Often Confused With

맞벌이 vs 부업

Bu-eop is a side job for one person, while mat-beol-i is two people working.

맞벌이 vs 투잡

Two-job (Konglish) is one person having two jobs.

맞벌이 vs 동업

Dong-eop is running a business together as partners, not necessarily a married couple.

Idioms & Expressions

"등골이 휘다"

— To have one's back bent/broken from hard work. Often used by dual-income parents.

맞벌이를 해도 교육비 때문에 등골이 휘어요.

Informal

"눈코 뜰 새 없다"

— To be incredibly busy. Typical state for 맞벌이 부부.

맞벌이하느라 평일에는 눈코 뜰 새 없이 바빠요.

Neutral

"손이 모자라다"

— To be short-handed. Used regarding childcare in dual-income homes.

맞벌이 부부라 집안일에는 항상 손이 모자라요.

Neutral

"파김치가 되다"

— To be completely exhausted (like limp green onion kimchi).

퇴근하고 집에 오면 맞벌이 부부는 파김치가 돼요.

Informal

"발등에 불이 떨어지다"

— To have a matter become urgent. Used when childcare falls through.

베이비시터가 갑자기 그만둬서 맞벌이 부부 발등에 불이 떨어졌어요.

Neutral

"하늘의 별 따기"

— Picking a star from the sky (extremely difficult). Used for finding good daycare.

맞벌이 부부에게 국공립 어린이집 들어가기는 하늘의 별 따기예요.

Neutral

"산 넘어 산"

— Mountain after mountain (one problem after another).

맞벌이 생활은 정말 산 넘어 산이네요.

Neutral

"입에 풀칠하다"

— To barely make a living (literally 'to put glue on one's mouth').

맞벌이를 해야 겨우 입에 풀칠이라도 하죠.

Informal

"뼈 빠지게 일하다"

— To work so hard your bones fall out.

부부가 뼈 빠지게 맞벌이해서 집을 샀어요.

Informal

"울며 겨자 먹기"

— Eating mustard while crying (doing something you don't want to do out of necessity).

아이를 위해 맞벌이를 울며 겨자 먹기로 계속하고 있어요.

Neutral

Easily Confused

맞벌이 vs 맞벌이

Sounds like 'correct earning'.

'맞' means mutual, not correct. It refers to two people working.

맞벌이 부부 (Dual-income couple)

맞벌이 vs 외벌이

Similar structure.

'외' means single. Only one person works.

외벌이 가장 (Single-income breadwinner)

맞벌이 vs 벌이

Root word.

Can refer to any income or the act of earning.

벌이가 좋다 (The income is good)

맞벌이 vs 마중

Similar first syllable.

Means going out to meet someone.

공항 마중 (Meeting at the airport)

맞벌이 vs 맞다

Same sound.

Means 'to be correct' or 'to be hit'.

정답이 맞다 (The answer is correct)

Sentence Patterns

N은/는 맞벌이예요.

우리 언니는 맞벌이예요.

N을/를 위해 맞벌이를 해요.

돈을 위해 맞벌이를 해요.

맞벌이하느라 V-지 못해요.

맞벌이하느라 쉬지 못해요.

맞벌이 부부에게 N이/가 필요해요.

맞벌이 부부에게 도움이 필요해요.

맞벌이 비중이 Adj-아/어지고 있다.

맞벌이 비중이 높아지고 있다.

맞벌이를 하면서도 V-ㄴ/는다.

맞벌이를 하면서도 공부를 한다.

맞벌이 담론이 V-ㄴ/는 추세이다.

맞벌이 담론이 변화하는 추세이다.

맞벌이의 고착화가 N을/를 야기한다.

맞벌이의 고착화가 저출산을 야기한다.

Word Family

Nouns

벌이 (earning/income)

외벌이 (single income)

홑벌이 (single income)

돈벌이 (money-making)

Verbs

벌다 (to earn)

맞벌이하다 (to be a dual-income couple)

부부 (couple)

가계 (household economy)

소득 (income)

육아 (childcare)

가사 (housework)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life and media.

Common Mistakes

맞벌이 부부들 → 맞벌이 부부
Korean often omits the plural '들' when the context is clear. '맞벌이 부부' already implies many such couples in a general sense.
맞벌이를 일하다 → 맞벌이를 하다 / 맞벌이하다
You don't 'work' a dual-income; you 'do' it.
우리 룸메이트는 맞벌이예요. → 우리 룸메이트랑 저는 둘 다 일해요.
Roommates cannot be '맞벌이' as it implies a couple/family.
맞벌이 돈 → 맞벌이 소득
'Income' (소득) is more natural than 'money' (돈) in this compound.
맞벌이 때문에 행복해요. → 맞벌이 덕분에 경제적으로 여유가 있어요.
'때문에' often has a negative nuance. Use '덕분에' for positive results like 'thanks to'.

Tips

The 'Grandparent' Factor

When you talk about '맞벌이', Koreans often assume grandparents are helping with the kids. It's a common conversation topic.

Particle Omission

In speaking, people often say '맞벌이해요' instead of '맞벌이를 해요'. Both are correct.

Contrast with 외벌이

Learn '외벌이' at the same time. They are always used together in discussions about family finance.

Shared Hardship

Mentioning you are '맞벌이' is a way to build rapport with other busy working parents.

The power of '맞'

Recognizing '맞' as 'mutual' will help you learn other words like '맞절' (mutual bowing) or '맞대결' (confrontation).

Formal Contexts

In formal reports, use '맞벌이 가구' to sound more professional.

Pronunciation Tip

Don't release the 't' in 'mat'. It's a 'stop' sound. mat-beol-i.

Context Clues

If you hear '아이' (child) and '회사' (company) together, '맞벌이' is likely the topic.

Bank Talk

If a bank clerk asks if you are '맞벌이', they are checking if they can give you a bigger loan.

Career Continuity

Many women use '맞벌이' to express their desire for career continuity after marriage.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MAT' (like a welcome mat at a house) and 'BEOL' (like a bee earning honey). Two people on the 'mat' both 'beol-ing' (earning).

Visual Association

Imagine two briefcases sitting side-by-side by the front door of a house.

Word Web

맞벌이 부부 돈 회사 바쁘다 아이 어린이집 월급

Challenge

Try to explain to a friend why '맞벌이' is common in your country using at least three sentences.

Word Origin

The word is a native Korean compound. '맞' is a prefix meaning mutual or facing, and '벌이' is the nominal form of the verb '벌다' (to earn).

Original meaning: Earning together or reciprocal earning.

Koreanic (Native Korean)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to assume all couples are '맞벌이' by choice; for many, it is a stressful necessity.

Equivalent to 'Dual-income household' or 'Working parents.'

The drama 'Misaeng' touches on the struggles of working mothers. The movie 'Kim Ji-young, Born 1982' explores the conflict of a woman wanting to return to '맞벌이' status. News reports often use '맞벌이' when discussing the 'Low Birth Rate' crisis.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Discussion

우리 맞벌이할까?
맞벌이하니까 너무 힘들어.
맞벌이 안 하면 못 살아.
맞벌이 부부의 고민.

Government/Policy

맞벌이 부부 지원금.
맞벌이 가구 우선 순위.
맞벌이 소득 증빙.
맞벌이 배점.

Workplace

맞벌이라서 일찍 가야 해요.
맞벌이 복지가 좋아요.
맞벌이하는 동료.
맞벌이 가정의 고충.

Real Estate/Bank

맞벌이 합산 소득.
맞벌이 대출 한도.
맞벌이 부부 청약.
맞벌이 우대 금리.

School/Childcare

맞벌이 자녀 돌봄 교실.
맞벌이 부모님을 위한 행사.
맞벌이 가정 통신문.
맞벌이라서 참여가 어려워요.

Conversation Starters

"요즘 한국에서는 맞벌이가 필수라고 생각하시나요?"

"맞벌이 부부의 가장 큰 어려움은 무엇일까요?"

"결혼 후에 맞벌이를 하고 싶으세요, 아니면 외벌이를 하고 싶으세요?"

"맞벌이 가정에서 아이를 키우는 가장 좋은 방법은 무엇일까요?"

"맞벌이를 하면 가사 분담을 어떻게 해야 공정할까요?"

Journal Prompts

내가 생각하는 이상적인 맞벌이 부부의 모습에 대해 써 보세요.

맞벌이가 우리 사회에 미치는 긍정적인 영향과 부정적인 영향에 대해 논해 보세요.

내가 만약 맞벌이를 하게 된다면, 배우자에게 바라는 점 세 가지를 적어 보세요.

맞벌이 가정을 위해 정부가 해야 할 가장 시급한 정책은 무엇일까요?

어린 시절 부모님이 맞벌이를 하셨나요? 그때의 기억과 느낌을 적어 보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in 99% of cases. It specifically implies a marital or domestic partnership. You wouldn't use it for roommates.

Yes, modern usage allows it for any committed couple living together as a household, though '부부' (husband/wife) is the traditional context.

It's neutral. However, it often appears in contexts of 'hardship' (exhaustion) or 'economic stability' (success).

The verb form is '맞벌이하다'.

'맞벌이 부부' is the most natural and common way.

Yes, it is the dominant household model in urban South Korea today.

It is called '딩크족' (DINK-jok). All DINKs are 맞벌이, but not all 맞벌이 are DINKs.

Yes, it means 'We are currently a dual-income couple.'

The opposite is '외벌이'.

Usually, it implies both have significant jobs, but it can be used if both contribute to the budget.