Zamae refers to a relationship between female siblings or a bond of sisterhood.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to female siblings in a family.
- Used to describe close bonds between women.
- Also used for formal sisterhood between cities or organizations.
개요
'자매'는 한자어 '자(姉, 언니)'와 '매(妹, 여동생)'가 결합된 단어로, 여성인 형제 관계를 의미합니다. 단순히 가족 관계를 지칭할 뿐만 아니라, 여성들 사이의 친밀한 관계나 동질감을 표현하는 비유적 의미로도 폭넓게 쓰입니다. 2) 사용 패턴: 보통 '자매지간'이나 '자매 관계'처럼 쓰이며, 형제와 구분하여 여성 형제만을 지칭할 때 사용합니다. 3) 공통 문맥: 가족 소개, 자매 간의 우애를 다루는 에세이, 혹은 두 기관이나 도시가 협력 관계를 맺는 '자매결연' 등 공식적인 자리에서도 자주 등장합니다. 4) 유사어 비교: '형제'는 남녀를 통칭하거나 남자 형제만을 가리키는 중립적 단어인 반면, '자매'는 여성 형제라는 성별적 특성이 강조됩니다.
Examples
우리는 사이좋은 자매예요.
everydayWe are sisters with a good relationship.
두 도시는 자매결연을 맺었습니다.
formalThe two cities have established a sisterhood relationship.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
자매처럼 지내다
To be as close as sisters
Often Confused With
Nam-mae specifically refers to a brother and a sister. Zamae is for sisters only.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '자매' when specifically referring to female siblings. In formal contexts, it is used for international or inter-organizational cooperation. It is a neutral and widely accepted term in Korean society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '형제' for all siblings. Remember that '자매' is reserved for women, and '남매' for mixed-gender pairs.
Tips
Usage in family introductions
When introducing your siblings, use '자매' if you are all women. It clearly defines the gender composition of your family.
Avoid confusion with siblings
Do not use '자매' to refer to a brother and a sister. Use the word '남매' for a brother-sister pair.
Sister cities concept
In Korea, cities often sign '자매결연' to promote cultural exchange. It signifies a friendly, supportive relationship between two regions.
Word Origin
Derived from Sino-Korean characters: '자(姉)' meaning elder sister and '매(妹)' meaning younger sister. It is a classic term for female kinship.
Cultural Context
Korean family culture places high importance on sibling hierarchy. While '자매' defines the relationship, the specific roles of older and younger sisters are culturally significant.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Za' (sister) and 'Mae' (younger sister). Both characters contain the female radical in Chinese characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions아니요, 자매는 오직 여자 형제들 사이만을 의미합니다. 남녀가 섞여 있을 때는 '남매'라고 부르는 것이 정확합니다.
두 도시나 단체가 서로 협력하기 위해 맺는 공식적인 관계를 말합니다. 마치 자매처럼 가깝게 지내며 교류하겠다는 의미가 담겨 있습니다.
형제는 남자 형제 혹은 형제 전체를 통칭하는 말이고, 자매는 여성 형제만을 특정해서 지칭하는 단어입니다.
Test Yourself
그녀는 두 명의 언니가 있어서 세 ___이다.
여성 형제들만 있는 관계이므로 자매가 맞습니다.
Score: /1
Summary
Zamae refers to a relationship between female siblings or a bond of sisterhood.
- Refers to female siblings in a family.
- Used to describe close bonds between women.
- Also used for formal sisterhood between cities or organizations.
Usage in family introductions
When introducing your siblings, use '자매' if you are all women. It clearly defines the gender composition of your family.
Avoid confusion with siblings
Do not use '자매' to refer to a brother and a sister. Use the word '남매' for a brother-sister pair.
Sister cities concept
In Korea, cities often sign '자매결연' to promote cultural exchange. It signifies a friendly, supportive relationship between two regions.
Examples
2 of 2우리는 사이좋은 자매예요.
We are sisters with a good relationship.
두 도시는 자매결연을 맺었습니다.
The two cities have established a sisterhood relationship.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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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.
