Korean word

어르신

Pronunciation

Romanizationeoreusin

Meaning

  • nounolder person

Example

어르신, 여기 앉으세요.eo reu sin yeo gi an jeu se yo

Please have a seat here.

Illustration for 어르신 (older person)

More examples

버스에서 어르신께 자리를 양보했어요.peo seu e seo eo reu sin kke cha ri reul yang bo hae sseo yo

I gave up my seat to an older person on the bus.

Core concept

An older person referred to with respect.

Common phrases

  • 어르신께 존댓말을 쓰다eo reu sin kke chon daen ma reul sseu da

    use honorifics with an older person

  • 어르신과 대화하다eo reu sin gwa tae hwa ha da

    talk with an older person

Similar words

노인noin: A general description of an elderly person used in factual or public contexts.
고령자koryeongja: A formal label for a person in an older age group, common in government or service information.
나이 드신 분nai teusin pun: A soft and polite expression for a person who is older.
연세 있으신 분yeonse isseusin pun: An especially respectful expression for a person who has lived many years.

Definition in Korean

나이가 많은 사람을 공손하게 높여 부르거나 그들을 가리킬 때 쓰는 명사.na i ga ma neun sa ra meul kong son ha ge no pyeo pu reu geo na keu deu reul ka ri kil ttae sseu neun myeong sa

Word origin

The word developed by adding an honorific suffix to a native Korean term for an adult or elder, making the reference respectful.

Usage tips

  • It is a safe respectful choice in public settings, while a less formal expression may sound warmer among close friends and family.

Opposites

Word lists with this word