It is a gender-neutral collective noun for all siblings in a family.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A collective term for all brothers and sisters.
- Used to describe family composition regardless of gender.
- Essential vocabulary for talking about family members.
개요
'형제자매'는 한자어 '형(兄, 남자 형)', '제(弟, 남자 동생)', '자(姉, 여자 형)', '매(妹, 여자 동생)'가 합쳐진 단어입니다. 성별을 구분하지 않고 부모가 같은 모든 형제 관계를 지칭하는 포괄적인 명사입니다. 2) 사용 패턴: 주로 '형제자매가 몇 명이에요?'와 같이 가족 구성원을 묻는 질문이나, '우리 형제자매는 모두 사이가 좋아요'와 같이 관계를 설명할 때 사용합니다. 3) 공통 문맥: 가족 관계 증명서와 같은 서류나 자기소개, 일상적인 대화 등에서 매우 폭넓게 쓰입니다. 특히 한국 사회에서는 나이와 서열이 중요하기 때문에, 단순히 '형제자매'라고 말하기보다는 구체적으로 '오빠, 언니, 남동생, 여동생' 등으로 세분화하여 부르는 경우가 많습니다. 4) 유의어 비교: '남매'는 남자와 여자가 섞여 있는 경우를 뜻하고, '자매'는 여자끼리, '형제'는 남자끼리를 의미합니다. 반면 '형제자매'는 성별에 관계없이 모든 형제를 포함하는 가장 넓은 범위의 단어입니다.
Examples
우리 형제자매는 모두 셋입니다.
everydayThere are three siblings in our family.
형제자매 관계를 기입해 주십시오.
formalPlease fill in your sibling information.
너 형제자매 있어?
informalDo you have any siblings?
형제자매 간의 갈등은 사회적 문제로 다루어지기도 한다.
academicConflict between siblings is sometimes treated as a social issue.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
형제자매가 몇 명이에요?
How many siblings do you have?
형제자매 없이 자랐어요.
I grew up as an only child.
형제자매끼리 사이좋게 지내요.
Siblings should get along well with each other.
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to a pair or group consisting of both boys and girls. It does not cover groups of only brothers or only sisters.
Primarily refers to brothers, but can be used as a general term. It is less inclusive of sisters than '형제자매' in formal contexts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '형제자매' when you need to be precise and inclusive of all siblings regardless of gender. It is most common in formal documents, surveys, or when introducing family to strangers. In casual settings, people prefer specific titles like '언니', '형', '누나', '오빠', or '동생'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '형제' to refer to sisters as well, which can be confusing. It is better to use '형제자매' to avoid ambiguity. Also, avoid using it as a direct address; you cannot call your sibling '형제자매야'.
Tips
Use for gender neutral grouping
When you want to refer to all your siblings without specifying gender, use '형제자매'. It is the most accurate and polite way to group them.
Avoid informal conversational overuse
In casual speech, Koreans often prefer specific terms like '오빠' or '동생'. Using '형제자매' too frequently in casual conversation might sound slightly formal or academic.
Family hierarchy in Korea
Korean culture emphasizes birth order. Even though '형제자매' is a collective term, Koreans usually identify siblings by their exact age rank relative to themselves.
Word Origin
Derived from the Sino-Korean characters: 兄 (elder brother), 弟 (younger brother), 姉 (elder sister), 妹 (younger sister). It combines these four characters to represent the entire sibling group.
Cultural Context
In Korea, knowing someone's sibling status helps determine their social position and family background. It is a common topic in initial meetings to establish rapport.
Memory Tip
Think of '형제' (brothers) + '자매' (sisters) = '형제자매' (all siblings). It is a simple addition of the two gendered terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions형제는 보통 남자 형제들만을 가리킬 때 사용하지만, 넓은 의미에서는 남녀를 모두 포함하기도 합니다. 하지만 형제자매는 남녀를 명확하게 모두 포함하는 포괄적인 단어입니다.
형제자매가 없는 경우 '형제자매가 없어요'라고 하거나 '외동이에요'라고 표현합니다.
일상에서는 '형제자매'라는 단어보다 '가족' 혹은 구체적으로 '언니, 동생' 등의 호칭을 훨씬 더 많이 사용합니다.
네, 형제자매는 표준어이며 격식 있는 자리나 서류상에서도 문제없이 사용 가능한 정중한 표현입니다.
Test Yourself
저는 ___가 3명 있습니다.
가족 관계를 나타내는 명사가 필요하므로 형제자매가 적절합니다.
형제자매는 무엇을 의미하나요?
형제자매는 한 부모에게서 태어난 모든 형제를 의미합니다.
(형제자매가, 몇, 입니까, 명)
주어+수량+서술어 순서로 문장을 구성합니다.
Score: /3
Summary
It is a gender-neutral collective noun for all siblings in a family.
- A collective term for all brothers and sisters.
- Used to describe family composition regardless of gender.
- Essential vocabulary for talking about family members.
Use for gender neutral grouping
When you want to refer to all your siblings without specifying gender, use '형제자매'. It is the most accurate and polite way to group them.
Avoid informal conversational overuse
In casual speech, Koreans often prefer specific terms like '오빠' or '동생'. Using '형제자매' too frequently in casual conversation might sound slightly formal or academic.
Family hierarchy in Korea
Korean culture emphasizes birth order. Even though '형제자매' is a collective term, Koreans usually identify siblings by their exact age rank relative to themselves.
Examples
4 of 4우리 형제자매는 모두 셋입니다.
There are three siblings in our family.
형제자매 관계를 기입해 주십시오.
Please fill in your sibling information.
너 형제자매 있어?
Do you have any siblings?
형제자매 간의 갈등은 사회적 문제로 다루어지기도 한다.
Conflict between siblings is sometimes treated as a social issue.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More family words
백일
A2100th day celebration (of a baby).
환갑
A260th birthday celebration.
칠순
A270th birthday celebration.
팔순
A280th birthday celebration.
알아주다
B1To recognize/understand (feelings); to acknowledge someone's thoughts or efforts.
입양아
A2Adopted child; a child legally taken into another family.
양녀
B1Adopted daughter.
입양
A2Adoption; legally taking another's child as one's own.
귀여워하다
A2To adore, to find cute, to cherish.
정답다
A2To be affectionate; to be friendly.
