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시아버지

A2 noun #5,000 most common 9 min read

시아버지

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 시아버지 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 시아버지 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are learning the very basics of family members. You already know '아버지' (father) and '어머니' (mother). '시아버지' is an extension of this. Think of it as 'The husband's version of father.' At this stage, you just need to recognize that this word exists and that it refers to a specific type of father-in-law. You might see it in simple family tree diagrams. Remember: 'Si' (시) = husband's side. So, 시 + 아버지 = husband's father. You don't need to worry about complex honorifics yet, but just know that in Korea, family names are very specific. You cannot just use one word for all 'in-laws.'

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '시아버지' in simple sentences to describe your family or someone else's family. You should understand that this word is for *talking about* him, not *talking to* him. You should start practicing the basic honorific subject marker '-께서' when using this word, as in '시아버지께서 오세요' (Father-in-law is coming). You should also be able to distinguish '시아버지' from '장인어른' (wife's father) to avoid basic mistakes in conversation. This is the level where you start to see the cultural importance of these specific terms in daily life.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the social nuances behind '시아버지.' You should be comfortable using honorific verbs like '드시다' (to eat) and '주무시다' (to sleep) when the '시아버지' is the subject of your sentence. You should also understand the difference between '시아버지' (reference) and '아버님' (address). You might encounter this word in short stories or news clips about family life. At this stage, you should be able to explain the relationship to others using the word '저희' (our) instead of '제' (my), showing a maturing grasp of Korean social etiquette.

At the B2 level, you should be able to discuss more complex topics involving a '시아버지,' such as the 'Si-world' (시월드) phenomenon or traditional vs. modern family roles. You should understand how the term is used in media to portray different character archetypes. You will be able to read and understand sentences that use '시아버지' in the context of legal rights, inheritance, or social obligations. Your use of honorifics should be near-flawless when referring to him, and you should be able to explain the Hanja origin of the prefix '시-' (媤) and how it applies to other family members.

At the C1 level, you possess a deep understanding of the historical and sociological weight of the term '시아버지.' You can analyze how this role has changed from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day. You are familiar with literary works where the '시아버지' is a central figure and can discuss the themes of filial piety (효) and patriarchy associated with the word. You can use the word in formal academic writing or high-level business discussions regarding family-owned corporations (Chaebols), where the '시아버지' often acts as the patriarch and chairman.

At the C2 level, you have native-like command of the term '시아버지' and all its variations. You understand subtle dialectal differences and archaic forms of the word. You can participate in complex debates about the evolution of the Korean family registry system and the linguistic shifts in kinship terminology. You can pick up on very subtle tones in a drama or a conversation—for example, when a daughter-in-law uses '시아버지' instead of '아버님' in a specific context to signal emotional distance or a shift in the relationship. Your understanding is not just linguistic, but deeply cultural and historical.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

시아버지 in 30 Seconds

시아버지 specifically means 'husband's father' and is only used by a married woman.
It is a term of reference (talking about him), not a term of address (talking to him).
Always use honorific markers like '-께서' and verbs like '드시다' when he is the subject.
The prefix 'si-' (시) indicates the husband's side of the family in Korean kinship.

The Korean word 시아버지 (si-a-beo-ji) is a specific kinship term used exclusively by a married woman to refer to her husband's father. Understanding this word requires a look into the intricate web of Korean family relations, which are deeply rooted in Confucian values and hierarchical structures. Unlike the English word 'father-in-law,' which can apply to both the husband's and the wife's father, Korean distinguishes between the two based on whose side of the family the relative belongs to. The prefix 'si-' (시) is a marker indicating the husband's side of the family, and 'abeoji' (아버지) is the standard word for father.

Direct Address vs. Reference: It is crucial to note that while 시아버지 is the noun for the husband's father, a daughter-in-law rarely calls him this to his face. Instead, she uses the honorific term 아버님 (abeonim). Using 시아버지 directly to him would be considered impolite or overly clinical. You use 시아버지 when talking about him to a third party, such as your own friends or colleagues.

저희 시아버지는 등산을 아주 좋아하세요. (My father-in-law likes hiking very much.)

Historically, the relationship between a daughter-in-law (며느리) and her 시아버지 was one of extreme formality and distance. In traditional Korean households, the daughter-in-law was expected to serve her husband's parents with the utmost devotion (효 - filial piety). While modern Korean society is much more relaxed, the 시아버지 remains a figure of respect and authority within the family unit. When a woman marries, she officially becomes part of her husband's family registry, making the 시아버지 a central figure in her new social life.

Social Context: In contemporary Korea, the 'Si-world' (시월드) phenomenon—a slang term for the husband's family—often highlights the stress some women feel regarding their relationship with their 시아버지 and 시어머니 (mother-in-law). However, many modern 시아버지 figures are portrayed as supportive and gentle mentors to their daughters-in-law, breaking the old stereotypes of the strict patriarch.

결혼식에서 시아버지께서 따뜻하게 안아주셨어요. (At the wedding, my father-in-law gave me a warm hug.)

You will encounter this word frequently in legal documents, family trees, and when discussing family dynamics. It is a foundational word for anyone looking to navigate Korean social circles or understand the nuances of Korean television dramas, where family conflicts often center around the daughter-in-law's relationship with her husband's parents. The word carries with it centuries of tradition, yet it is evolving as family structures in Korea become more nuclear and individualistic.

Linguistic Breakdown: 'Si' (시) comes from the Chinese character 媤, which specifically refers to the husband's home. Therefore, any relative from the husband's side starts with this prefix: 시어머니 (mother-in-law), 시동생 (husband's younger sibling), 시누이 (husband's sister). This clarity in terminology prevents confusion about which side of the family is being discussed.

새로운 시아버지를 뵙는 것은 긴장되는 일이에요. (Meeting a new father-in-law is a nerve-wracking thing.)

Using 시아버지 correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Korean politeness levels and the subject-object relationship. Since a 시아버지 is a senior family member, sentences involving him almost always require the use of honorifics like the subject marker -께서 instead of -이/가, and the honorific verb ending -(으)시다.

Subject Position: When the father-in-law is the one performing an action, use the honorific marker. Example: 시아버지께서 오셨어요 (Father-in-law has arrived). This shows respect to his status as an elder.

시아버지께서 저에게 선물을 주셨습니다. (My father-in-law gave me a gift.)

When you are the subject and he is the object, you still use respectful language. If you are giving something to him, you use the verb 드리다 (to give - humble) instead of 주다. Example: 시아버지께 선물을 드렸어요 (I gave a gift to my father-in-law). Notice the use of 께 instead of 에게.

Describing His Traits: If you are describing his personality or appearance to others, you use 시아버지. Example: 우리 시아버지는 아주 엄격하세요 (My father-in-law is very strict). The 'hasing' (하세요) at the end maintains the necessary level of respect.

저희 시아버지는 요리를 정말 잘하세요. (My father-in-law is really good at cooking.)

In formal settings, such as a speech or a wedding announcement, the term 시아버님 might be used even as a reference to add an extra layer of formality. However, in standard conversation, 시아버지 is the correct term of reference. If you are talking to your own parents about your husband's father, you would say 시아버님 or 사돈어른 depending on the level of intimacy between the families.

Possessive Forms: In Korean, it is more natural to say 'Our father-in-law' (우리/저희 시아버지) rather than 'My father-in-law' (내/제 시아버지). This reflects the communal nature of Korean culture where family members are seen as belonging to the group.

이번 설날에는 시아버지 댁에 갈 거예요. (I am going to my father-in-law's house this Seollal.)

You will encounter the word 시아버지 in various real-life and media contexts in Korea. One of the most common places is in Korean 'Daily Dramas' (일일 드라마). These shows often revolve around family conflicts, and the relationship between a woman and her 시아버지 is a staple plot point. In these dramas, characters often discuss the 시아버지 behind his back or in third-person narration, using this term to define the relationship clearly for the audience.

Family Gatherings: During major holidays like Chuseok (Thanksgiving) or Seollal (Lunar New Year), you will hear women talking to their own sisters or mothers about their 시아버지. They might discuss what gifts to buy him or how his health is doing. In these intimate but external-to-the-husband's-family settings, 시아버지 is the standard identifier.

친구들과 점심을 먹으며 시아버지 이야기를 했어요. (I talked about my father-in-law while having lunch with friends.)

In legal and administrative contexts, such as inheritance discussions, health insurance forms, or family registry (가족관계증명서) explanations, the term 시아버지 is used as a formal category. If a woman is applying for benefits for her husband's elderly father, she would refer to him as her 시아버지 in the paperwork.

Weddings and Ceremonies: At a wedding, the officiant or the host might introduce the groom's father to the bride's side using this term. For instance, '신부의 시아버지가 되실 분입니다' (This is the person who will become the bride's father-in-law). It establishes the formal bond being created between the two families.

드라마에서 시아버지와 며느리의 갈등이 그려졌어요. (The conflict between a father-in-law and a daughter-in-law was depicted in the drama.)

In literature and news reports, 시아버지 is used to describe the social role of the man within the family structure. You might read a news article about a 시아버지 who donated his savings to help his daughter-in-law's business, highlighting the changing and supportive nature of these relationships in modern Korea. Regardless of the context, the word always signals a specific, respected, and legally recognized family tie.

For English speakers learning Korean, the most common mistake is using 시아버지 as a term of address. In English, you might say, 'Hi, Father-in-law,' but in Korean, saying '안녕하세요, 시아버지' is a major social faux pas. It sounds cold, distant, and disrespectful. You must use 아버님 (abeonim) when speaking directly to him.

Confusing Gender Perspectives: Another frequent error is a man using 시아버지 to refer to his wife's father. This is incorrect. A man must use the term 장인 (jang-in) or 장인어른 (jang-in-eoreun). 시아버지 is strictly for a woman referring to her husband's father. Using the wrong term reveals a lack of understanding of the gender-specific nature of Korean kinship terms.

❌ Incorrect: (A husband says) 제 시아버지를 만났어요.
✅ Correct: 제 장인어른을 만났어요.

A third mistake involves the level of honorifics. Even when using the correct word 시아버지 to refer to him, learners often forget to use honorific verbs. For example, saying '시아버지가 밥을 먹는다' (The father-in-law is eating) is very rude. You should say '시아버지께서 진지를 잡수신다' or more commonly in daily speech, '시아버지께서 식사를 하세요'.

Misusing 'My' (내/제): In Korean culture, referring to family members with 'my' (제/내) can sound individualistic or even slightly rude in traditional contexts. It is almost always better to use 'our' (저희/우리). Saying '제 시아버지' is grammatically correct but '저희 시아버지' is culturally superior.

❌ Awkward: 제 시아버지는 선생님이에요.
✅ Better: 저희 시아버지는 선생님이세요.

Lastly, don't confuse 시아버지 with 시아주버니 (husband's older brother). While they sound similar because of the 'si-' and 'a-' starts, they refer to different people and require different levels of interaction and respect.

Korean has a rich vocabulary for family members, often providing several words for what English covers with a single term. Understanding these alternatives helps you navigate social situations with more precision and politeness.

아버님 (Abeonim): This is the honorific version of 'father.' As mentioned, it is the primary term of address for a 시아버지. It can also be used as a polite term of reference. If you want to sound more respectful when talking about him, use 아버님 instead of 시아버지.
장인어른 (Jang-in-eoreun): This is the equivalent term for a man's father-in-law (his wife's father). While 시아버지 is for the husband's father, 장인어른 is for the wife's father. 'Jang-in' is the base noun, and 'eoreun' (elder) is added for respect.
시부 (Sibu): This is a more formal, Sino-Korean abbreviation of 시아버지. You will rarely hear this in conversation; it is primarily used in written documents, news reports, or academic contexts. It is the 'Si' (husband's side) + 'Bu' (father).
시부모님 (Sibumonim): This term refers to the husband's parents as a couple (father-in-law and mother-in-law). It is the plural/collective form. If you are visiting both of them, you would say you are visiting your 시부모님.

비교 (Comparison):
1. 시아버지: Husband's father (Reference, used by wife).
2. 장인어른: Wife's father (Address/Reference, used by husband).
3. 아버님: Term of address for #1 or #2, or a respectful reference.

Choosing the right word depends entirely on who you are and who you are talking to. In a casual setting with friends, a woman will say 시아버지. In a formal setting or when speaking to her own parents, she might say 아버님. If she is writing a formal letter or a legal document, she might use 시부. This linguistic flexibility is a hallmark of the Korean language's focus on social hierarchy and relationship dynamics.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Korea, the 'si-' prefix was so powerful that once a woman married, she was considered more a part of the 'si-ga' (husband's house) than her own birth family.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕi.a.bʌ.dʑi/

US /ʃi.ɑ.bʌ.dʒi/

In Korean, syllables generally have equal weight, but there is a slight melodic rise on the first syllable 'si' in natural speech.

Rhymes With

할아버지 (hal-a-beo-ji) 아버지 (a-beo-ji) 동네아저씨 (dong-ne-a-jeo-ssi - partial) 나머지 (na-meo-ji) 메아리 (me-a-ri - partial) 강아지 (gang-a-ji) 바가지 (ba-ga-ji) 소시지 (so-si-ji)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'si' as a hard 'see' instead of 'shee'.
Making the 'eo' sound too much like 'oh'.
Adding too much stress to the 'ji' at the end.
Forgetting that the 'b' in 'beo' is slightly voiced between vowels.
Pronouncing 'a' as in 'apple' instead of 'father'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know '아버지'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct spelling and honorific markers.

Speaking 4/5

Difficult due to the social rules of address vs. reference.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

아버지 어머니 남편 결혼 가족

Learn Next

시어머니 장인어른 장모님 며느리 사위

Advanced

고부갈등 효도 제사 항렬 족보

Grammar to Know

Honorific Subject Marker -께서

시아버지께서 오셨습니다.

Honorific Dative Marker -께

시아버지께 드렸어요.

Honorific Infix -시-

시아버지께서 말씀하십니다.

Humble Pronoun 저희

저희 시아버지는 공무원이세요.

Honorific Noun Substitutions (e.g., 생신, 진지)

시아버지 생신 축하드려요.

Examples by Level

시아버지는 한국 사람입니다.

The father-in-law is Korean.

Simple subject + noun + 'is' (입니다).

우리 시아버지는 키가 커요.

Our father-in-law is tall.

Using '우리' (our) is common in Korean for family.

시아버지가 집에 있어요.

Father-in-law is at home.

Basic existence sentence with '있어요'.

시아버지는 의사입니다.

The father-in-law is a doctor.

Noun + 입니다 to state a profession.

시아버지가 전화를 해요.

Father-in-law is making a phone call.

Subject + object + verb.

시아버지가 선물을 사요.

Father-in-law buys a gift.

Present tense verb '사요' (buys).

시아버지는 친절해요.

The father-in-law is kind.

Adjective '친절해요' (is kind).

시아버지가 한국어를 배워요.

Father-in-law learns Korean.

Simple transitive sentence.

시아버지께서 저녁을 드세요.

Father-in-law is eating dinner.

Using honorific subject marker '께서' and verb '드세요'.

시아버지께 편지를 썼어요.

I wrote a letter to my father-in-law.

Using honorific '께' instead of '에게' (to).

시아버지의 성함은 무엇입니까?

What is your father-in-law's name?

Using honorific '성함' instead of '이름' (name).

시아버지께서 공원에서 산책하세요.

Father-in-law is taking a walk in the park.

Honorific verb ending '-(으)세요'.

저는 시아버지를 아주 좋아해요.

I like my father-in-law very much.

Object marker '를' attached to 시아버지.

시아버지께서 선물을 주셨어요.

Father-in-law gave me a gift.

Honorific past tense '주셨어요'.

시아버지 생신은 언제예요?

When is your father-in-law's birthday?

Using honorific '생신' instead of '생일' (birthday).

시아버지와 같이 식사했어요.

I had a meal together with my father-in-law.

'와 같이' (together with).

시아버지께서 편찮으셔서 병원에 갔어요.

My father-in-law was unwell, so he went to the hospital.

Using honorific '편찮으시다' instead of '아프다' (to be sick).

시아버지께 드릴 선물을 고르고 있어요.

I am choosing a gift to give to my father-in-law.

Using humble verb '드리다' (to give to a senior).

시아버지께서는 낚시를 취미로 하십니다.

My father-in-law does fishing as a hobby.

Formal honorific ending '-하십니다'.

시아버지의 고향은 부산이라고 들었습니다.

I heard that my father-in-law's hometown is Busan.

Indirect quote '-고 들었습니다'.

시아버지께 안부 전화를 드렸어요.

I made a call to check on my father-in-law.

Collocation '안부 전화를 드리다'.

시아버지께서는 매일 아침 신문을 읽으세요.

My father-in-law reads the newspaper every morning.

Honorific habit description.

시아버지께서 퇴직하신 후 여행을 다니세요.

My father-in-law has been traveling since he retired.

Honorific past participle '퇴직하신'.

시아버지께 칭찬을 받아서 기분이 좋아요.

I feel good because I was praised by my father-in-law.

Passive construction '칭찬을 받다'.

시아버지께서는 전통적인 가치관을 중요하게 생각하세요.

My father-in-law considers traditional values to be important.

Complex abstract object '전통적인 가치관'.

시아버지와 며느리 사이의 갈등은 드라마의 단골 소재입니다.

Conflict between father-in-law and daughter-in-law is a common theme in dramas.

Noun phrase as subject.

시아버지께서 손주들을 보러 주말마다 오십니다.

My father-in-law comes every weekend to see his grandchildren.

Purpose marker '-(으)러'.

시아버지의 건강이 염려되어 보양식을 준비했어요.

I prepared health food because I was worried about my father-in-law's health.

Causal connection '-어/아 되어'.

시아버지께서는 젊었을 때 아주 엄격하셨다고 해요.

They say my father-in-law was very strict when he was young.

Reported speech '-고 해요'.

시아버지의 칠순 잔치를 위해 호텔을 예약했습니다.

I reserved a hotel for my father-in-law's 70th birthday party.

Cultural term '칠순' (70th birthday).

시아버지께서는 항상 제 편을 들어주셔서 든든해요.

I feel reassured because my father-in-law always takes my side.

Idiom '편을 들다' (to take someone's side).

시아버지의 조언 덕분에 큰 실수를 피할 수 있었어요.

Thanks to my father-in-law's advice, I was able to avoid a big mistake.

Causal '덕분에' (thanks to).

시아버지께서는 가문의 전통을 잇는 것을 사명으로 여기십니다.

My father-in-law considers it his mission to carry on the family tradition.

Formal construction 'A-을/를 B-로 여기다'.

시아버지의 갑작스러운 별세로 온 가족이 슬픔에 잠겼습니다.

The whole family was plunged into grief by the father-in-law's sudden passing.

Euphemism '별세' (passing away) for seniors.

시아버지께서는 평생을 교육계에 몸담아 오셨습니다.

My father-in-law has dedicated his whole life to the field of education.

Idiom '몸담다' (to be involved/dedicated).

시아버지와의 관계가 서먹했는데, 여행을 통해 많이 가까워졌어요.

My relationship with my father-in-law was awkward, but we grew closer through a trip.

Adjective '서먹하다' (awkward/distant).

시아버지께서는 겉으로는 엄격해 보이셔도 속은 아주 따뜻하신 분입니다.

Even though my father-in-law looks strict on the outside, he is a very warm person at heart.

Contrast '겉으로는... 속은...'.

시아버지의 유지를 받들어 장학 재단을 설립하기로 했습니다.

We decided to establish a scholarship foundation in accordance with my father-in-law's dying wishes.

Formal term '유지' (dying wish).

시아버지께서는 고전 문학에 대한 조예가 상당히 깊으십니다.

My father-in-law has a considerably deep knowledge of classical literature.

Advanced term '조예가 깊다' (to have deep knowledge).

시아버지의 반대를 무릅쓰고 저희는 결혼을 강행했습니다.

We pushed ahead with our marriage despite my father-in-law's opposition.

Advanced grammar '-을/를 무릅쓰고' (despite/braving).

시아버지라는 존재는 한국의 가부장제 사회에서 권위의 상징이었습니다.

The figure of the father-in-law was a symbol of authority in Korea's patriarchal society.

Abstract noun usage '-라는 존재'.

시아버지께서 남기신 회고록에는 격동의 한국 근현대사가 고스란히 담겨 있습니다.

The memoirs left by my father-in-law contain the turbulent modern history of Korea in its entirety.

Sophisticated vocabulary '회고록', '격동', '고스란히'.

시아버지의 완고한 성품 탓에 고부간의 갈등이 중재되지 못하고 악화되었습니다.

Due to the father-in-law's stubborn nature, the conflict between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law could not be mediated and worsened.

Complex causality and passive '중재되지 못하고'.

시아버지께서는 퇴임 후에도 지역 사회의 원로로서 큰 역할을 수행하고 계십니다.

Even after retirement, my father-in-law continues to play a major role as an elder in the local community.

High-level register '원로', '수행'.

시아버지의 안목은 타의 추종을 불허할 정도로 날카롭고 정확하십니다.

My father-in-law's insight is so sharp and accurate that it defies comparison.

Idiomatic expression '타의 추종을 불허하다'.

시아버지께서는 자수성가하신 분이라 근검절약을 최고의 미덕으로 삼으십니다.

Since my father-in-law is a self-made man, he considers diligence and frugality to be the greatest virtues.

Four-character idioms '자수성가', '근검절약'.

시아버지의 필체에는 그분의 강인한 기개와 인품이 묻어납니다.

My father-in-law's handwriting reflects his strong spirit and character.

Metaphorical verb '묻어나다'.

시아버지께서는 며느리를 친딸처럼 아껴주시는 자상한 면모를 지니셨습니다.

My father-in-law possesses a thoughtful side, cherishing his daughter-in-law like his own daughter.

Complex character description '면모를 지니셨습니다'.

Synonyms

아버님 시부 시부모님 시아버님 사돈어른 바깥사돈 시아빠 시댁 어른

Antonyms

장인 시어머니 며느리 친정아버지

Common Collocations

시아버지를 모시다

시아버지께 효도하다

시아버지의 사랑

시아버지 댁

시아버지 생신

시아버지를 뵙다

시아버지의 유산

시아버지의 성품

시아버지의 조언

시아버지와 며느리

Common Phrases

시아버지 사랑은 며느리

— A common saying that father-in-laws tend to be especially fond of their daughters-in-law.

시아버지 사랑은 며느리라더니, 정말 잘해주시네요.

시아버지께서 노하시다

— A formal way to say the father-in-law is angry.

시아버지께서 노하실까 봐 걱정돼요.

시아버지 명의

— Under the father-in-law's name (for property or accounts).

이 집은 시아버지 명의로 되어 있어요.

시아버지 상

— Funeral of a father-in-law.

작년에 시아버지 상을 당했어요.

시아버지 모임

— A gathering involving the father-in-law.

오늘 시아버지 모임이 있어서 늦어요.

시아버지 말씀

— The father-in-law's words/advice.

시아버지 말씀을 잘 들어야 해요.

시아버지 눈치

— Checking the father-in-law's mood or being wary of his reaction.

시아버지 눈치를 보느라 밥을 못 먹었어요.

시아버지 용돈

— Pocket money given to the father-in-law.

명절이라 시아버지 용돈을 챙겨 드렸어요.

시아버지 간병

— Nursing or caring for a sick father-in-law.

한 달 동안 시아버지 간병을 했어요.

시아버지 제사

— Ancestral ritual for a deceased father-in-law.

내일은 시아버지 제사 날이에요.

Often Confused With

시아버지 vs 장인

Refers to the wife's father. Men use this; women use 시아버지.

시아버지 vs 시아주버니

Refers to the husband's older brother. Sounds similar but a different person.

시아버지 vs 할아버지

Grandfather. Sometimes children call their 시아버지 this because he is their grandfather.

Idioms & Expressions

"시아버지 사랑은 며느리, 시어머니 사랑은 사위"

— Father-in-laws love daughters-in-law, mother-in-laws love sons-in-law.

시아버지 사랑은 며느리라더니, 맛있는 건 다 저를 주시네요.

Colloquial

"시아버지가 죽으면 며느리 춤춘다"

— An old, harsh idiom suggesting the relief a daughter-in-law might feel from a strict household.

그만큼 시집살이가 힘들었다는 뜻으로 '시아버지가 죽으면 며느리 춤춘다'는 말도 있죠.

Archaic / Metaphorical

"시아버지가 둘이라도 내 할 탓이다"

— No matter how difficult the situation (even with two father-in-laws), success depends on one's own efforts.

시아버지가 둘이라도 내 할 탓이니 열심히 해보자.

Proverb

"마음 좋은 시아버지는 며느리 흉도 안 본다"

— A kind-hearted father-in-law doesn't criticize his daughter-in-law's flaws.

우리 아버님은 마음 좋은 시아버지라 제 실수를 다 이해해 주세요.

Proverb

"시아버지 앞에서 문풍지 떤다"

— To be extremely nervous or trembling in front of a strict father-in-law.

너무 긴장해서 시아버지 앞에서 문풍지 떨 듯이 떨었어요.

Metaphorical

"시아버지 떡도 커야 먹는다"

— Even if it's a gift from a father-in-law, it needs to be substantial to be appreciated.

시아버지 떡도 커야 먹는 법인데, 선물이 너무 작네요.

Sarcastic / Old

"말 많은 시아버지"

— A father-in-law who meddles or talks too much (often used as a complaint).

말 많은 시아버지 밑에서 고생이 많네요.

Informal

"시아버지 죽고 나니 보리쌀이 서 말"

— Finding resources or freedom only after the authority figure is gone.

시아버지 죽고 나니 보리쌀이 서 말이라더니 이제야 숨 좀 쉬겠네.

Cynical / Archaic

"시아버지 등 뒤에서 삿대질"

— Being bold or rude only when the authority figure isn't looking.

시아버지 등 뒤에서 삿대질해봐야 소용없다.

Metaphorical

"시아버지가 예쁘면 발뒤꿈치가 달걀 같아 보인다"

— When you like someone, even their small features look beautiful.

시아버지가 예쁘면 발뒤꿈치가 달걀 같아 보인다더니, 아버님이 정말 좋으신가 봐요.

Proverb

Easily Confused

시아버지 vs 시아버님

Both refer to the same person.

시아버지 is the standard noun; 시아버님 is more polite and used for address.

시아버님, 안녕하세요! (To him) vs. 우리 시아버지는 친절해. (About him)

시아버지 vs 시부

Both mean father-in-law.

시부 is a formal Sino-Korean term used in writing; 시아버지 is used in speech.

시부의 성명 (On a form)

시아버지 vs 시아주버니

Similar prefix and length.

One is the father, the other is the brother.

시아버지는 남편의 아빠, 시아주버니는 남편의 형.

시아버지 vs 장인어른

Both mean father-in-law in English.

Depends on the speaker's gender. Woman -> 시아버지, Man -> 장인어른.

남편은 우리 아빠를 장인어른이라고 불러요.

시아버지 vs 시아버님

Wait, isn't it the same?

Learners often use 시아버지 for address by mistake.

Don't say '시아버지!' to him. Say '아버님!'

Sentence Patterns

저희 시아버지는 [Noun]-(이)세요.

저희 시아버지는 선생님이세요.

시아버지께 [Noun]-을/를 드려요.

시아버지께 과일을 드려요.

시아버지께서 [Verb]-고 계세요.

시아버지께서 주무시고 계세요.

시아버지 덕분에 [Sentence].

시아버지 덕분에 한국 요리를 배웠어요.

시아버지께서는 [Noun]-을/를 중요하게 생각하세요.

시아버지께서는 예절을 중요하게 생각하세요.

시아버지가 [Verb]-(으)신지 [Time] 됐어요.

시아버지가 퇴직하신지 5년 됐어요.

[Noun]-은/는 시아버지의 유지를 받든 것입니다.

이 사업은 시아버지의 유지를 받든 것입니다.

시아버지의 반대에도 불구하고 [Sentence].

시아버지의 반대에도 불구하고 유학을 갔어요.

Word Family

Nouns

시어머니 (mother-in-law)

시댁 (husband's house/family)

시부모 (husband's parents)

시아주버니 (husband's older brother)

시동생 (husband's younger sibling)

Verbs

시집가다 (to get married - for a woman)

시집살이하다 (to live with/serve the husband's family)

며느리 (daughter-in-law)

사위 (son-in-law)

장인 (wife's father)

장모 (wife's mother)

가족 (family)

How to Use It

frequency

High in family-related conversations and media.

Common Mistakes

Calling him '시아버지' to his face. → Calling him '아버님'.
Calling him '시아버지' is like calling your own father 'Father' in a very cold, clinical way. Use the honorific term of address.
A man calling his father-in-law '시아버지'. → Calling him '장인어른'.
Korean terms for in-laws are gender-specific. Only women have a 시아버지.
Using '시아버지가...' without honorifics. → Using '시아버지께서...'
Because he is an elder and a senior family member, honorific markers are mandatory in polite speech.
Confusing '시아버지' with '시아주버니'. → Learning the specific roles.
One is the father, the other is the brother. Using the wrong one can cause significant confusion in family discussions.
Using '제 시아버지' to a senior. → Using '저희 시아버지'.
In Korean, 'our' (저희) is much more polite than 'my' (제) when referring to family members.

Tips

Address vs. Reference

Always remember: Talk ABOUT him as 시아버지, talk TO him as 아버님. This is the #1 rule.

The Power of 'Kkeseo'

Using '께서' instead of '이/가' immediately makes you sound more fluent and respectful when discussing your 시아버지.

Holidays are Key

Learning how to discuss your 시아버지 is most important during Seollal and Chuseok when family talk is constant.

Prefix Recognition

If a word starts with '시-', it's almost always related to the husband's family. This helps you guess meanings of new words.

Humble Yourself

Use '저희' (our - humble) when talking to people outside your family about your 시아버지.

Drama Tropes

Watch Korean daily dramas to see the traditional 'Strict 시아버지' vs. the modern 'Kind 시아버지' archetypes.

Building Rapport

Asking about someone's 시아버지's health is a very polite way to show interest in their family life.

Formal Documents

If you see '시부' on a government form, don't be confused; it's just the formal version of 시아버지.

Hanja Roots

Knowing that 'Bu' (부) means father in Hanja helps you understand words like '시부' and '부친'.

Soft 'Si'

Make sure the 'Si' isn't too sharp. It's a gentle 'shi' sound that flows into the 'a'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'Si' in 'Si-abeoji' as 'Spouse's' father. S for Spouse, Si for 시아버지.

Visual Association

Imagine a woman standing between her father (아버지) and her husband's father (시아버지). The 'Si' is like a bridge to her new family.

Word Web

아버지 (Father) 시댁 (Husband's house) 며느리 (Daughter-in-law) 아버님 (Honored Father) 시부모님 (In-laws) 결혼 (Marriage) 가족 (Family) 존경 (Respect)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences describing a fictional 시아버지 using at least two honorific verbs (like 드시다 or 주무시다).

Word Origin

The word is a compound of the prefix 'si-' (시) and the native Korean word 'abeoji' (아버지). The 'si' prefix originates from the Hanja 媤 (si), which specifically refers to a woman's husband's home or family.

Original meaning: The father belonging to the husband's household.

Koreanic (with Sino-Korean prefix).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'Si-world' (시월드) as it can be a sensitive topic regarding the stress of in-law relationships in Korea.

In English, 'father-in-law' is gender-neutral for the speaker. In Korean, it is strictly for a female speaker. A male speaker must use 'Jang-in'.

The drama 'My Golden Life' features complex 시아버지 relationships. The movie 'Ode to My Father' touches on the patriarchal roles of fathers and in-laws. The variety show 'The Return of Superman' often shows grandfathers (시아버지 to the moms) interacting with grandkids.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a wedding

신부의 시아버지입니다.
시아버지께 인사드리세요.
시아버지께서 좋아하시네요.
시아버지의 덕담

Holiday planning

시아버지 댁에 언제 가요?
시아버지 선물 뭐 살까요?
시아버지께서 기다리세요.
시아버지께 전화 드렸어요?

Talking to friends

우리 시아버지는 참 좋으셔.
시아버지 때문에 힘들 때도 있어.
시아버지께서 용돈 주셨어.
시아버지랑 성격이 비슷해.

Hospital/Health

시아버지께서 편찮으세요.
시아버지 수술 날짜가 잡혔어요.
시아버지 건강 검진 해드렸어요.
시아버지 약 챙겨 드려야 해요.

Legal/Official

시아버지의 동의서
시아버지 명의의 재산
시아버지와의 관계 증명
시아버지 부양가족 신청

Conversation Starters

"시아버지께서는 보통 주말에 뭐 하세요?"

"시아버지와 처음 만났을 때 기억나세요?"

"시아버지 생신 선물로 뭐가 좋을까요?"

"시아버지께서 가장 좋아하시는 음식이 뭐예요?"

"시아버지와 성격이 잘 맞으시는 편인가요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 시아버지와 함께 보낸 시간에 대해 써 보세요.

시아버지께 감사했던 일 세 가지를 적어 보세요.

시아버지와의 첫 만남은 어땠나요? 그때의 감정을 묘사해 보세요.

시아버지께 드리고 싶은 말이나 편지를 써 보세요.

우리 시아버지의 가장 멋진 점은 무엇인가요?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is considered impolite. You should call him '아버님' (Abeonim). '시아버지' is only for referring to him when talking to others.

Only when talking about someone else's father-in-law (e.g., 'Her 시아버지 is strict'). He would never use it for his own father-in-law.

'시아버지' is the native/standard term used in conversation. '시부' is a formal, written abbreviation often found in legal contexts or news.

Yes, '우리' (our) or '저희' (our - humble) is the most natural way to refer to him, rather than '제' (my).

You should use '장인' (Jang-in) or '장인어른' (Jang-in-eoreun) for your wife's father.

Use the subject marker '-께서', the dative '-께', and the verb infix '-시-'. For example: '시아버지께서 말씀하세요'.

This is very informal and modern. Only use it if you have an extremely close, casual relationship with him and the family atmosphere allows it.

The 'si-' (시) prefix comes from Hanja (媤) and indicates that the relative belongs to the husband's family side.

They call him '사돈' (Sadon) or '사돈어른' (Sadon-eoreun).

Yes, the term is standard across the Korean peninsula, though honorific usage might differ slightly.