Korean Dictionary
How to say "Age and hierarchy" in Korean
“Age and hierarchy” in Korean is 나이와 위계 (pronounced "Naiwi wigye").
나이와 위계
Naiwi wigye
Usage & Context
Age differences profoundly shape Korean social interactions. Even being one year older changes how you're addressed (using informal vs. formal speech). Koreans often ask age early in conversations to calibrate appropriate speech levels. This Confucian-influenced hierarchy is central to Korean social structure.
Example Sentence
한국에서는 나이에 따라 말투가 달라져요.
In Korea, the way you speak changes according to age.
How to use 나이와 위계 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Age and hierarchy” is 나이와 위계, romanized as Naiwi wigye.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 나이와 위계.
Pronunciation Guide
The word '나이' (na-i) sounds like 'nah-ee', with 'nah' as in 'nah, I don't think so' and 'ee' like 'eye'. '와' (wa) is pronounced like 'wah'. '위계' (wi-gye) sounds like 'wee-gye', with 'wee' as in 'we' and 'gye' like 'gay' but with a softer 'g' sound, almost like 'kye'. Put it together: 'Nah-ee-wah wee-gye'.
More Example Sentences
Describing a fundamental aspect of Korean social structure.
한국 사회에서는 나이와 위계가 중요해요.
In Korean society, age and hierarchy are important.
Explaining workplace etiquette in Korea.
회사에서는 나이와 위계를 존중해야 합니다.
At work, you must respect age and hierarchy.
Acknowledging potential downsides of the hierarchical system.
나이와 위계 때문에 불편한 상황도 생길 수 있어요.
Uncomfortable situations can also arise due to age and hierarchy.
Cultural Context
Age and hierarchy (나이와 위계) are deeply ingrained in Korean culture, largely influenced by Confucianism. This dictates everything from how you address someone (using 존댓말 or 반말) to who pours drinks or sits where. Koreans often ask about age early in conversations to establish the appropriate speech level and social dynamic. Understanding this concept is crucial for navigating social interactions, whether in daily life, K-dramas, or K-pop fan culture.
Editorial note
We review entries like 나이와 위계 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
나이 차이
age difference
나이 서열
age order/ranking
위계 질서
hierarchical order
Related Expressions
존댓말
jondaenmal
honorific speech
반말
banmal
casual speech
호칭
hoching
titles/terms of address
유교 문화
yugyo munhwa
Confucian culture
More Culture Words
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