Korean word

웃어른

Pronunciation

Romanizationuseoreun

Meaning

  • nounelder

Example

여기에는 웃어른이 많아서 예의를 지켜야 해요.yeo gi e neun u seo reu ni ma na seo ye ui reul chi kyeo ya hae yo

There are many older people here, so we have to be polite.

Illustration for 웃어른 (elder)

More examples

처음 만난 자리에서 웃어른께 먼저 인사했어요.cheo eum man nan cha ri e seo u seo reun kke meon jeo in sa hae sseo yo

I greeted the elder first when we first met.

Core concept

A respected person who stands above others in age or social position.

Common phrases

  • 웃어른께 인사하다u seo reun kke in sa ha da

    greet an elder

  • 웃어른을 공경하다u seo reu neul kong gyeong ha da

    respect an elder

  • 웃어른에게 예의를 갖추다u seo reu ne ge ye ui reul kat chu da

    show respect to an elder

Similar words

어른eoreun: An adult who has moved beyond childhood and is expected to act responsibly.
어르신eoreusin: A courteous form of address for an older person.
윗사람witssaram: A higher-ranking or older person within a social group.
선배seonbae: A group member with greater seniority through earlier entry or longer experience.

Definition in Korean

집단에서 나이나 지위 면에서 위에 있는 사람을 정중히 가리키는 말chip tta ne seo na i na chi wi myeo ne seo wi e in neun sa ra meul cheong jung hi ka ri ki neun mal

Word origin

The modern form is a shortened development of an older Korean compound built from the ideas of being above and being an adult or respected person.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may hear elder as a family word, but this Korean term also fits respectful references to senior people in schools, clubs, and workplaces.

Other meanings

  • seniornoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word