If you’re learning Korean, one of the first family words you’ll encounter is “father.” It may seem simple at first, but Korean actually has several different ways to say it, depending on who is speaking, who they’re talking about, and how formal the situation is.
Some terms are casual and affectionate. Others are polite or formal. And one is the word most people actually use to call their own dad at home.
Let’s break it down in a clear and practical way.
아빠 (appa) – “Dad” (informal and affectionate)
아빠 is the most common and natural word children use to call their father. It’s warm, casual, and used every day in family settings.
You’ll hear 아빠:
- At home
- Among family members
- In casual conversation about your own father
Example:
아빠, 오늘 몇 시에 와?
Dad, what time are you coming home today?
If you’re talking directly to your dad or casually mentioning your own father, 아빠 is usually the right choice.
아버지 (abeoji) – “Father” (formal or neutral)
아버지 is a more formal and neutral term. It’s commonly used in writing, speeches, textbooks, or polite conversation.
You’ll hear or see 아버지:
- In textbooks and formal examples
- In speeches or written language
- When talking politely about someone else’s father
- When speaking formally about your own father
Example:
아버지는 회사원입니다.
My father is an office worker.
While 아버지 is respectful, it usually sounds too formal for everyday family conversation. Most people do not call their dad 아버지 at home.
아버님 (abeonim) – someone else’s father (very polite)
아버님 is an honorific form used to show extra respect. It is typically used for someone else’s father, not your own.
You might use 아버님:
- When talking about your spouse’s father
- When speaking to elders
- When referring politely to a friend’s father
Example:
아버님은 건강하세요?
Is your father in good health?
Using 아버님 for your own father would sound unusual unless you’re being intentionally formal or joking.
아빠 vs 아버지 – which one should you use?
Here’s the simplest way to think about it:
- 아빠 → what you call your dad
- 아버지 → how you refer to “father” in formal or polite situations
Many Koreans switch between these terms depending on who they are talking to and the tone of the conversation.
- Talking to your dad → 아빠
- Talking about your dad casually → 아빠
- Talking about your dad formally → 아버지
There are no complicated rules—just context and tone.
Quick summary
- 아빠 = Dad (casual, affectionate, most common)
- 아버지 = Father (formal or neutral)
- 아버님 = Someone else’s father (very polite)
If you remember just one thing, remember this:
If you’re calling your own dad, 아빠 is almost always the right choice.
