This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #7,000 most common 10 min read

시댁

Top 7,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 시댁 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 시댁 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that '시댁' (sidaek) is a special word for a house. Specifically, it is the house where a husband's parents live. In Korean culture, family is very important, and there are different words for different family homes. You might see this word in a basic story about a woman visiting her family. You don't need to worry about the deep cultural history yet. Just remember: '시댁' = Husband's parents' house. You will mostly use it with simple verbs like '가요' (go) or '있어요' (is/at). For example, '시댁에 가요' means 'I am going to my husband's parents' house.' This word is only used by women. If you are a beginner, just learning to recognize the '시' prefix as 'husband's side' is a great first step.

At the A2 level, you should understand that '시댁' is the honorific and polite way for a married woman to refer to her husband's family home. You should be able to use it in basic sentences about your weekend plans or holiday activities. For example, '이번 주말에 시댁에 방문할 거예요' (I will visit my husband's parents' house this weekend). You should also start to notice that this word is different from '우리 집' (our house). At this level, you are learning about honorifics, and the '-댁' at the end of '시댁' is a key honorific marker. It shows respect to the husband's parents. You should also be aware that men do not use this word for their own parents; they use '본가' or '우리 집'.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '시댁' in various social contexts and understand its cultural significance in Korea. You should know that '시댁' can refer to both the physical house and the family members living there (often called '시댁 식구들'). You might encounter this word when discussing Korean holidays like Chuseok or Seollal, where 'going to the 시댁' is a major cultural expectation for women. You should also be able to distinguish between '시댁' and '친정' (a woman's own parents' home). A B1 learner should be able to describe the tasks a woman might do at the 시댁, such as '음식을 준비하다' (preparing food). You are now moving beyond simple definitions into the social roles associated with the word.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances and potential social pressures associated with the word '시댁'. You will likely hear it in more complex discussions about '고부 갈등' (conflict between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law). You should be familiar with related terms like '시월드' (Si-world), which is a modern slang term for the husband's family's influence. At this level, you should be able to use the word in formal writing or debate about changing family values in Korea. You should also understand the difference between '시댁' and '시가' (the more neutral/academic term). Your vocabulary should include common collocations like '시댁의 허락' (permission from the husband's family) or '시댁 식구들과의 관계' (relationship with the husband's family).

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the historical and patriarchal roots of the word '시댁'. You should be able to discuss how the language reflects the traditional '출가외인' (chul-ga-oe-in) concept, where a woman becomes a 'stranger' to her own family after marriage and a full member of the 시댁. You should be able to analyze how the use of '댁' (honorific) for the husband's side versus '가' (neutral) for the wife's side (처가) reflects historical gender hierarchies. A C1 learner can understand complex literature or news editorials that use '시댁' as a symbol of traditional family structures. You should also be aware of modern movements in Korea that advocate for more gender-neutral terminology, such as using '시가' and '처가' equally.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '시댁' and its place in the Korean linguistic landscape. You can use the word with absolute precision in any context, from high-level academic research on Korean kinship systems to delicate interpersonal negotiations. You understand the subtle emotional connotations of the word—how it can evoke feelings of duty, belonging, or even burden depending on the speaker's tone and context. You can discuss the evolution of the term from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day and how it interacts with modern legal definitions of 'family'. You are also capable of using the word in creative writing or sophisticated humor that plays on the cultural tropes of the 'daughter-in-law' role in the 시댁.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

시댁 in 30 Seconds

시댁 (sidaek) means the husband's parents' house.
It is an honorific term used exclusively by the wife.
It is a key word for discussing Korean holidays and family life.
The opposite term for a husband is '처가' (wife's parents' house).

The Korean word 시댁 (sidaek) is a specialized noun used exclusively by a married woman to refer to her husband's parents' home or his family collectively. In the hierarchical and family-oriented structure of Korean society, terms of address and reference are highly specific. While 'home' is generally '집' (jip), the addition of the prefix '시-' (si) signifies the husband's side, and the suffix '-댁' (daek) is an honorific form of house. Therefore, 시댁 is not just a physical location; it represents the entire familial institution a woman enters upon marriage. It is a term rooted in deep Confucian traditions where a woman was historically considered part of her husband's family lineage after the wedding ceremony.

Etymological Root: The '시' (媤) refers to the husband's family, and '댁' (宅) is the honorific for house. Using '댁' instead of '집' shows respect to the husband's parents.
Usage Constraint: Only the wife uses this term. A husband would never refer to his own parents' house as '시댁'; he would use '본가' (bonga) or '우리 집' (uri jip).

In modern Korea, the word carries significant cultural weight. It is most frequently heard during major holidays like Seollal (Lunar New Year) or Chuseok (Thanksgiving), when families gather. For many Korean women, 'going to the 시댁' involves specific social expectations, such as helping with food preparation (jeon) and performing ancestral rites (jesa). The term also appears frequently in social discussions regarding the balance of power and relationships between a daughter-in-law and her parents-in-law. It is a word that encapsulates duty, respect, and the complexities of Korean kinship.

이번 추석에는 시댁에 며칠 동안 머물기로 했어요. (For this Chuseok, I decided to stay at my husband's parents' house for a few days.)

Understanding 시댁 is crucial for anyone studying the Korean language because it opens a window into the gendered nature of the language. While English uses the gender-neutral 'in-laws' house,' Korean distinguishes between the husband's side (시댁) and the wife's side (처가 - cheoga). This distinction highlights the traditional patrilocal custom where the woman 'leaves' her family to join the husband's. Even though modern Korean society is rapidly changing, these linguistic markers remain firmly in place, dictating how people talk about their weekend plans, holiday travels, and family obligations.

Culturally, the term is often associated with the concept of 'Sidaek-sari' (living with or serving the in-laws), which has been a recurring theme in Korean literature and television dramas. It represents the challenges and growth a woman experiences as she navigates her role within a new family hierarchy. In conversation, it is used with a level of formality that matches the respect owed to elders. Using the word correctly signals that the speaker understands Korean social etiquette and the importance of showing deference to the husband's lineage.

어제 시댁 어른들께 인사를 드리러 갔습니다. (Yesterday, I went to greet the elders at my husband's parents' house.)

Using 시댁 correctly requires an understanding of Korean particles and the specific verbs that typically follow it. Since it is a place noun (house) and a collective noun (family), it is most often used with the location particle '-에' (to/at) or '-에서' (from/at). Because it is an honorific term, the verbs used in the sentence often reflect a level of politeness, such as '가다' (to go), '방문하다' (to visit), or '계시다' (to be/stay - honorific).

Common Verb Pairings: 시댁에 가다 (Go to the husband's parents' house), 시댁에서 자다 (Sleep at the husband's parents' house), 시댁을 방문하다 (Visit the husband's parents' house).

결혼 후 첫 명절이라 시댁에 가는 마음이 긴장되네요. (Since it's the first holiday after marriage, I feel nervous about going to my husband's parents' house.)

In complex sentences, 시댁 often acts as the subject or the object of an action involving family dynamics. For example, when discussing gifts or financial help, you might say '시댁에 용돈을 드리다' (to give pocket money to the husband's parents' home). Note the use of the honorific verb '드리다' (to give to a superior) instead of '주다' (to give). This maintains the linguistic harmony of the honorific '댁'.

Another important usage is in the possessive form. While 'my' is usually '제' or '내', when referring to 시댁, women often just say '시댁' as it is understood whose husband's family it is. However, if clarification is needed, '저희 시댁' (our husband's family home - using the humble 'our') is the standard polite way to refer to it in conversation with others. Avoid saying '내 시댁' as it sounds too individualistic and informal for such a respectful term.

시댁 식구들은 모두 저를 따뜻하게 맞이해 주셨어요. (The husband's family members all welcomed me warmly.)

When talking about the location, you might describe its distance or environment. '시댁이 멀어서 자주 못 가요' (Since the husband's parents' house is far, I can't go often). Here, '시댁' functions as the subject (marked by '-이'). This demonstrates how the word seamlessly integrates into standard Korean sentence structures while carrying its specific social connotations. Whether you are describing a physical trip or a social relationship, 시댁 provides the necessary specificity that 'in-laws' lacks in English.

Social Contexts: Used in formal introductions, casual complaints among friends, and logistical planning for holidays. It is a 'high-frequency' word for married women in Korea.

The word 시댁 is ubiquitous in Korean daily life, media, and literature. If you watch K-dramas, especially 'weekend dramas' (주말 드라마) which often focus on multi-generational family conflicts, you will hear this word in almost every episode. Characters will discuss '시댁 갈 준비' (preparing to go to the husband's parents' house) or express '시댁 스트레스' (stress related to the husband's family). It is a central keyword in the narrative of domestic life in Korea.

드라마 대사: "이번 주말에 시댁 제사가 있는 거 잊지 않았지?" (Drama line: "You didn't forget that there's an ancestral rite at the husband's parents' house this weekend, right?")

In real-life conversations, you will hear it most frequently among married women. When coworkers talk about their weekend, one might say, '시댁에 다녀왔어요' (I went to my husband's parents' house). It is also a common topic on internet forums and 'Mom Cafes' (online communities for mothers), where women share advice on how to navigate relationships with their mother-in-law (시어머니) or discuss what gifts to bring to the 시댁.

You will also encounter this word in news reports, particularly around the 'Great Migration' (민족 대이동) during Seollal and Chuseok. News anchors often discuss traffic conditions for people heading to their '본가' (parents' home for men/unmarried people) and '시댁' (for married women). It is also used in legal or sociological contexts when discussing family law, inheritance, or changing family structures in modern Korea.

뉴스 리포트: "명절을 맞아 시댁을 찾는 며느리들의 발길이 이어지고 있습니다." (News report: "Daughters-in-law are continuing to visit their husband's parents' houses for the holiday.")

Finally, the word is a staple in the wedding industry. Wedding planners will talk about '시댁 예물' (gifts for the husband's family) or '시댁 인사' (greeting the husband's family after the honeymoon). For a woman living in Korea or interacting with Korean families, this word is not just a vocabulary item; it's a social reality that defines a significant portion of her interpersonal interactions and cultural duties.

Common Media Tropes: The 'strict mother-in-law at the 시댁', the 'weekend visit to the 시댁', and the 'conflict over holiday food preparation at the 시댁'.

The most common mistake learners make with 시댁 is confusing it with other words for 'home' or 'in-laws'. Because English uses 'in-laws' for both sides, learners often try to use 시댁 to refer to the wife's family as well. This is a major error. If a man says he is going to his '시댁', Koreans will be very confused, as he should be saying '처가' (cheoga). The term is strictly gender-directional.

Mistake 1: Gender Neutrality: Using 시댁 for the wife's parents. (Correct: 처가). Using 시댁 for your own parents if you are a man. (Correct: 우리 집 or 본가).

Wrong: (Man speaking) "주말에 시댁에 가요."
Right: (Man speaking) "주말에 처가에 가요." (to wife's family) or "주말에 본가에 가요." (to his own family).

Another mistake is the level of formality. Some learners use '시집' (sijip) and '시댁' interchangeably. While they both refer to the husband's family, '시집' is less formal and often used in the context of the act of getting married ('시집가다'). Using '시집' when you should use the honorific '시댁' can sound slightly disrespectful or overly casual when talking to the in-laws themselves or in formal settings.

A third common error involves the misuse of the word '우리' (our). In Korean, it is common to say '우리 집' (our house) for your own home. However, when a woman talks about her husband's family home, she should use '시댁' or '저희 시댁'. Saying '우리 시댁' is acceptable among peers, but '제 시댁' (my husband's family home) is less common than the humble '저희 시댁'. Avoid using '나의 시댁' which sounds translated and unnatural.

Avoid: "나의 시댁은 서울에 있어요." (Sounds like a textbook translation).
Natural: "저희 시댁은 서울에 있어요."

Finally, learners sometimes forget that '시댁' refers to the *house* or the *family unit*. If you want to talk about a specific person, like your mother-in-law, you should use '시어머니' (sieomeoni), not '시댁'. While you can say '시댁 식구들' for the family members, using '시댁' to mean 'my mother-in-law' specifically is imprecise and can lead to confusion in complex conversations.

There are several words in Korean that are related to 시댁, and knowing the difference between them is key to reaching an advanced level of fluency. The most direct counterpart is 처가 (cheoga), which is the wife's parents' home. Just as a woman uses 시댁, a man uses 처가. This binary reflects the gender-specific nature of Korean kinship terms.

시댁 vs. 시가 (Siga): '시가' is a more neutral, slightly more formal or academic term for the husband's family. While '시댁' is the common honorific used in speech, '시가' often appears in legal documents or sociological texts. In recent years, some women prefer '시가' to avoid the honorific '댁' which they feel implies an outdated hierarchy.
시댁 vs. 시집 (Sijip): '시집' is the non-honorific version. It is often used in the phrase '시집가다' (to get married - for a woman). It can also refer to the husband's house, but it lacks the respect of '시댁'.

비교: "시댁에 선물 보냈니?" (Did you send a gift to the husband's house? - Polite/Standard)
"시집 식구들은 잘 계셔?" (Is the husband's family doing well? - Casual/Informal)

Another word often confused is 본가 (bonga). This refers to one's 'original' or 'main' family home—usually where one's parents live. Both men and women can use this to refer to their own parents' house. However, once a woman is married, she will use '본가' for her own parents and '시댁' for her husband's. A man will use '본가' for his own parents and '처가' for his wife's.

Lastly, there is 친정 (chinjeong). This is the word a married woman uses to refer to her own parents' home. In the world of a married woman, the two poles are '시댁' (husband's side) and '친정' (her side). The balance between the 시댁 and the 친정 is a major theme in Korean family life, especially when deciding where to spend holidays or how to allocate time and resources.

Summary Table: Husband's Parents: 시댁 (used by wife). Wife's Parents: 처가 (used by husband). Woman's own Parents: 친정. Man's own Parents: 본가.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 'si' (媤) is composed of 'woman' (女) and 'field' (田) and 'thought' (思) in some variations, but the modern 'si' specifically denotes the marriage relationship. The use of 'daek' (宅) is an honorific that was historically used for the homes of nobility.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕi.dɛk/

US /ɕi.dɛk/

The stress is equal on both syllables, which is typical for Korean words.

Rhymes With

고택 (gotaek) 주택 (jutaek) 선택 (seontaek) 혜택 (hyetaek) 자택 (jataek) 사택 (sataek) 부택 (butaek) 공택 (gongtaek)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'si' as a harsh 'see' (it should be softer).
Releasing the final 'k' too strongly.
Confusing 'daek' with 'deok' (덕).
Pronouncing 'daek' with a long 'a' sound.
Making the 'd' sound like a 't'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is easy to read if you know basic Hanja-derived roots.

Writing 3/5

Requires understanding of when to use the honorific '-댁'.

Speaking 4/5

Difficult to use naturally because of the gender and social constraints.

Listening 2/5

Very common in dramas and daily speech, easy to recognize.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

집 (house) 남편 (husband) 부모님 (parents) 가다 (to go) 결혼 (marriage)

Learn Next

처가 (wife's parents' house) 친정 (woman's own parents' house) 시어머니 (mother-in-law) 시아버지 (father-in-law) 며느리 (daughter-in-law)

Advanced

고부 갈등 (mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflict) 제사 (ancestral rites) 출가외인 (married woman being a stranger to her birth family) 가부장제 (patriarchy)

Grammar to Know

Honorific Suffix -댁

선생님 댁 (Teacher's house), 시댁 (Husband's parents' house).

Location Particle -에 vs -에서

시댁에 가요 (Go to...), 시댁에서 자요 (Sleep at...).

Humble Pronoun 저희

저희 시댁 (Our husband's family home - used when talking to others).

Honorific Verbs -아/어 드리다

시댁 어른들께 용돈을 드렸어요.

Noun Modifying Form -는/-은

시댁에 가는 길 (The road going to the husband's home).

Examples by Level

저는 오늘 시댁에 가요.

I am going to the husband's parents' house today.

Uses the location particle -에 and the basic verb 가요.

시댁은 서울에 있어요.

The husband's parents' house is in Seoul.

Uses the subject particle -은 and the existence verb 있어요.

시댁에서 밥을 먹어요.

I eat a meal at the husband's parents' house.

Uses the location particle -에서 (action taking place).

시댁이 아주 커요.

The husband's parents' house is very big.

Uses the subject particle -이 and the adjective 커요.

내일 시댁에 갈 거예요?

Will you go to the husband's parents' house tomorrow?

Future tense -ㄹ 거예요.

시댁 식구가 많아요.

There are many members in the husband's family.

시댁 식구 refers to family members.

시댁에 선물을 사요.

I buy a gift for the husband's parents' house.

Action directed toward the location/family unit.

시댁은 조용해요.

The husband's parents' house is quiet.

Descriptive adjective usage.

이번 주말에 시댁을 방문할 예정입니다.

I plan to visit the husband's parents' house this weekend.

Uses the object particle -을 with the verb 방문하다.

시댁 어른들께 인사를 드렸어요.

I gave greetings to the elders at the husband's parents' house.

Uses honorific '드렸다' for elders.

시댁에서 하룻밤 자고 올 거예요.

I will sleep for one night at the husband's parents' house and come back.

Compound verb '자고 오다'.

시댁이 고향이라서 멀어요.

Since the husband's parents' house is in the hometown, it is far.

Uses -(이)라서 to show reason.

결혼하고 처음으로 시댁에 갔어요.

I went to the husband's parents' house for the first time after getting married.

Uses -고 나서 (after) structure implicitly.

시댁 식구들과 같이 저녁을 먹었습니다.

I had dinner together with the husband's family members.

Uses -와 같이 (together with).

시댁에 갈 때 과일을 좀 샀어요.

I bought some fruit when I went to the husband's parents' house.

Uses -(으)ㄹ 때 (when).

저희 시댁은 부산에 있습니다.

Our husband's parents' house is in Busan.

Uses the humble '저희' for 'our'.

명절마다 시댁에 가서 음식을 도와드려요.

Every holiday, I go to the husband's parents' house and help with the food.

Uses -마다 (every) and -아/어 드리다 (help someone).

시댁 식구들이 저를 친딸처럼 대해 주세요.

The husband's family members treat me like their own daughter.

Uses -처럼 (like) and honorific -아/어 주시다.

시댁에 가면 항상 맛있는 것을 많이 주십니다.

Whenever I go to the husband's parents' house, they always give me a lot of delicious food.

Uses -(으)면 (if/when) and honorific 주시다.

이번에는 시댁보다 친정에 먼저 가기로 했어요.

This time, we decided to go to my parents' house before the husband's parents' house.

Uses -보다 (more than/comparison) and -기로 하다 (decide to).

시댁 어른들의 건강이 걱정되어서 전화를 드렸어요.

I called because I was worried about the health of the elders at the husband's parents' house.

Uses -아/어서 (reason) and honorific 전화를 드리다.

시댁 근처에 예쁜 카페가 새로 생겼대요.

I heard that a pretty cafe newly opened near the husband's parents' house.

Uses indirect discourse -대요 (heard that).

시댁에 갈 때마다 긴장되지만 다녀오면 뿌듯해요.

I feel nervous every time I go to the husband's parents' house, but I feel proud after coming back.

Uses -지만 (but) and -다녀오면 (after going and coming back).

남편은 시댁 일이라면 발 벗고 나서서 도와요.

When it comes to the husband's family matters, my husband steps forward to help.

Idiom '발 벗고 나서다' (step forward enthusiastically).

시댁과의 갈등을 해결하기 위해 많은 대화가 필요합니다.

A lot of conversation is needed to resolve conflicts with the husband's family.

Uses -기 위해 (in order to) and noun '갈등' (conflict).

요즘은 시댁에 자주 가지 않는 부부들도 늘고 있어요.

These days, the number of couples who do not go to the husband's parents' house often is increasing.

Uses -는 부부 (noun-modifying clause) and -고 있다 (progressive).

시댁 식구들이 제 직장 생활을 많이 응원해 주십니다.

The husband's family members support my professional life a lot.

Uses honorific '응원해 주시다'.

시댁에 가면 며느리로서의 역할에 충실하려고 노력해요.

When I go to the husband's parents' house, I try to be faithful to my role as a daughter-in-law.

Uses -(으)려고 노력하다 (try to).

시댁의 가풍이 저희 집과는 많이 달라서 처음에는 당황했어요.

The family tradition of the husband's family was so different from my family that I was flustered at first.

Uses -와/과 다르다 (different from) and -아/어서 (reason).

시댁 어른들께서 주신 김치가 정말 맛있어서 금방 다 먹었어요.

The kimchi the elders from the husband's family gave us was so delicious that we ate it all quickly.

Uses past noun-modifying clause -(으)ㄴ.

시댁에 가는 길에 차가 너무 막혀서 5시간이나 걸렸어요.

The road to the husband's parents' house was so congested it took as long as 5 hours.

Uses -(이)나 to emphasize a large amount/time.

시댁 식구들과의 원만한 관계를 유지하는 것이 중요합니다.

It is important to maintain a smooth relationship with the husband's family members.

Uses -는 것 (gerund) and adjective '원만하다' (smooth/harmonious).

한국 사회에서 시댁이라는 존재는 며느리에게 복합적인 감정을 불러일으킵니다.

In Korean society, the entity known as 'sidaek' evokes complex emotions in daughters-in-law.

Uses -라는 존재 (an entity called) and '불러일으키다' (evoke/cause).

시댁의 간섭이 심해지면 부부 관계에도 부정적인 영향을 미칠 수 있습니다.

If the husband's family's interference becomes severe, it can have a negative impact on the marital relationship.

Uses -면 (if) and '영향을 미치다' (to influence).

전통적인 시댁 중심의 명절 문화가 점차 개인 중심으로 변화하고 있습니다.

The traditional holiday culture centered on the husband's family is gradually changing to be individual-centered.

Uses -중심의 (centered on) and -고 있다 (progressive).

시댁 식구들과의 갈등이 깊어지기 전에 전문가의 상담을 받는 것이 좋습니다.

It is good to get professional counseling before conflicts with the husband's family deepen.

Uses -기 전에 (before) and '깊어지다' (to deepen).

시댁 어른들의 권위적인 태도에 순응하기보다는 자신의 의견을 정중히 표현해야 합니다.

Rather than conforming to the authoritative attitude of the husband's family elders, one should politely express their opinion.

Uses -기보다는 (rather than) and '순응하다' (to conform).

현대 여성들은 시댁과의 관계에서 독립성과 조화 사이의 균형을 찾으려 애씁니다.

Modern women struggle to find a balance between independence and harmony in their relationship with the husband's family.

Uses -려 애쓰다 (to struggle/strive to).

시댁에서 겪는 심리적 부담감을 '시월드'라는 신조어로 풍자하기도 합니다.

The psychological burden experienced at the husband's parents' house is sometimes satirized with the neologism 'Si-world'.

Uses -기도 하다 (also/sometimes does) and '풍자하다' (to satirize).

시댁의 가업을 잇기 위해 직장을 그만두고 가업에 뛰어든 며느리도 있습니다.

There are daughters-in-law who quit their jobs and jumped into the family business to carry on the husband's family trade.

Uses -기 위해 (in order to) and '뛰어들다' (to jump into).

시댁이라는 용어 속에 내포된 가부장적 이데올로기에 대한 비판적 성찰이 필요합니다.

A critical reflection on the patriarchal ideology inherent in the term 'sidaek' is necessary.

Academic phrasing: '내포된' (inherent), '비판적 성찰' (critical reflection).

한국의 가족법 개정은 시댁과 친정 사이의 법적 불균형을 해소하는 방향으로 나아가고 있습니다.

Revisions to Korean family law are moving toward resolving the legal imbalance between the husband's family and the wife's family.

Uses -는 방향으로 나아가다 (moving in the direction of).

시댁 식구들과의 정서적 유대감은 한국적 가족주의의 핵심적인 요소 중 하나입니다.

Emotional bonding with the husband's family members is one of the core elements of Korean familialism.

Uses '정서적 유대감' (emotional bond) and '핵심적인 요소' (core element).

과거에는 시댁에 대한 무조건적인 헌신이 미덕으로 여겨졌으나, 오늘날은 그 가치관이 전도되었습니다.

In the past, unconditional devotion to the husband's family was considered a virtue, but today those values have been overturned.

Uses -었으나 (but/although) and '전도되다' (to be overturned/inverted).

시댁 문화의 변천사는 한국 근현대사 속 여성의 지위 변화를 극명하게 보여주는 지표입니다.

The history of changes in 'sidaek' culture is an indicator that clearly shows the changes in women's status in modern Korean history.

Uses '변천사' (history of changes) and '극명하게' (clearly/vividly).

시댁과의 거리를 조절하는 기술은 현대 한국 며느리들에게 필수적인 생존 전략이 되었습니다.

The skill of adjusting the distance with the husband's family has become an essential survival strategy for modern Korean daughters-in-law.

Uses '생존 전략' (survival strategy) and '필수적인' (essential).

시댁이라는 공간은 단순한 주거지를 넘어, 유교적 위계질서가 작동하는 상징적 장소입니다.

The space called 'sidaek' is more than a simple residence; it is a symbolic place where the Confucian hierarchy operates.

Uses -을 넘어 (beyond) and '작동하는' (operating).

시댁에 대한 담론은 한국 페미니즘 논의에서 가사 노동과 돌봄의 불평등을 지적하는 주요 통로입니다.

Discourse on 'sidaek' is a major avenue in Korean feminist discussions for pointing out inequalities in housework and caregiving.

Uses '담론' (discourse) and '불평등을 지적하는' (pointing out inequality).

Common Collocations

시댁에 가다

시댁 어른들

시댁 식구들

시댁 방문

시댁 제사

시댁 스트레스

시댁 명절

시댁 심부름

시댁 용돈

시댁 근처

Common Phrases

시댁에 다녀오다

— To have gone to and come back from the husband's family home.

어제 시댁에 다녀왔어요.

시댁 식구들과 어울리다

— To hang out or get along with the husband's family.

시댁 식구들과 잘 어울려요.

시댁에 선물을 보내다

— To send a gift to the husband's family.

추석이라 시댁에 선물을 보냈어요.

시댁의 허락을 받다

— To get permission from the husband's family.

시댁의 허락을 받고 결정했어요.

시댁 일을 돕다

— To help with chores or matters at the husband's family home.

가서 시댁 일을 좀 도와야 해요.

시댁에 인사를 가다

— To go and give formal greetings to the husband's family.

결혼하고 처음 시댁에 인사를 갔어요.

시댁 형편

— The financial or general situation of the husband's family.

시댁 형편이 조금 어려워졌어요.

시댁 분위기

— The atmosphere or 'vibe' of the husband's family.

시댁 분위기가 아주 화목해요.

시댁에 머물다

— To stay at the husband's family home.

이번에는 시댁에서 며칠 머물 거예요.

시댁 어른들을 뵙다

— To see/meet the elders of the husband's family (honorific).

오랜만에 시댁 어른들을 뵈러 가요.

Often Confused With

시댁 vs 처가

This is for the wife's parents' home. Men use this, women use 시댁.

시댁 vs 친정

This is a woman's own parents' home. Don't confuse it with her husband's parents' home (시댁).

시댁 vs 본가

This is one's 'main' family home. Men use it for their parents, but married women use 시댁 for their husband's parents.

Idioms & Expressions

"시댁 귀신이 되다"

— To die at the husband's house (meaning a woman should stay with her husband's family until death).

옛날에는 시댁 귀신이 되어야 한다고 했죠.

Archaic/Traditional

"시댁 쪽으로는 보고 싶지도 않다"

— To not even want to look in the direction of the husband's house (due to extreme stress/conflict).

싸우고 나면 시댁 쪽으로는 보고 싶지도 않아요.

Casual/Emotional

"시댁 살이"

— The life of a woman living with and serving her husband's family.

시댁 살이가 쉽지 않네요.

Common

"시댁에 발을 끊다"

— To stop visiting the husband's family house entirely.

큰 싸움 후에 시댁에 발을 끊었어요.

Informal

"시댁 덕을 보다"

— To benefit from the wealth or influence of the husband's family.

그녀는 시댁 덕을 많이 봤어요.

Neutral

"시댁 눈치를 보다"

— To walk on eggshells or constantly check the mood of the husband's family.

항상 시댁 눈치를 보느라 힘들어요.

Informal

"시댁이 가깝다"

— To live near the husband's family (often implies mixed feelings about the proximity).

시댁이 너무 가까우면 불편할 때도 있어요.

Neutral

"시댁 복이 있다"

— To be lucky with one's in-laws (having a good relationship).

너는 정말 시댁 복이 있구나.

Casual

"시댁 등쌀에 못 이기다"

— To be unable to withstand the pestering or pressure from the husband's family.

시댁 등쌀에 결국 이사를 했어요.

Informal

"시댁 귀에 들어가다"

— For news or rumors to reach the ears of the husband's family.

이 이야기가 시댁 귀에 들어가면 안 돼요.

Neutral

Easily Confused

시댁 vs 시집

Both refer to the husband's family side.

시집 is less formal and also a verb 'to get married'. 시댁 is specifically the honorific for the house/family unit.

시집살이가 힘들다 vs 시댁에 선물을 보내다.

시댁 vs 시가

Both mean husband's family.

시가 is neutral/academic. 시댁 is the honorific used in polite conversation.

시가 식구 (neutral) vs 시댁 어른들 (honorific).

시댁 vs 댁

Both mean house.

댁 is a general honorific for 'house'. 시댁 is specifically for the *husband's* parents' house.

선생님 댁 vs 시댁.

시댁 vs 처가

Both refer to in-laws.

Gender specific. 시댁 is for the husband's side (used by wife). 처가 is for the wife's side (used by husband).

아내는 시댁에 가고 남편은 처가에 간다.

시댁 vs 친정

Both are family homes for a married woman.

시댁 is the husband's parents' home. 친정 is her own parents' home.

시댁에 먼저 가고 친정에 나중에 가요.

Sentence Patterns

[Time]에 시댁에 가요.

주말에 시댁에 가요.

시댁은 [Location]에 있어요.

시댁은 인천에 있어요.

시댁에 가서 [Action]해요.

시댁에 가서 저녁을 먹어요.

시댁 식구들과 [Action].

시댁 식구들과 여행을 갔어요.

시댁에 갈 때마다 [Feeling].

시댁에 갈 때마다 조금 긴장돼요.

시댁 어른들께 [Honorific Action].

시댁 어른들께 전화를 드렸어요.

시댁과의 [Noun]이/가 중요해요.

시댁과의 소통이 중요해요.

시댁이라는 [Noun]은/는...

시댁이라는 공간은 한국 여성에게 특별한 의미가 있습니다.

Word Family

Nouns

시가 (husband's family)

시댁 (husband's parents' house)

시집 (husband's house/act of marrying)

시어머니 (mother-in-law)

시아버지 (father-in-law)

시누이 (sister-in-law)

시동생 (husband's younger sibling)

Verbs

시집가다 (to get married - for a woman)

시집보내다 (to marry off a daughter)

며느리 (daughter-in-law)

고부 (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law)

명절 (holiday)

제사 (ancestral rite)

친정 (woman's own parents' home)

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially among married women and during holiday seasons.

Common Mistakes

Using 시댁 for the wife's parents. → 처가
시댁 is only for the husband's side. If a man is talking about his wife's parents, he must use '처가'.
A man calling his own parents' house 시댁. → 우리 집 / 본가
A man should never use '시댁' for his own family. It is a term used only by a daughter-in-law.
Saying '나의 시댁' (My Sidaek). → 저희 시댁 / 시댁
Korean prefers collective pronouns. '나의' sounds like a direct translation from English. '저희' is much more natural.
Using 시댁 to refer to the mother-in-law specifically. → 시어머니
시댁 refers to the house or the family unit. If you mean the person, use the specific title like '시어머니'.
Using 시댁 with informal verb endings when talking about the in-laws. → 시댁 어른들께서 계세요 (Honorific)
Because '시댁' is an honorific noun, the rest of the sentence should usually follow honorific grammar rules to be consistent.

Tips

Respect the Hierarchy

When visiting the 시댁, remember that the suffix '-댁' implies respect. Your behavior should match this honorific tone—always use polite language (Jondetmal) with everyone there.

The 'Si' Prefix

Learn the 'si-' prefix! It attaches to many family words to mean 'husband's side': 시어머니 (MIL), 시아버지 (FIL), 시누이 (SIL). It helps you build a large family vocabulary quickly.

Particle Choice

Use '시댁에' when you are moving toward the house or just being there. Use '시댁에서' when you are performing an action like cooking, sleeping, or eating inside that house.

Gift Etiquette

It is very common to bring a gift when visiting the 시댁. Common items include fruit sets, high-quality meat (Hanwoo), or health supplements like red ginseng.

Drama Context

When you hear '시댁' in a drama, look at the character's facial expression. It often reveals the 'vibe' of that specific family relationship—whether it's warm or tense.

Usage Restriction

Never use '시댁' if you are a man. It is one of the most gender-specific words in the Korean language. A man's equivalent is '처가'.

Si-World

If you hear younger women saying '시월드' (Si-World), they are talking about the 시댁, but usually with a bit of sarcasm or referring to the 'world' of in-law drama.

Holiday Order

Traditionally, women go to the 시댁 first on the day of the holiday and then to their own '친정' later. This is a very important social rule to know.

Soft 'Si'

The 'si' in 시댁 is not a sharp 'see'. It's a soft, palatalized sound. Try to let the air flow smoothly over your tongue.

Humble '저희'

In emails or texts to someone who isn't a close friend, always refer to your husband's family home as '저희 시댁' to show modesty and politeness.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Si' as 'Side' (the husband's side) and 'Daek' as 'Deck' (a house has a deck). So, 'Side-Deck' is the husband's side's house.

Visual Association

Imagine a woman standing at a crossroads. One sign points to 'My Parents' (Chinjeong) and the other points to 'Husband's Parents' (Sidaek).

Word Web

Husband Parents-in-law Holidays Honorifics Marriage Daughter-in-law Confucianism Home

Challenge

Try to use '시댁' in a sentence about your future holiday plans or a fictional story about a Korean family.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean roots. '시' (媤) specifically means 'husband's family' or 'the place a woman marries into.' '댁' (宅) means 'house' or 'residence.'

Original meaning: The residence of the husband's family.

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing the 시댁 with Korean women, as it can be a sensitive topic involving family stress or expectations.

In English-speaking cultures, 'in-laws' house' is gender-neutral and often less formal. There isn't a direct equivalent that carries the same honorific weight as '시댁'.

The K-Drama 'My Husband Got a Family' (넝쿨째 굴러온 당신) explores the relationship with the 시댁. The webtoon and drama 'Myeoneuragi' (며느라기) specifically deals with 'Sidaek' culture. The term 'Si-world' (시월드) is a famous modern pop-culture reference.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Holiday Planning

이번 추석에 시댁에 가요?
시댁에 며칠 계실 거예요?
시댁 가는 길이 많이 막히네요.
시댁에서 전을 부쳐야 해요.

Casual Talk with Friends

시댁 식구들이랑 밥 먹었어.
우리 시댁은 좀 보수적이야.
시댁 스트레스 때문에 죽겠어.
시댁에서 김치 보내주셨어.

Formal Introductions

저희 시댁은 대구에 있습니다.
시댁 어른들께 인사드리고 왔습니다.
시댁의 가풍을 따르려고 합니다.
시댁 식구들이 많이 도와주십니다.

Wedding Preparations

시댁 예물은 준비하셨나요?
시댁에 드릴 선물을 고르고 있어요.
시댁 어른들 성함이 어떻게 되세요?
시댁 쪽 하객이 더 많아요.

Conflict/Advice

시댁과의 갈등이 심해요.
시댁에 너무 자주 가는 것 같아요.
시댁 일에 신경 쓰고 싶지 않아요.
시댁 어른들과 대화가 안 통해요.

Conversation Starters

"이번 설날에 시댁에 먼저 가시나요, 아니면 친정에 먼저 가시나요?"

"시댁 식구들과는 자주 만나시는 편인가요?"

"시댁 어른들께 드릴 선물로 뭐가 좋을까요?"

"시댁이 멀어서 명절마다 고생하시겠어요."

"시댁 분위기는 좀 어떠신 편이에요?"

Journal Prompts

오늘 시댁에 다녀온 소감을 적어보세요. 어떤 일이 있었나요?

미래의 시댁 식구들에게 바라는 점이 있다면 무엇인가요?

한국의 시댁 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하는지 당신의 견해를 써보세요.

시댁 식구들과 있었던 가장 기억에 남는 에피소드를 기록해 보세요.

시댁과 친정 사이의 균형을 어떻게 맞추고 싶은지 계획을 세워보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, a man should never use '시댁' to refer to his own parents' house or his wife's parents' house. For his own parents, he says '본가' or '우리 집'. For his wife's parents, he says '처가'. Using '시댁' would imply he is the wife in the relationship, which is linguistically incorrect in Korean.

Both refer to the husband's family. However, '시댁' is an honorific form (using '-댁'), making it more polite and respectful. '시집' is more casual and is also used in the verb '시집가다' (for a woman to get married). In most social situations, '시댁' is the safer and more common choice for married women.

While it literally means 'husband's parents' house,' it is very commonly used to refer to the husband's family as a whole. For example, '시댁에서 허락해 주셨어요' means 'My husband's family gave their permission,' not just the physical building.

Korean is a collective language. Using '우리' or the humble '저희' (our) is the standard way to refer to family-related things. '내 시댁' (my husband's family home) sounds too individualistic and slightly awkward or translated. '저희 시댁' is the most natural and polite way to speak to others.

You should use '시가' in formal, academic, or neutral writing where you want to avoid the honorific tone of '시댁'. For example, in a sociological essay about family structures, '시가' is more appropriate. In daily conversation, '시댁' is much more common.

Yes, '시댁 식구' (sidaek family) includes the husband's parents and his siblings. When a woman says she is going to the '시댁', it usually implies the parents' house where the siblings might also gather during holidays.

The word itself is standard and not old-fashioned, but the *customs* associated with it are currently being debated in Korea. Some younger generations find the traditional expectations of the '시댁' to be outdated, but the word remains the primary way to refer to that family unit.

'시댁 스트레스' refers to the psychological pressure or stress a married woman feels due to the expectations, chores, or conflicts associated with her husband's family. It is a very common topic of conversation among married Korean women.

You would say '지금 시댁에 있어요' (Jigeum sidaek-e isseoyo). If you are talking to someone outside the family, you might say '지금 저희 시댁에 와 있어요' (I've come to and am currently at our husband's family home).

The opposite would be '친정' (chinjeong), which is her own parents' home. Married women often balance their time between the '시댁' and the '친정', especially during the holiday seasons.