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A2 noun 8分钟阅读

맏이

madji

开始练习例句笔记与提示 맏이 30秒了解

解析 맏이 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are learning basic family vocabulary like 'mother', 'father', and 'sibling'. '맏이' (pronounced ma-ji) is a useful word to describe who is the oldest child in a family. You can think of it as a special name for the 'number one' child. In Korea, being the first child is very important. When you want to say 'I am the eldest child', you can say '저는 맏이예요' (Jeo-neun ma-ji-ye-yo). It is a noun, so you use it like any other person's name or title. Remember that even though it is spelled with a 'd' (ㄷ), we say it with a 'j' sound because of the 'i' (이) that follows it. Focus on using it in simple 'A is B' sentences to describe your family members or yourself.

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At the A2 level, you can begin to use '맏이' to describe roles and simple responsibilities. You might notice that '맏이' is often used when talking about who takes care of whom. For example, '맏이가 동생을 도와줘요' (The eldest helps the younger sibling). You should also learn to distinguish it from '첫째' (cheot-jae). While '첫째' is used for counting (first child, second child...), '맏이' is more like a title. You will often see '맏이' used in stories or simple conversations about family dynamics. Practice using it with the particle '-로서' (as a...) to say things like '맏이로서' (as the eldest), which is a very common way to express a sense of duty or position within the family.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social implications of being the '맏이' in Korean culture. This word isn't just about birth order; it's about the expectation of being 'mature' (의젓하다) and 'reliable' (든든하다). You will hear people say '맏이답다' (to be like an eldest), which implies being responsible and selfless. You can use this word in more complex sentences involving feelings and social pressure. For instance, '맏이라서 부모님의 기대를 많이 받아요' (Because I am the eldest, I receive a lot of expectations from my parents). At this level, you should also be comfortable with gender-specific formal terms like '장남' (eldest son) and '장녀' (eldest daughter) and know when to use '맏이' as a more general, softer alternative.

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At the B2 level, you can explore the psychological and idiomatic uses of '맏이'. You might encounter terms like '맏이 콤플렉스' (Eldest Child Complex) in articles or discussions about family psychology. You should be able to discuss how the role of the '맏이' has changed from traditional times to the modern era. In traditional Korea, the '맏이' (especially the '장남') had the legal and moral obligation to perform ancestral rites and support parents. Today, while the legal obligation is gone, the emotional weight remains. You can use '맏이' in debates about birth order and personality, or in literary analysis when discussing characters who sacrifice their own dreams for their siblings' sake.

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At the C1 level, you should be able to appreciate the nuanced use of '맏이' in literature, news editorials, and historical contexts. The word often carries a nostalgic or heavy emotional tone in Korean prose, symbolizing a generation that sacrificed for the nation's development. You should understand how '맏이' functions as a cultural archetype. For example, in an editorial about the aging society, '맏이' might be used metaphorically to describe a generation or a specific group that bears the brunt of social change. You should also be able to use the word in sophisticated grammatical structures, such as '맏이 노릇을 하다' (to play the role of the eldest), and understand the subtle differences between '맏이' and its Hanja counterparts in various registers.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '맏이' and its place in the Korean psyche. You can use it to discuss complex sociological phenomena, such as the 'K-맏이' trend on social media, where eldest daughters discuss the specific burdens of emotional labor in Korean families. You understand the historical shift from the '맏이' as a patriarchal heir to a more generalized symbol of familial responsibility. You can effortlessly switch between '맏이', '첫째', '장남/장녀', and '맏형/맏언니' depending on the exact nuance of seniority, gender, and formality required. You can also identify and use rare or archaic terms related to '맏이' in classical literature or period dramas, understanding the full depth of the Confucian hierarchy it represents.

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开始练习例句笔记与提示

맏이 30秒了解

맏이 refers to the eldest child in a family, emphasizing their position and the cultural expectations of responsibility and maturity.
It is a gender-neutral noun, distinct from '첫째' (the first one) and formal Hanja terms like '장남' (eldest son).
The word is pronounced [마지] (ma-ji) due to a specific Korean phonological rule called palatalization.
Culturally, being a 맏이 involves a blend of pride, duty, and the pressure to set an example for younger siblings.

The Korean word 맏이 (mad-i) is a deeply resonant noun used to identify the eldest child in a family. While the English term 'eldest child' is a functional description, in the Korean linguistic and cultural landscape, 맏이 carries a significant weight of social expectation, historical duty, and interpersonal dynamics. It is not merely a marker of birth order but a title that suggests a specific role within the family hierarchy. Traditionally, the 맏이 was seen as the secondary pillar of the household, expected to assist parents and lead younger siblings with a sense of maturity that often exceeded their years.

Etymological Root: The word is a combination of the prefix '맏-' (mad-), which signifies 'first' or 'eldest' in a kinship context, and the noun-deriving suffix '-이' (-i), which turns the adjective-like root into a person-identifier. This structure is common in Korean for designating roles within a group.

집안의 맏이로서 책임감이 아주 큽니다. (As the eldest of the house, the sense of responsibility is very great.)

In contemporary South Korea, although family structures have become more nuclear and less patriarchal, the concept of the 'K-맏이' (Korean Eldest) persists in media and psychology. It refers to the 'eldest child syndrome' where the firstborn feels a compulsive need to be successful and supportive to justify their position. You will hear this word used in formal introductions, during family reunions like Chuseok or Seollal, and in psychological contexts discussing personality traits. It is gender-neutral, unlike '장남' (eldest son) or '장녀' (eldest daughter), making it a versatile term for any firstborn child regardless of their sex.

When people use 맏이, they are often emphasizing the relationship between that child and the rest of the family. If a parent says, "우리 맏이가 이번에 취직했어요" (Our eldest got a job), there is an underlying tone of pride and relief, as the eldest's success is often seen as the first step in the family's collective advancement. It is a word of both honor and burden, reflecting the Confucian values that still permeate Korean social structures, where age and order define one's duties and speech levels.

Social Context: In social gatherings, being identified as the 맏이 often prompts comments about looking 'reliable' (든든하다) or 'mature' (의젓하다). It is a key part of one's identity in Korea.

그는 형제들 중 맏이답게 행동했다. (He acted like the eldest among the siblings.)

Using 맏이 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun. It can function as the subject, object, or part of a possessive phrase. Unlike ordinal numbers, it doesn't usually modify other nouns directly without a particle. For example, you wouldn't say '맏이 아들' (which sounds redundant), but rather '맏아들'. However, 맏이 itself stands alone perfectly to represent the person.

Grammatical Placement: As a noun, it often takes the particles -는/은 (topic), -가/이 (subject), or -를/을 (object). Example: 맏이가 동생을 돌봐요 (The eldest takes care of the younger sibling).

저는 3남매 중 맏이예요. (I am the eldest among three siblings.)

When describing someone's character using this word, the suffix '-답다' (to be like) is frequently attached. '맏이답다' means to possess the qualities typically expected of an eldest child: being responsible, patient, and caring. Conversely, one might hear '맏이인데도...' (Even though they are the eldest...), used when someone is acting immaturely. This shows how the word is tied to behavioral expectations.

In writing, 맏이 is used in both formal literature and casual blogs. In a story, the 맏이 is often the protagonist who sacrifices for the family. In a diary entry, one might write about the pressure of being the 맏이. It is important to note the pronunciation: due to palatalization, it is pronounced as [마지] (ma-ji), not [마디]. Mispronouncing this is a common beginner mistake.

Comparison with '첫째': '첫째' can mean 'firstly' in a list of points. '맏이' can never be used to list points; it only ever refers to a person.

우리 집 맏이는 공부를 잘해요. (The eldest in our house is good at studying.)

You will encounter 맏이 in various settings ranging from intimate family kitchens to national television dramas. In the context of a Korean home, a mother might call out to her children, referring to the oldest as '우리 맏이' when speaking to a neighbor or relative. It carries a sense of endearment and status. In K-Dramas, the '맏이' character is a trope—usually the one working three jobs to pay for their younger brother's university tuition. This reflects the historical reality of many Koreans during the rapid economic development of the 20th century.

In Media: Dramas like 'Reply 1988' heavily feature the dynamics of being the 맏이 (Bo-ra), showing the friction between the expectations of the role and the individual's desires.

"맏이가 잘해야 집안이 일어선다." (The house rises only if the eldest does well.) - A common traditional proverb-like saying.

In academic or psychological discussions, you'll hear about '맏이 콤플렉스' (Eldest Child Complex). This refers to the psychological pressure felt by the firstborn to be perfect. If you attend a Korean wedding, the 맏이 of each family is often given specific roles or recognized in speeches. Even in workplace settings, if a boss finds out an employee is a 맏이, they might jokingly (or seriously) assume the employee is naturally a good leader or more responsible than a '막내' (youngest child).

Listening to podcasts or variety shows (like 'Return of Superman'), you'll hear parents discussing their children's growth. They often compare the 맏이's behavior to the younger ones, saying things like "역시 맏이라 다르네요" (As expected, because they are the eldest, they are different/better). This reinforces the social construct of the firstborn as a role model.

Usage in Literature: Novels often use the term to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to highlight the sacrifices made by the older generation for their siblings.

그녀는 동생들에게 늘 든든한 맏이였다. (She was always a reliable eldest sibling to her younger ones.)

One of the most frequent errors learners make with 맏이 is related to its pronunciation. Due to the 't-palatalization' rule in Korean, when the final consonant 'ㄷ' (d/t) is followed by the vowel '이' (i), it changes its sound to 'ㅈ' (j). Therefore, 맏이 is pronounced [마지] (ma-ji). Beginners often try to pronounce it literally as [마디] (ma-di), which sounds like the word for 'joint' or 'knot', leading to confusion.

Pronunciation Error: Incorrect: [Ma-di] | Correct: [Ma-ji]. This is a fundamental phonological rule (구개음화) that applies to this word.

"맏이 [마지]라고 발음해야 해요." (You must pronounce it as [ma-ji].)

Another mistake is confusing 맏이 with '첫째' (cheot-jae). While both refer to the first child, '첫째' is an ordinal number. You can say '첫째, 둘째, 셋째...' to list things, but you cannot say '맏이, 둘째, 셋째...'. 맏이 is a specific title for a person. Additionally, learners sometimes use '맏이' when they specifically mean 'eldest son' (장남) or 'eldest daughter' (장녀). If the gender is important to specify, using the more specific terms is better, though 맏이 is never technically wrong.

Finally, some learners forget that 맏이 is a noun and try to use it as an adjective. You cannot say '맏이 동생' to mean 'the eldest of my younger siblings' (which is a logical contradiction anyway). If you want to say 'eldest brother', you use '맏형' (mad-hyeong). If you want to say 'eldest sister', you use '맏언니' (mad-eonni). 맏이 is the person themselves, not a modifier.

Vocabulary Confusion: Confusing 맏이 with 맏아들 (eldest son). 맏이 is neutral; 맏아들 is male-specific.

틀린 표현: 맏이 포인트 (First point) - X | 옳은 표현: 첫 번째 포인트 - O

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for 맏이 helps in choosing the right word for the right level of formality and specificity. The most common alternative is 첫째 (cheot-jae). While 맏이 sounds a bit more traditional and focuses on the person's role, 첫째 is the standard way to say 'the first one' in a sequence of siblings. In everyday conversation, '우리 첫째' is perhaps more frequent than '우리 맏이'.

Comparison: 맏이 vs. 첫째

맏이: Focuses on the status and responsibility (The Eldest).
첫째: Focuses on the numerical order (The First).

장남(長男)은 한자의 영향으로 훨씬 공식적인 느낌을 줍니다. (Jang-nam, due to Hanja influence, gives a much more formal feeling.)

Then there are gender-specific terms derived from Hanja (Chinese characters). 장남 (jang-nam) refers specifically to the eldest son, and 장녀 (jang-nyeol) refers specifically to the eldest daughter. These terms are used in legal documents, formal news reports, or very traditional settings. If a family has only daughters, the eldest is the 장녀. If they have both, the firstborn is the 맏이, but if the firstborn is a girl, she is the 장녀.

For specific sibling relationships, you use 맏형 (mad-hyeong) for the eldest brother (used by males), 맏오빠 (mad-oppa) for the eldest brother (used by females), 맏언니 (mad-eonni) for the eldest sister (used by females), and 맏누나 (mad-nuna) for the eldest sister (used by males). These terms combine the '맏-' prefix with the standard sibling terms, creating a specific title for the person at the top of the sibling hierarchy.

Antonyms: The direct opposite of 맏이 is 막내 (mang-nae), which means the youngest child. Just as 맏이 implies responsibility, 막내 often implies being the 'baby' of the family, regardless of actual age.

맏이와 막내의 성격은 보통 아주 다릅니다. (The personalities of the eldest and the youngest are usually very different.)

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The prefix '맏-' can also be used for agricultural products, like '맏물' (the first harvest of the season).

发音指南

UK /ma.d͡ʑi/

US /mɑː.d͡ʒi/

The stress is equal on both syllables, typical of Korean word structure.

押韵词

가지 (ga-ji) 바지 (ba-ji) 강아지 (gang-a-ji) 아바지 (a-ba-ji - dialect for father) 천지 (cheon-ji) 단지 (dan-ji) 반지 (ban-ji) 편지 (pyeon-ji)

常见错误

Pronouncing it as [ma-di] instead of [ma-ji].
Over-stressing the 'mad' syllable.
Failing to link the syllables naturally.
Confusing the spelling '맏이' with '마지' (which is the pronunciation but not the spelling).
Pronouncing the final 'i' as a long 'ee' like in English.

难度评级

阅读 2/5

Easy to read but requires knowing the palatalization rule for correct mental sounding.

写作 2/5

Simple spelling, but must remember it starts with '맏' not '마'.

口语 3/5

Requires correct [ma-ji] pronunciation to sound natural.

听力 3/5

Might be confused with '마지' (the last) if not careful with context.

接下来学什么

前置知识

가족 동생 첫째 언니/오빠/형/누나 부모님

接下来学习

막내 외동 형제 남매 책임감

高级

장남 장녀 가부장제 제사 상속

需要掌握的语法

Palatalization (구개음화)

맏이 is pronounced [마지] because 'ㄷ' meets 'ㅣ'.

Noun + 로서 (Status/Role)

맏이로서 (As the eldest child).

Noun + 답다 (To be like)

맏이답다 (To act/be like an eldest child).

Pure Korean vs Hanja

맏이 (Native) vs 장남/장녀 (Hanja).

-임에도 불구하고 (Despite being)

맏이임에도 불구하고 (Despite being the eldest).

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按水平分级的例句

우리 집 맏이는 대학생이에요.

The eldest in our house is a college student.

맏이 is the subject with the particle -는.

저는 맏이예요.

I am the eldest child.

Standard A is B sentence using -예요.

맏이가 동생을 봐요.

The eldest watches the younger sibling.

맏이 as a subject acting on an object.

우리 맏이는 아주 착해요.

Our eldest is very kind.

Adjective description of the noun.

누가 맏이입니까?

Who is the eldest?

Formal question form -입니까.

제 친구는 맏이입니다.

My friend is the eldest.

Formal statement form -입니다.

맏이와 막내가 놀아요.

The eldest and the youngest are playing.

Use of -와 (and) to connect nouns.

이 아이가 맏이예요?

Is this child the eldest?

Interrogative with -예요?

맏이로서 동생들을 챙겨야 해요.

As the eldest, I have to take care of my younger siblings.

-로서 indicates status or role.

맏이는 보통 책임감이 강해요.

The eldest usually has a strong sense of responsibility.

Generalization using the topic particle.

우리 맏이가 벌써 중학생이 됐어요.

Our eldest has already become a middle school student.

-이/가 되다 (to become).

맏이라서 양보를 많이 해요.

Because I'm the eldest, I concede a lot.

-라서 indicates a reason.

맏이가 누구인지 모르겠어요.

I don't know who the eldest is.

Indirect question -인지.

맏이답게 의젓한 모습이네요.

You look mature, just like an eldest should.

-답게 indicates 'acting like'.

맏이한테 물어보세요.

Ask the eldest.

-한테 (to/from a person).

맏이의 생일 파티를 해요.

We are having the eldest's birthday party.

Possessive particle -의.

맏이라서 항상 모범을 보여야 한다는 압박감이 있어요.

Because I'm the eldest, there's pressure to always set an example.

-는다는 압박감 (pressure that...).

그녀는 맏이답게 집안일을 잘 도와드려요.

True to her role as the eldest, she helps well with housework.

-답게 (worthily of/like).

맏이가 잘되어야 동생들도 잘된다고들 하죠.

They say the younger ones do well only if the eldest does well.

-어야 (conditional 'only if').

맏이임에도 불구하고 애교가 많아요.

Despite being the eldest, they have a lot of 'aegyo' (charm).

-임에도 불구하고 (despite being).

맏이로서의 의무감이 때로는 힘들게 느껴져요.

The sense of duty as an eldest sometimes feels difficult.

-로서의 (as a... [possessive]).

어릴 때부터 맏이 노릇을 톡톡히 했어요.

Since childhood, I've played my role as the eldest perfectly.

노릇을 하다 (to play a role/act as).

맏이가 동생들의 학비를 댔어요.

The eldest paid for the younger siblings' tuition.

Historical/cultural context of sacrifice.

맏이라서 부모님 말씀을 더 잘 들어야 했어요.

Because I was the eldest, I had to listen to my parents more.

-어야 했다 (had to).

맏이에게 주어지는 기대치가 가끔은 버겁기도 합니다.

The expectations placed on the eldest are sometimes overwhelming.

주어지는 (given/assigned).

맏이 콤플렉스 때문에 완벽주의자가 된 것 같아요.

I think I became a perfectionist because of the eldest child complex.

Psychological terminology.

형제들 사이에서 맏이의 역할은 중재자이기도 해요.

The role of the eldest among siblings is also that of a mediator.

Role description.

맏이가 희생하는 시대는 이제 지났다고 생각해요.

I think the era where the eldest sacrifices is now over.

Societal commentary.

맏이라서 참는 법을 일찍 배웠나 봐요.

I guess I learned how to endure early because I'm the eldest.

-나 보다 (I guess/it seems).

그는 맏이로서 가업을 이어받기로 결심했습니다.

He decided to take over the family business as the eldest.

Formal decision structure.

맏이가 결혼을 하니 집안 분위기가 달라지네요.

Since the eldest is getting married, the family atmosphere is changing.

-니 (causal/sequential).

맏이의 어깨가 무거워 보이는군요.

The eldest's shoulders look heavy (burdened).

Metaphorical expression of burden.

한국 사회에서 맏이는 가문의 계승자라는 상징적 의미가 컸다.

In Korean society, the eldest had a strong symbolic meaning as the successor of the clan.

Historical analysis.

맏이의 희생 위에 세워진 가정의 평화는 위태로울 수 있다.

Family peace built upon the sacrifice of the eldest can be precarious.

Literary/abstract tone.

전통적인 맏이의 권위가 핵가족화로 인해 점차 약화되고 있다.

The traditional authority of the eldest is gradually weakening due to nuclearization of families.

Academic register.

맏이로서 겪는 심리적 압박은 생애 전반에 영향을 미친다.

The psychological pressure experienced as an eldest affects the entire lifespan.

Formal research tone.

그는 맏이답지 않은 무책임한 행동으로 비난을 받았다.

He was criticized for his irresponsible behavior, which was unlike an eldest.

-답지 않은 (unlike/unworthy of).

맏이의 존재는 동생들에게 때로는 부모와 같은 존재였다.

The existence of the eldest was sometimes like a parent to the younger siblings.

Metaphorical comparison.

맏이로서의 명분과 개인의 자유 사이에서 갈등했다.

Conflict arose between the justification of being the eldest and individual freedom.

Internal conflict description.

가족 내 맏이의 위상은 시대의 흐름에 따라 변모해 왔다.

The status of the eldest within the family has transformed according to the flow of the times.

Historical transformation.

맏이의 숙명적 책임감은 한국 근현대사 속에서 가족을 지탱하는 근간이었다.

The fateful responsibility of the eldest was the foundation that sustained families in modern Korean history.

High-level historical synthesis.

가부장적 체제 하에서 맏이, 특히 장남에게 부여된 특권과 의무는 양날의 검과 같았다.

Under the patriarchal system, the privileges and duties granted to the eldest, especially the eldest son, were like a double-edged sword.

Complex metaphor and formal vocabulary.

맏이라는 이름의 무게가 한 개인의 자아 형성에 미치는 영향은 지대하다.

The influence that the weight of the name 'eldest' has on an individual's self-formation is profound.

Philosophical/psychological depth.

최근 'K-맏딸' 담론은 맏이로서 감내해야 했던 정서적 노동을 재조명하고 있다.

Recent 'K-eldest daughter' discourses are re-illuminating the emotional labor that had to be endured as an eldest.

Contemporary sociological discourse.

맏이의 권위가 해체된 자리에 새로운 형태의 형제간 유대가 형성되고 있다.

A new form of sibling bond is being formed in the place where the authority of the eldest has been dismantled.

Sociological observation.

맏이의 자기희생적 면모는 한국 문학의 전형적인 페르소나 중 하나로 자리 잡았다.

The self-sacrificing aspect of the eldest has established itself as one of the typical personas in Korean literature.

Literary criticism terminology.

맏이가 가졌던 가부장적 계승권은 법적, 제도적으로 이미 그 실효성을 상실했다.

The patriarchal succession rights held by the eldest have already lost their legal and institutional effectiveness.

Legal/institutional register.

맏이의 정체성은 단순히 출생 순서를 넘어 유교적 가치관의 집약체라 할 수 있다.

The identity of the eldest can be said to be an accumulation of Confucian values, going beyond simple birth order.

Deep cultural synthesis.

常见搭配

맏이 노릇

집안의 맏이

맏이답다

맏이 콤플렉스

든든한 맏이

맏이의 책임

맏이와 막내

맏이로 자라다

맏이의 희생

맏이 티를 내다

常用短语

맏이가 잘되어야 한다

— The belief that the eldest must succeed for the family to prosper.

옛날 어른들은 맏이가 잘되어야 한다고 믿으셨다.

맏이는 살림 밑천

— A saying (usually for daughters) that the eldest is the family's best asset.

맏딸은 살림 밑천이라더니 정말 큰 도움이 된다.

맏이 노릇을 톡톡히 하다

— To perform the role of the eldest perfectly.

그는 이번 제사에서 맏이 노릇을 톡톡히 했다.

맏이라서 그렇다

— Attributing a person's personality or behavior to their birth order.

그가 의젓한 건 맏이라서 그래요.

맏이의 무게

— The heavy burden or pressure felt by the eldest child.

그는 맏이의 무게를 견디며 살아왔다.

맏이답지 못하다

— Not acting with the maturity expected of an eldest child.

나이가 서른인데 아직 맏이답지 못하다.

맏이가 앞장서다

— The eldest taking the lead in family matters.

집안일에 항상 맏이가 앞장선다.

맏이에게 의지하다

— Parents or siblings relying on the eldest.

부모님은 돌아가시기 전까지 맏이에게 의지하셨다.

맏이의 권위

— The authority held by the eldest in the family.

요즘 세상에 맏이의 권위가 어디 있나요?

맏이로 태어나다

— To be born as the first child.

그는 5남매 중 맏이로 태어났다.

容易混淆的词

맏이 vs 첫째

첫째 is for counting; 맏이 is the specific title for the person.

맏이 vs 마지 (m-aji)

This is the pronunciation of 맏이, but '마지' as a word can mean 'the last' in certain dialects or contexts (마지-못해).

맏이 vs 맏이 (pronounced incorrectly as ma-di)

Confused with '마디' which means a joint or a section of a song/text.

习语与表达

"맏딸은 살림 밑천이다"

— The eldest daughter is the foundation of the household's economy/management.

우리 집 맏딸은 살림 밑천이라 정말 든든해요.

Colloquial/Traditional

"맏이가 잘해야 집안이 일어난다"

— The family prospers only if the eldest child succeeds.

어머니는 늘 맏이가 잘해야 집안이 일어난다고 말씀하셨다.

Traditional

"맏이 노릇 하기"

— Fulfilling the difficult duties of being the firstborn.

맏이 노릇 하기가 참 쉽지 않네요.

Neutral

"맏이 콤플렉스"

— Psychological pressure to be perfect as the eldest child.

그녀는 맏이 콤플렉스 때문에 항상 긴장하며 산다.

Psychological

"맏이답다"

— To have the characteristics of a responsible eldest child.

철수는 어린 나이에도 참 맏이답다.

Neutral

"맏이 티"

— The 'vibe' or behavior characteristic of an eldest child.

그는 어디 가나 맏이 티가 난다.

Informal

"맏이가 기둥이다"

— The eldest child is the main pillar (support) of the family.

아버지가 돌아가신 후 맏이가 기둥이 되었다.

Metaphorical

"맏이가 길을 닦다"

— The eldest child paves the way for the younger ones.

맏이가 길을 잘 닦아 놓으니 동생들이 편하다.

Metaphorical

"맏이 바람"

— The influence or trend set by the eldest child in a family.

맏이 바람이 무섭다고, 동생들이 다 형을 따라 하네요.

Informal

"맏이의 대물림"

— The passing down of responsibilities to the eldest of the next generation.

맏이의 대물림은 한국 사회의 오랜 관습이었다.

Sociological

容易混淆

맏이 vs 첫째

Both mean 'first'.

첫째 is an ordinal (1st), 맏이 is a noun for the person. You can have a '첫째 아들', but you are just '맏이'.

첫째로 할 일 (First thing to do) vs 우리 집 맏이 (Our eldest child).

맏이 vs 장남

Both refer to the eldest.

장남 is specifically male and very formal/Hanja-based. 맏이 is gender-neutral and native Korean.

가문의 장남 (The eldest son of the clan).

맏이 vs 맏아들

Both refer to the eldest.

맏아들 is 맏이 + 아들 (son). 맏이 is the general term.

그는 우리 맏아들이에요.

맏이 vs 막내

They are opposites in the same category.

맏이 is the first; 막내 is the last.

맏이와 막내.

맏이 vs 외동

An only child is technically the first born.

You only use 맏이 when there are other siblings to compare with. An only child is just '외동'.

저는 외동딸이에요.

句型

저는 [Number] 남매 중 맏이예요.

저는 3남매 중 맏이예요.

맏이라서 [Verb/Adj].

맏이라서 양보를 많이 해요.

맏이로서 [Noun]을/를 해야 해요.

맏이로서 동생들을 돌봐야 해요.

맏이답게 [Adverb] [Verb].

맏이답게 의젓하게 행동해요.

맏이 노릇을 하기가 [Adj].

맏이 노릇을 하기가 쉽지 않아요.

맏이임에도 불구하고 [Sentence].

맏이임에도 불구하고 아주 애 같아요.

맏이라는 이름의 무게.

맏이라는 이름의 무게를 견디다.

맏이의 존재가 주는 [Noun].

맏이의 존재가 주는 든든함.

词族

名词

맏아들 (eldest son)

맏딸 (eldest daughter)

맏형 (eldest brother for male)

맏언니 (eldest sister for female)

맏오빠 (eldest brother for female)

맏누나 (eldest sister for male)

形容词

맏이답다 (to be like an eldest child)

如何使用

frequency

Very frequent in family contexts and psychological discussions.

常见错误

Pronouncing 맏이 as [ma-di]. → [ma-ji]
The rule of palatalization (구개음화) turns ㄷ + 이 into ㅈ.
Using 맏이 to count objects. → 첫 번째
맏이 only refers to people (birth order), not sequences of things.
Writing it as 마지. → 맏이
마지 is the pronunciation, but 맏이 is the correct etymological spelling.
Saying '맏이 아들'. → 맏아들 or 첫째 아들
맏이 is a noun itself. Using it as a modifier for 'son' is redundant or awkward.
Assuming 맏이 only means eldest son. → 맏아들 (son) / 맏딸 (daughter)
맏이 is gender-neutral. Don't assume the gender unless specified.

小贴士

The 'J' Sound

Always remember the palatalization. 맏이 sounds like 'Maji'. Don't let the 'ㄷ' fool you into saying 'Madi'!

Responsibility

When you use 맏이, you are invoking a sense of duty. Use it to praise someone's maturity.

Sibling Terms

Combine '맏' with other terms: 맏형, 맏언니, 맏오빠, 맏누나 for specific seniority.

Topic Particle

Use '맏이는...' to start a general statement about eldest children's traits.

맏이 vs 첫째

Use 맏이 for the person's role/identity and 첫째 for the birth order number.

Icebreaker

Asking '맏이세요?' is a great way to start a conversation about family in Korea.

Spelling

Double-check the 'ㄷ' patchim. It's a common spelling bee mistake for kids!

Context Clues

If you hear '마지' in a family context, it's almost certainly 맏이.

Eldest Syndrome

Understand that being a 맏이 in Korea often means sacrificing personal desires for the group.

Gender Neutrality

Use 맏이 when you don't want to emphasize gender, or when the gender is already known.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'Mad-i' as the 'Main' child. The 'M' in Mad-i stands for 'Main' or 'Mature'.

视觉联想

Imagine a tall child holding the hands of two smaller children, acting as a bridge or a protector.

Word Web

가족 (Family) 책임 (Responsibility) 첫째 (First) 동생 (Younger sibling) 부모님 (Parents) 성숙 (Maturity) 희생 (Sacrifice) 장남/장녀 (Eldest son/daughter)

挑战

Try to describe your birth order using '맏이' or '막내' to three different people today.

词源

Derived from the Middle Korean prefix '맏' (mat-), which meant 'first' or 'great', and the suffix '-이' (-i) used to indicate a person or thing.

原始含义： The first-born person.

Koreanic (Native Korean word).

文化背景

Be careful when assuming a 맏이 is always happy with their role; many feel significant pressure or resentment regarding their family duties.

In Western cultures, 'firstborns' are often discussed in terms of personality traits (leaders, high achievers), which aligns well with the Korean concept of 맏이.

The drama '맏이' (The Eldest) (2013), which depicts the lives of five siblings. Sung Bo-ra from 'Reply 1988' is a classic example of a 맏이. The term 'K-맏딸' (K-Eldest Daughter) is a viral social concept in Korea.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Family Introduction

저는 맏이입니다.
우리 맏이가...
맏이로서 인사드립니다.
삼 남매 중 맏이예요.

Discussing Personality

맏이답게 의젓하네요.
맏이라서 책임감이 강해요.
맏이 콤플렉스가 있어요.
전혀 맏이 안 같아요.

Family Responsibilities

맏이가 동생들을 돌봐요.
맏이 노릇 하기가 힘들어요.
맏이가 앞장서야죠.
맏이의 희생이 컸어요.

Traditional Rituals

맏이가 제사를 주관해요.
맏이의 역할이 중요해요.
맏아들이 가업을 이어요.
맏며느리의 고충.

Psychology/Advice

맏이로 자란 사람의 특징.
맏이에게 너무 부담 주지 마세요.
맏이의 스트레스 해소법.
맏이와 막내의 궁합.

对话开场白

"형제 중에 맏이이신가요? (Are you the eldest among your siblings?)"

"맏이로 자라면서 가장 힘들었던 점이 뭐예요? (What was the hardest thing about growing up as the eldest?)"

"사람들은 보통 당신이 맏이인 걸 바로 알아차리나요? (Do people usually notice right away that you are the eldest?)"

"맏이로서 동생들에게 어떤 조언을 해주고 싶으세요? (As the eldest, what advice do you want to give your younger siblings?)"

"한국 드라마에서 맏이 캐릭터를 본 적이 있나요? (Have you seen an eldest child character in a Korean drama?)"

日记主题

내가 만약 맏이가 아니라 막내로 태어났다면 내 성격은 어떻게 달랐을까? (If I were born as the youngest instead of the eldest, how would my personality be different?)

우리 가족에서 맏이의 역할은 무엇이라고 생각하는가? (What do you think the role of the eldest is in your family?)

맏이로서 느끼는 책임감에 대해 써 보세요. (Write about the sense of responsibility you feel as an eldest.)

맏이 콤플렉스라는 말에 동의하는가? (Do you agree with the term 'eldest child complex'?)

미래에 자녀를 낳는다면, 맏이에게 어떤 기대를 할 것인가? (If you have children in the future, what expectations will you have for the eldest?)

常见问题

10 个问题

No, 맏이 is gender-neutral. It can refer to the eldest son or the eldest daughter. For gender-specific terms, you use 맏아들 or 맏딸.

It is pronounced [마지] (ma-ji). The 'ㄷ' sound changes to 'ㅈ' when it meets the '이' vowel. This is a common rule in Korean.

It's not necessarily more formal, but it sounds more traditional and role-oriented. 첫째 is more common in casual, numerical descriptions.

Yes, you can use it for the firstborn of a litter of animals, though '첫째' or '맏배' is also common in that context.

It refers to the psychological pressure or 'Eldest Child Syndrome' where the firstborn feels they must be perfect and responsible for others.

No, that's contradictory. '맏이' is the oldest, and '동생' is a younger sibling. You could say '맏이와 동생들'.

Historically, due to Confucianism, the eldest (especially the son) was responsible for family rituals and supporting the parents in old age.

Yes, it's very common, especially when discussing personality types or family dynamics on social media.

맏이 is a native Korean word and neutral. 장남 is a Hanja word (長男) and specifically means 'eldest son'.

No, it is strictly a noun. However, you can add '-답다' to make it an adjective (맏이답다).

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