Korean word

효자

Pronunciation

Romanizationhyoja

Meaning

noundutiful son

Example

어머니 생신에 효자처럼 선물을 드렸어요.eo meo ni saeng si ne hyo ja cheo reom seon mu reul teu ryeo sseo yo

I gave my mother a present on her birthday like a dutiful son.

More examples

명절에 친척들 앞에서 그는 효자 소리 들었어요.myeong jeo re chin cheok tteul a pe seo keu neun hyo ja so ri teu reo sseo yo

During the holiday, he was called a dutiful son in front of his relatives.

Core concept

A son recognized for repaying his parents' care through steady help and devotion.

Common phrases

효자 소리 듣다hyo ja so ri teut tta
be called a dutiful son
효자 노릇을 하다hyo ja no reu seul ha da
act as a dutiful son

Similar words

효도hyodo: Care and support given to parents as a way to repay their love and kindness.
효녀hyonyeo: A daughter who cares for her parents and repays their love through helpful actions.
불효자pulhyoja: A son who fails to care for his parents or repay their love.

Definition in Korean

부모를 잘 돌보고 섬기며 효를 실천하는 자식을 가리키는 말로, 주로 아들을 뜻하기도 한다.pu mo reul chal tol bo go seom gi myeo hyo reul sil cheon ha neun cha si geul ka ri ki neun mal lo chu ro a deu reul tteu ta gi do han da

Word origin

Its meaning developed from the traditional idea of a child who practices filial piety, with the term often focusing on a son.

Usage tips

In Korean descriptions of family life, this word can present an ideal of family duty rather than a neutral description of any son.

Opposites

불효자pulhyojaunfilial sonnoun

Related words

효도hyodofilial devotionnoun
효자손hyojasonback scratchernoun