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A2 noun #8,000 most common 7 min read

성씨

seongssi Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 성씨 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 성씨 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn the word '이름' (name). '성씨' (surname) might be introduced as part of a basic introduction lesson. You should know that in Korea, the surname comes first. While you might not use '성씨' yourself yet, you might see it on a simple registration form at a language school. It's enough to recognize it as 'family name'. You will mostly say '저는 김민수입니다' where '김' is your family name. Understanding that Korean names are short (usually 3 syllables) is helpful at this stage.

At the A2 level, you begin to distinguish between formal and informal language. You learn that '성씨' is a more polite way to say '성' (last name). You can now fill out basic forms that ask for '성씨' and '이름' separately. You might use this word when talking about common Korean names like Kim, Lee, and Park. You should be able to answer the question '성씨가 어떻게 되세요?' (What is your surname?) in a polite manner. This level is about expanding your vocabulary to handle basic professional or administrative interactions.

By B1, you understand the social context of '성씨'. You know it's used in news reports, business meetings, and when speaking to elders. You can explain that Korean women don't change their surnames after marriage. You start to notice how '성씨' is used in discussions about family history or the 'Bon-gwan' (ancestral home). You are comfortable using it in sentences like '한국에는 김씨 성씨가 가장 많아요' (The Kim surname is the most common in Korea). You also begin to understand the difference between '성씨' and '성함'.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the historical and cultural significance of '성씨'. You might read articles about how surnames were adopted by commoners in the late Joseon dynasty. You understand the nuance of using '성씨' versus '가문' or '본관'. You can use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as '성씨만 보고 그 사람의 고향을 추측하기는 어렵습니다' (It is difficult to guess a person's hometown just by looking at their surname). You are aware of the legal aspects, such as the recent changes allowing children to take their mother's surname.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the Hanja roots of '성씨' (姓氏). You can engage in academic discussions about genealogy, the distribution of rare surnames, and the sociopolitical history of clan names in Korea. You understand how certain surnames were historically associated with specific social ranks (Yangban). You can use '성씨' in formal presentations or written essays about Korean sociology. You are also aware of rare or 'naturalized' surnames from foreign origins (귀화 성씨).

At the C2 level, you possess near-native fluency in discussing '성씨'. You can analyze the evolution of the Korean naming system from the Three Kingdoms period to the modern era. You can debate legal cases regarding surname changes or the patriarchal traditions tied to '성씨'. You understand obscure references to specific clan histories and can navigate complex genealogical records (Jokbo). Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, utilizing it with perfect precision across all registers.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

성씨 in 30 Seconds

성씨 is the formal noun for 'surname' or 'family name'.
It is used in official documents and polite inquiries.
In Korean, the 성씨 always precedes the given name.
It connects an individual to their ancestral clan and history.

The Korean word 성씨 (Seong-ssi) is a formal and respectful way to refer to a family name or surname. While the simpler word 성 (Seong) also means 'last name,' the addition of the suffix 씨 (Ssi) elevates the term, making it appropriate for official documents, respectful inquiries, and discussions regarding lineage or genealogy. In Korean culture, the family name precedes the given name, and it carries immense weight as it connects an individual to a specific clan and ancestral origin, known as the 본관 (Bon-gwan).

Etymological Root: The term is composed of the Hanja 姓 (Seong), meaning surname, and 氏 (Ssi), meaning clan or lineage. Together, they form a word that encompasses not just the name itself, but the heritage it represents.

한국에는 김, 이, 박이라는 세 가지 성씨가 가장 많습니다. (In Korea, the three surnames Kim, Lee, and Park are the most common.)

You will encounter this word most frequently in formal settings. For example, when a government official asks for your family name on an application form, or when a historian discusses the distribution of various clans across the peninsula. It is less common in casual conversation between friends, where the more direct '성' is used, or where the honorific '성함' (full name) is preferred to address the person holistically.

Cultural Nuance: Unlike many Western cultures, Korean women do not change their 성씨 upon marriage. This reflects the deep-rooted Confucian value of maintaining one's ancestral lineage throughout life.

실례지만 성씨가 어떻게 되십니까? (Excuse me, but what is your family name? - Very formal)

Diversity of Surnames: While Kim, Lee, and Park dominate, there are over 250 distinct 성씨 in Korea, each with its own unique history and regional origin.

희귀한 성씨를 가진 사람들을 만나면 신기해요. (It's interesting to meet people with rare surnames.)

그분의 성씨는 본래 중국에서 유래되었습니다. (His surname originally originated from China.)

이 서류에 성씨와 이름을 구분해서 적어 주세요. (Please write your surname and given name separately on this document.)

Using 성씨 correctly requires an understanding of Korean honorifics and formal sentence structures. Because the word itself carries a degree of formality, it is almost always paired with polite verb endings like -입니다 or -하십니까. It is commonly used when discussing demographics, genealogy, or when filling out official forms where clarity between first and last names is required.

Grammar Pattern: [Noun] + 성씨: You can attach specific surnames before the word, such as '김씨 성씨' (though '김씨' is more common), or use it in the pattern '성씨가 [Surname]이다' (The surname is [Surname]).

제 성씨는 이씨입니다. (My surname is Lee.)

When asking someone for their surname in a professional context, you might say, "성씨가 어떻게 되세요?" This is softer and more polite than asking "성이 뭐예요?" which could sound too abrupt in a business meeting or when speaking to an elder. In research or academic writing, 성씨 is used to categorize data. For example, a census report might discuss the 'distribution of surnames' (성씨 분포).

Comparison with '이름': In English, we say 'First and Last Name'. In Korean, we say 성씨와 이름. Note the order: the surname always comes first in the phrase and in practice.

그 마을 사람들은 대부분 같은 성씨를 가지고 있습니다. (Most people in that village share the same surname.)

외국인들은 한국의 다양한 성씨에 대해 잘 모릅니다. (Foreigners do not know much about Korea's diverse surnames.)

이 웹사이트는 성씨별로 인구 통계를 보여줍니다. (This website shows population statistics by surname.)

본인의 성씨를 한자로 쓰실 수 있나요? (Can you write your surname in Hanja?)

You are most likely to hear 성씨 in professional, administrative, or academic environments. It is a staple of news broadcasts, historical documentaries, and legal procedures. If you visit a Korean bank or a hospital for the first time, the staff might use this term when clarifying your identity. It is also common in educational settings when teachers discuss Korean history and the origin of different clans.

Scenario 1: Government Offices: When applying for a visa or a residence card, the officer might say: "성씨를 먼저 적어주세요" (Please write your surname first).

공항 입국 심사대에서 성씨 확인을 요청받았습니다. (I was asked to verify my surname at the airport immigration counter.)

In historical dramas (Sa-geuk), characters often discuss the prestige of a particular 성씨. Surnames were historically a marker of social class, and even today, some people take great pride in belonging to a 'noble' lineage. You might hear elders discussing which 성씨 are compatible for marriage, although this is a fading tradition.

Scenario 2: Academic Lectures: Professors might say: "한국 성씨의 역사는 삼국 시대로 거슬러 올라갑니다" (The history of Korean surnames dates back to the Three Kingdoms period).

뉴스에서 희귀 성씨를 보존하자는 내용이 나왔어요. (There was a news report about preserving rare surnames.)

박물관에서 각 성씨의 시조에 대한 전시를 보았습니다. (I saw an exhibition about the founders of each surname at the museum.)

전화 통화 중에 상대방이 제 성씨를 잘못 알아들었습니다. (The other person misunderstood my surname during the phone call.)

족보에는 가문의 모든 성씨가 기록되어 있습니다. (The family tree records all the surnames of the clan.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 성씨 with 성함. While both are polite, they have different targets. 성씨 refers ONLY to the family name (e.g., Kim), whereas 성함 refers to the FULL name (e.g., Kim Chul-soo). If you ask someone for their '성씨' and they give you their full name, it’s not a huge error, but if you ask for their '성함' and they only give their surname, it might feel incomplete.

Mistake 1: Using '성씨' in very casual settings: Asking a close friend "너의 성씨는 뭐야?" sounds bizarrely formal, like asking "What is thy family name?" in English. Stick to "성이 뭐야?" or just ask for their name.

Incorrect: 친구에게 "너의 성씨가 뭐야?"라고 물었습니다. (I asked my friend, "What is your surname?")

Another mistake is the misuse of the suffix -씨. While 성씨 as a noun is respectful, calling someone "김씨" (Mr. Kim) can be derogatory or overly familiar depending on the tone and age difference. It is better to use their full name with -씨 (e.g., 김민수 씨) or their title (e.g., 김 선생님).

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Order: In Western forms, 'Surname' often comes last. In Korean, 성씨 always comes first. Don't let English habits confuse you when filling out Korean forms.

서류를 작성할 때 성씨 위치를 헷갈리면 안 됩니다. (You shouldn't confuse the position of the surname when filling out documents.)

어떤 사람들은 '성'과 '성씨'를 완전히 다른 뜻으로 오해하기도 합니다. (Some people misunderstand 'Seong' and 'Seong-ssi' as having completely different meanings.)

자신의 성씨를 말할 때 너무 거만하게 들리지 않도록 주의하세요. (Be careful not to sound too arrogant when stating your surname.)

Understanding the subtle differences between related words is key to mastering Korean. While 성씨 is the standard formal term for a surname, you will frequently encounter synonyms that vary in formality and scope.

성 (Seong): The most common, neutral word for 'surname'. Used in everyday speech and simple forms.
Example: 성이 뭐예요? (What's your last name?)
성함 (Seong-ham): The honorific for 'name' (full name). Use this when asking for someone's name politely.
Example: 성함이 어떻게 되십니까? (What is your name?)
가문 (Ga-mun): Refers to the 'family' or 'clan' as a whole entity, rather than just the name.
Example: 우리 가문은 역사가 깊다. (Our family has a deep history.)

이름과 성씨를 합치면 성함이 됩니다. (Combining the given name and the surname makes the 'Seong-ham'.)

In more specialized contexts, like genealogy, you might hear 본관 (Bon-gwan), which refers to the ancestral seat of the surname. For example, a person might be a 'Gimhae Kim' (김해 김씨), where 'Kim' is the 성씨 and 'Gimhae' is the 본관. Knowing this distinction is essential for understanding how Koreans identify their roots.

그의 성씨는 특이하지만 본관은 흔한 곳입니다. (His surname is unique, but his ancestral seat is a common place.)

한국의 성씨 체계는 서양과 많이 다릅니다. (The Korean surname system is very different from the West.)

비슷한 성씨끼리 모여 사는 마을이 아직도 있습니다. (There are still villages where people with similar surnames live together.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Korea, only nobles had surnames. It wasn't until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the entire population adopted '성씨'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK sʌŋ.s͈i

US sʌŋ.s͈i

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the second syllable '씨' is often pronounced with a slightly higher pitch due to the tense consonant.

Rhymes With

맵시 (Maep-si) 솜씨 (Som-ssi) 말씨 (Mal-ssi) 날씨 (Nal-ssi) 글씨 (Geul-ssi) 맘씨 (Mam-ssi) 눈씨 (Nun-ssi) 불씨 (Bul-ssi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '씨' as 'si' (soft s) instead of 'ssi' (tense ss).
Confusing the vowel 'ㅓ' in '성' with 'ㅗ' (song).
Not pausing slightly between the syllables in very formal speech.
Mispronouncing it as '성시' (Seong-si), which means 'city' or 'time'.
Over-emphasizing the 'g' at the end of '성'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially on forms.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the Hanja-derived spelling and usage with honorifics.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but requires awareness of formality.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, often heard in formal introductions.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

이름 성 사람 한국 말

Learn Next

성함 본관 족보 조상 가족

Advanced

항렬자 시조 집성촌 부계 모계

Grammar to Know

Honorifics (-(으)시-)

성씨가 어떻게 되십니까?

Noun Modifiers (-는)

성씨를 사용하는 방법

Possessive Particle (의)

그의 성씨

Polite Endings (-입니다/예요)

제 성씨는 이씨입니다.

Listing Particles (와/과)

성씨와 이름

Examples by Level

제 성씨는 김입니다.

My surname is Kim.

Basic [Noun] + 입니다 structure.

성씨가 뭐예요?

What is your surname?

Polite question ending in -예요.

이름과 성씨를 쓰세요.

Write your name and surname.

Imperative -세요 for polite requests.

한국 성씨는 짧아요.

Korean surnames are short.

Adjective '짧다' (to be short).

그의 성씨는 박입니다.

His surname is Park.

Possessive marker '의'.

선생님 성씨는 무엇입니까?

What is the teacher's surname?

Formal question ending -입니까.

제 친구의 성씨는 이씨예요.

My friend's surname is Lee.

Using '이씨' to refer to the Lee family name.

여기 성씨를 적어주세요.

Please write your surname here.

-아/어 주세요 for requests.

실례지만 성씨가 어떻게 되세요?

Excuse me, but what is your surname?

Polite honorific phrase '어떻게 되세요'.

한국에는 여러 가지 성씨가 있습니다.

There are many kinds of surnames in Korea.

Existential verb '있습니다'.

제 성씨는 외국 성씨예요.

My surname is a foreign surname.

Noun '외국' (foreign country) modifying '성씨'.

이 서류에 성씨를 먼저 입력하세요.

Enter your surname first on this document.

Adverb '먼저' (first).

그 배우의 성씨는 아주 특이해요.

That actor's surname is very unique.

Adjective '특이하다' (to be unique).

성씨와 이름을 바꿔서 쓰지 마세요.

Don't write the surname and given name in reverse.

-지 마세요 (don't do...).

친구들의 성씨를 모두 알고 있어요.

I know all of my friends' surnames.

Object marker '를'.

성씨가 같은 사람들이 많아요.

There are many people with the same surname.

Modifier '같은' (same).

한국 여성은 결혼해도 성씨를 바꾸지 않습니다.

Korean women do not change their surnames even after marriage.

-아/어도 (even if/though).

성씨는 가문의 역사를 보여주는 중요한 단서입니다.

A surname is an important clue that shows a family's history.

Modifier '-는' for present tense.

그는 자신의 성씨에 대해 큰 자부심을 가지고 있습니다.

He takes great pride in his surname.

Noun '자부심' (pride).

한국의 3대 성씨는 김, 이, 박입니다.

The three major surnames in Korea are Kim, Lee, and Park.

Noun '3대' (top three).

성씨 뒤에 '씨'를 붙여서 부르는 것은 때로 결례가 될 수 있습니다.

Attaching '-ssi' after a surname can sometimes be rude.

-는 것 (nominalizer).

이 웹사이트에서 성씨의 유래를 검색할 수 있어요.

You can search for the origin of surnames on this website.

-ㄹ 수 있다 (can do).

희귀 성씨를 가진 사람들은 종종 이름을 설명해야 합니다.

People with rare surnames often have to explain their names.

Adverb '종종' (often).

성씨가 무엇인지 확인한 후에 명단을 작성해 주세요.

Please make the list after checking what the surnames are.

-ㄴ 후에 (after doing).

성씨의 분포를 보면 지역적인 특징을 알 수 있습니다.

Looking at the distribution of surnames, one can see regional characteristics.

Noun '분포' (distribution).

조선 시대 후기에 많은 사람들이 성씨를 갖게 되었습니다.

Many people came to have surnames in the late Joseon period.

-게 되다 (to come to/become).

성씨는 단순히 이름의 일부가 아니라 혈연의 상징입니다.

A surname is not just part of a name but a symbol of blood ties.

A-가 아니라 B (not A but B).

그들은 같은 성씨를 가졌지만 본관은 다릅니다.

They have the same surname, but their ancestral seats are different.

Conjunction '-지만' (but).

최근에는 어머니의 성씨를 따르는 아이들도 늘고 있습니다.

Recently, the number of children taking their mother's surname is also increasing.

Present progressive '-고 있다'.

성씨를 바꾸는 절차는 법적으로 꽤 복잡합니다.

The procedure for changing a surname is quite complicated legally.

Adverb '꽤' (quite).

어떤 성씨는 특정 역사적 인물로부터 시작되었습니다.

Some surnames started from specific historical figures.

Particle '-로부터' (from).

성씨가 사회적 지위를 나타내던 시대는 이미 지났습니다.

The era when surnames indicated social status has already passed.

Retrospective modifier '-던'.

한국의 성씨 체계는 부계 중심의 전통을 강하게 반영하고 있습니다.

The Korean surname system strongly reflects patrilineal traditions.

Adverb '강하게' (strongly).

귀화 성씨는 한국 사회의 다양성을 보여주는 좋은 예시입니다.

Naturalized surnames are a good example showing the diversity of Korean society.

Noun '귀화' (naturalization).

특정 성씨의 집성촌은 아직도 전통적인 생활 방식을 고수하고 있습니다.

Clan villages of specific surnames still adhere to traditional ways of life.

Verb '고수하다' (to adhere to).

성씨의 한자 표기가 달라지면 그 의미도 완전히 변하게 됩니다.

If the Hanja representation of a surname changes, its meaning also changes completely.

Conditional '-면' (if).

정부 통계에 따르면 한국에는 약 250여 개의 성씨가 존재합니다.

According to government statistics, about 250 surnames exist in Korea.

-에 따르면 (according to).

성씨를 통해 조상의 이동 경로를 추적하는 연구가 진행 중입니다.

Research is underway to track ancestral migration routes through surnames.

Noun '추적' (tracking).

과거에는 같은 성씨와 본관을 가진 사람끼리의 결혼이 금지되었습니다.

In the past, marriage between people with the same surname and ancestral seat was prohibited.

Passive verb '금지되다'.

성씨는 한 개인의 정체성을 형성하는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다.

A surname plays an important role in forming an individual's identity.

Structure '-는 데' (in doing...).

성씨의 분화 과정은 한국 중세 사회의 구조적 변화를 극명하게 보여줍니다.

The differentiation process of surnames clearly illustrates the structural changes of medieval Korean society.

Adverb '극명하게' (clearly/starkly).

현대 법체계 내에서 성씨의 선택권은 개인의 존엄성과 직결되는 문제입니다.

In the modern legal system, the right to choose a surname is an issue directly linked to individual dignity.

Verb '직결되다' (to be directly linked).

성씨와 관련된 민속학적 연구는 구전 신화와 밀접한 연관이 있습니다.

Folklore research related to surnames is closely related to oral myths.

Adjective '밀접하다' (to be close/intimate).

한국의 성씨는 단순히 혈연을 넘어 정치적 결속의 도구로 사용되기도 했습니다.

Korean surnames were sometimes used as tools for political solidarity beyond mere blood ties.

Structure '-를 넘어' (beyond).

희귀 성씨의 소멸 위기는 언어학적 다양성 측면에서 우려되는 부분입니다.

The crisis of the disappearance of rare surnames is a concerning part from the perspective of linguistic diversity.

Noun '측면' (aspect/perspective).

성씨의 유래에 대한 고증은 사료의 부족으로 인해 난항을 겪는 경우가 많습니다.

Historical verification of surname origins often faces difficulties due to a lack of historical records.

Idiom '난항을 겪다' (to face smooth sailing/difficulties).

성씨 제도에 내재된 가부장적 가치관에 대한 비판적 성찰이 요구됩니다.

A critical reflection on the patriarchal values inherent in the surname system is required.

Passive '요구되다' (to be required).

성씨의 변천사는 한국인의 자아 인식 변화와 궤를 같이합니다.

The history of surname changes is in line with the changes in Koreans' self-perception.

Idiom '궤를 같이하다' (to be in line with).

Common Collocations

성씨를 따르다

흔한 성씨

희귀 성씨

성씨 분포

성씨의 유래

성씨를 바꾸다

같은 성씨

성씨와 본관

귀화 성씨

성씨별 인구

Common Phrases

성씨가 어떻게 되세요?

— What is your surname? (Formal)

처음 뵙겠습니다. 성씨가 어떻게 되세요?

성씨를 먼저 적으세요.

— Write your surname first.

이 칸에는 성씨를 먼저 적으세요.

유명한 성씨

— A famous or prestigious surname.

그는 아주 유명한 성씨를 물려받았다.

우리나라 성씨

— Surnames of our country (Korea).

우리나라 성씨는 종류가 다양합니다.

성씨가 같다

— To have the same surname.

우연히 성씨가 같은 사람을 만났다.

성씨를 묻다

— To ask for a surname.

조심스럽게 상대방의 성씨를 물었다.

성씨가 다르다

— To have different surnames.

형제지만 성씨가 다른 경우도 있다.

특이한 성씨

— An unusual or rare surname.

그녀는 특이한 성씨 때문에 기억에 잘 남는다.

성씨의 역사

— The history of a surname.

이 책은 한국 성씨의 역사를 다룬다.

성씨를 확인하다

— To verify a surname.

신분증을 보고 성씨를 확인했다.

Often Confused With

성씨 vs 성함

성함 is the polite word for FULL name, while 성씨 is specifically for the SURNAME.

성씨 vs 성시

성시 means 'city' or 'time', and has a different Hanja and meaning.

성씨 vs 상씨

Not a common word, but could be misheard; sounds similar to 'ssi'.

Idioms & Expressions

"성을 갈다"

— To change one's surname (often used as an oath to prove one's point).

내 말이 틀리면 성을 갈겠다!

Colloquial/Emphatic

"본데없는 성씨"

— A surname with no clear origin or a family with no manners (derogatory).

어디서 본데없는 성씨가 나타나서 그래?

Derogatory

"한 울타리 성씨"

— People of the same clan/surname living together like one family.

이 마을은 모두 한 울타리 성씨들이다.

Traditional

"성도 이름도 없다"

— To be completely unknown or have no identity.

성도 이름도 없는 사람을 어떻게 믿니?

Common

"성씨 값을 하다"

— To live up to the reputation of one's family name.

그는 정말 성씨 값을 하는 훌륭한 사람이다.

Honorific

"성씨가 문전성시를 이루다"

— Used metaphorically when many people (of various names) gather.

그 집 앞은 성씨가 문전성시를 이룬다.

Literary

"성씨를 내세우다"

— To brag about one's family lineage.

그는 항상 자신의 성씨를 내세우며 거드름을 피운다.

Negative

"성씨가 꼬리를 물다"

— When many people with the same name appear one after another.

지원자들 중에 같은 성씨가 꼬리를 물고 나타났다.

Descriptive

"성씨를 더럽히다"

— To bring shame to one's family name.

그런 행동은 너의 성씨를 더럽히는 일이다.

Serious

"성씨 문중"

— The entire group of people belonging to the same surname clan.

성씨 문중 회의에 참석했다.

Formal

Easily Confused

성씨 vs 성 (姓)

Both mean surname.

'성' is a general, neutral term. '성씨' is more formal and respectful.

성이 뭐야? vs 성씨가 어떻게 되십니까?

성씨 vs 성함 (姓銜)

Both are polite terms for names.

'성함' includes the given name. '성씨' is only the family name.

성함이 어떻게 되세요? (Full name) vs 성씨가 뭐예요? (Surname only)

성씨 vs 이름

Both identify a person.

'이름' usually refers to the given name or the whole name in a casual sense.

이름이 뭐야? vs 성씨가 뭐야?

성씨 vs 명칭

Both refer to names.

'명칭' is for objects, places, or organizations, not people's surnames.

이 건물의 명칭은 무엇입니까?

성씨 vs 씨 (氏)

The suffix '씨' is in '성씨'.

'씨' is a title added after a full name. '성씨' is the noun for the surname itself.

민수 씨 vs 제 성씨는 김입니다.

Sentence Patterns

제 성씨는 [Name]입니다.

제 성씨는 김입니다.

성씨가 어떻게 되세요?

실례지만 성씨가 어떻게 되세요?

[Name]이라는 성씨는...

박이라는 성씨는 한국에 많아요.

성씨를 [Name](으)로 바꾸다.

그는 성씨를 어머니 성씨로 바꿨다.

성씨의 유래를 살펴보면...

성씨의 유래를 살펴보면 역사를 알 수 있다.

성씨에 내재된 [Value]...

성씨에 내재된 가부장적 가치관을 비판하다.

Neutral

[Name]씨 성씨

이씨 성씨를 가진 사람.

Formal

성씨별로 분류하다.

명단을 성씨별로 분류했습니다.

Word Family

Nouns

성 (Surname)

이름 (Name)

성함 (Honorific Name)

가문 (Clan)

본관 (Ancestral seat)

Verbs

성씨를 짓다 (To create/give a surname)

성씨를 따르다 (To follow a surname)

Adjectives

흔하다 (To be common)

특이하다 (To be unique)

귀하다 (To be rare)

족보 (Family tree)

시조 (Founder)

항렬 (Generation)

종친 (Clan relatives)

귀화 (Naturalization)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal and administrative contexts; low in casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '성씨' to refer to your own name in casual speech. → Using '성' or just saying your name.
It sounds too stiff and unnatural to use '성씨' for yourself when talking to friends.
Confusing '성씨' with '성함'. → Use '성씨' for surname only, '성함' for full name.
If a form asks for '성씨', don't write your full name there.
Writing '성시' instead of '성씨'. → 성씨
The tense 'ㅆ' is required. '성시' means something else entirely.
Thinking '성씨' is the given name. → It is the family name.
Because it's usually the first word in a name, Westerners often mistake it for a first name.
Calling someone 'Last Name + 성씨'. → Last Name + 씨 (or better, Full Name + 씨).
'성씨' is a noun for the category, not a title for a person.

Tips

Filling out forms

Always check if the form asks for '성' and '이름' separately. In Korea, '성' (Surname) is usually the first box.

Common names

Don't be surprised if you meet many people with the same '성씨'. They aren't necessarily related unless they share the same 'Bon-gwan'.

Politeness

When asking an elder their name, '성함' is better. When asking specifically for the last name in a formal setting, '성씨' is perfect.

Hanja roots

Knowing that 'Seong' (姓) means surname helps you recognize it in other words like '성명' (full name).

Self-introduction

When introducing yourself formally, saying '제 성은 [Name]입니다' is fine, but '제 성씨는 [Name]씨입니다' sounds very polite.

Identifying terms

In dramas, when a king asks a commoner their name, he might use '성씨' to inquire about their family background.

Spelling

Make sure to write '성씨' and not '성시'. The double 'ㅆ' is important for the meaning.

Business Etiquette

In business, referring to a group of people by their '성씨별' (by surname) is a common way to organize data or lists.

Clan Pride

Many Koreans are very proud of their '성씨'. Showing interest in its origin can be a great conversation starter.

Vocabulary Building

Learn '성씨' along with '이름' and '성함' to have a complete set of 'name' related words.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Seong' as 'Song'. Every family has a 'Song' (Seong) they sing together. 'Ssi' is like 'See'. You can 'See' (Ssi) which family they are from by their 'Seong'.

Visual Association

Imagine a large tree with many branches. The root of the tree has the word '성씨' written on it, and each branch has a different name like Kim, Lee, or Park.

Word Web

Family Ancestors Kim Lee Park Lineage Clan Identity

Challenge

Try to find out the '성씨' of five famous Korean celebrities and write them down in Hanja if possible.

Word Origin

Derived from Sino-Korean characters 姓 (Surname) and 氏 (Clan). 姓 originally referred to the family name inherited from the mother in ancient times, while 氏 referred to the branch of the family.

Original meaning: The combination represents the totality of one's lineage and clan identity.

Sino-Korean (Hanja-based vocabulary).

Cultural Context

Never mock a rare surname, as it may be a source of deep family pride. Also, be careful when using '-씨' after a surname alone, as it can be patronizing.

In English-speaking countries, surnames are 'Last Names'. In Korea, they are 'First Names' in terms of order, which often confuses people when filling out international forms.

The 'Kim, Lee, Park' trio represents over 45% of the Korean population. Historical figure King Sejong the Great belonged to the 'Jeonju Lee' 성씨. The movie 'Kim Ji-young, Born 1982' highlights the most common surname and a common name for that generation.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Airport / Immigration

성씨를 먼저 말씀해 주세요.
여권의 성씨와 다릅니다.
성씨 철자가 어떻게 됩니까?
성씨를 수정해야 합니다.

Hospital / Clinic

환자분 성씨가 어떻게 되세요?
성씨별로 차트가 정리되어 있습니다.
성씨를 확인하겠습니다.
성씨가 같은 분이 또 계십니다.

Genealogy / Family Gatherings

우리 성씨의 시조는 누구인가요?
같은 성씨를 가진 친척입니다.
성씨의 유래가 깊습니다.
성씨를 자랑스럽게 여겨라.

School / University

학생들 성씨를 가나다순으로 나열하세요.
한국의 성씨 문화를 배웁니다.
특이한 성씨를 가진 친구가 있어요.
성씨와 이름을 구분해 적으세요.

Legal / Official Forms

성씨 변경 신청서를 제출했습니다.
성씨는 부모 중 한 명을 따릅니다.
외국인 성씨 등록 방법입니다.
성씨 기재란을 확인하십시오.

Conversation Starters

"실례지만 성씨가 어떻게 되십니까?"

"한국에서 가장 흔한 성씨가 무엇인지 아세요?"

"제 성씨는 한국에서 아주 드문 편이에요."

"혹시 본인의 성씨가 어디에서 유래했는지 아시나요?"

"친구들 중에 정말 특이한 성씨를 가진 사람이 있나요?"

Journal Prompts

자신의 성씨에 대해 아는 대로 써 보세요. (Write what you know about your surname.)

만약 성씨를 마음대로 바꿀 수 있다면 어떤 성씨를 갖고 싶나요? (If you could change your surname, what would you choose?)

한국의 성씨 문화와 자신의 나라 성씨 문화의 차이점을 비교해 보세요. (Compare Korean surname culture with your country's.)

성씨가 한 사람의 정체성에 얼마나 큰 영향을 미친다고 생각하나요? (How much do you think a surname affects identity?)

오늘 만난 사람들의 성씨를 나열하고 그중 가장 기억에 남는 성씨를 적어 보세요. (List the surnames of people you met today and note the most memorable.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is better to use '성' in casual settings. Using '성씨' with a friend might sound like you are being jokingly formal or overly stiff. Just ask, '성이 뭐야?'

In Korean, it can be both. Context determines if you are talking about one person's surname or surnames in general. If you want to emphasize plurality, you can say '성씨들'.

Historically, surnames were adopted from a limited set of noble clans. As commoners adopted names, they chose prestigious ones like Kim, Lee, and Park, leading to the current concentration.

No, Korean women keep their original family name. This is a long-standing tradition rooted in the belief that one's lineage is permanent and tied to their birth family.

A 'Bon-gwan' is the ancestral seat or place of origin for a specific '성씨'. For example, there are 'Gimhae Kim' and 'Gyeongju Kim' families. They share a surname but have different origins.

The word itself is formal and respectful, but it is not a 'strict' honorific like '성함'. However, it is the most polite way to refer specifically to the family name.

You should use Hangul to phonetically spell your surname. For example, 'Smith' becomes '스미스'. On forms, you would put '스미스' in the '성씨' box.

Yes, though they are rare. Surnames like '독고' (Dokgo), '남궁' (Namgung), and '선우' (Seonwoo) are examples of two-syllable '성씨'.

Yes, under current Korean law, parents can decide to give the child the mother's surname at the time of marriage registration, or through a legal petition later.

Yes, calling someone '김 씨' (Kim-ssi) can be considered rude or socialy inferiorizing. It is always better to use their full name (김민수 씨) or their job title.