Korean Dictionary
How to say "Family Members" in Korean
“Family Members” in Korean is 가족 (pronounced "Gajok").
가족
Gajok
Usage & Context
가족 (family) is one of the most central concepts in Korean society. Korean families tend to be close-knit and family gatherings during Chuseok and Seollal are major annual events. The concept of 가족 extends beyond immediate family to include extended relatives.
Example Sentence
가족이 함께 있으면 힘든 일도 견딜 수 있어요.
With family together, you can endure difficult times.
How to use 가족 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Family Members” is 가족, romanized as Gajok.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 가족.
Pronunciation Guide
가 (ga) sounds like 'ga' in 'garden'. 족 (jok) sounds like 'joke' but with a slightly harder 'j' sound and a shorter 'o'. The stress is even.
More Example Sentences
Describing a family tradition or activity.
우리 가족은 매년 여름에 바다로 여행을 가요.
Our family goes on a trip to the beach every summer.
Expressing personal joy derived from family time.
가족들과 함께 저녁 식사를 하는 것이 저의 행복이에요.
Having dinner with my family is my happiness.
Highlighting a significant cultural practice.
한국에서는 가족끼리 모여 명절을 보내는 것이 중요해요.
In Korea, it's important for families to gather and spend holidays together.
Cultural Context
Family ('가족') is the cornerstone of Korean society, deeply rooted in Confucian values. The concept extends beyond immediate family to include extended relatives, often with strong hierarchical respect. Major holidays like Chuseok and Seollal are primarily family-centered, involving ancestral rites and large gatherings. Family honor and collective well-being often take precedence over individual desires, shaping many aspects of daily life.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 가족 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
가족사진
family photo
가족여행
family trip
가족 같은 분위기
family-like atmosphere
Related Expressions
친척
Chincheok
relatives
식구
Sikgu
family members (often those living together)
혈육
Hyeollyuk
blood relatives
공동체
Gongdongche
community
More Relationships Words
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