When learning Korean, one thing that surprises many beginners is how specific family titles can be. In English, “grandparents” is one broad term. In Korean, however, the words you use often change depending on which side of the family (father’s or mother’s) you’re talking about.
Let’s break it down clearly.
The Basic Word for “Grandparents” (Umbrella Term)
If you need an umbrella term for “grandparents,” you can use:
조부모 (jobumo)
It literally means “grandfather and grandmother.”
You’ll most often see 조부모 in:
- writing (books, essays)
- school materials
- formal speech
- documents
Example
저는 조부모님과 같이 살아요.
I live with my grandparents.
In everyday conversation, Koreans usually don’t say 조부모 very often. Instead, people normally use the specific titles for “grandpa” and “grandma.”
Paternal vs. Maternal Grandparents (Why the Words Change)
Korean can distinguish between the father’s side and the mother’s side of the family. The key point is:
- 할아버지 / 할머니 are the general, everyday words for “grandfather / grandmother” (either side).
- 외- is added when you want to specify that you mean the mother’s side (maternal).
Grandfather (General): 할아버지
할아버지 (harabeoji) means “grandpa” or “grandfather.”
It’s the most common word for “grandfather,” and it can also be used politely to address an elderly man who is not related to you.
Example
할아버지는 시골에 살아요.
My grandfather lives in the countryside.
Grandmother (General): 할머니
할머니 (halmeoni) means “grandma” or “grandmother.”
This is both the family title and a respectful way to address an older woman.
Example
할머니는 요리를 정말 잘하세요.
My grandmother is really good at cooking.
Maternal Grandparents (Mother’s Side)
This is where many English speakers get confused at first.
Grandfather (Mother’s Father): 외할아버지
외할아버지 (oe-harabeoji) means “maternal grandfather.”
The prefix 외 (oe) can mean “outside,” reflecting a traditional way of describing the mother’s side of the family.
Example
외할아버지는 서울에 살아요.
My maternal grandfather lives in Seoul.
Grandmother (Mother’s Mother): 외할머니
외할머니 (oe-halmeoni) means “maternal grandmother.”
Same structure, same logic.
Example
저는 외할머니를 자주 뵈어요.
I see my maternal grandmother often.
What Do You Call Them Directly?
When you’re speaking to your grandparents (not just talking about them), Koreans usually keep it simple:
- 할아버지 (grandpa)
- 할머니 (grandma)
Even if they’re on your mother’s side, it’s very common to drop 외- in direct conversation— similar to saying “Grandma” instead of “my maternal grandmother” in English.
Honorifics Matter (님)
You may also see 님 added to show extra respect, especially in more formal contexts:
- 조부모님 (grandparents + honorific)
- 할아버지 / 할머니 (already polite as-is, but tone and context still matter)
Within a family, you don’t always need to add extra honorifics beyond the normal titles— but being respectful is always important in Korean.
Quick Overview (Easy to Remember)
- Grandparents (general / umbrella): 조부모 (jobumo)
- Grandfather (general): 할아버지 (harabeoji)
- Grandmother (general): 할머니 (halmeoni)
- Grandfather (mother’s side): 외할아버지 (oe-harabeoji)
- Grandmother (mother’s side): 외할머니 (oe-halmeoni)
If you remember nothing else, remember this:
Korean family titles are all about accuracy and respect—especially when you want to clearly
distinguish father’s side vs. mother’s side.
