Korean Dictionary
How to say "Grandfather" in Korean
“Grandfather” in Korean is 할아버지 (pronounced "Harabeoji").
할아버지
Harabeoji
Usage & Context
Paternal or maternal grandfather. In Korean, different terms can specify paternal (친할아버지) vs maternal (외할아버지) grandparents. Grandparents play an important role in Korean family life, often helping raise grandchildren while parents work. Deep respect for grandparents is a cultural cornerstone.
Example Sentence
할아버지 댁에 설날마다 인사 드리러 가요.
I go to grandfather's house every Lunar New Year to pay my respects.
How to use 할아버지 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Grandfather” is 할아버지, romanized as Harabeoji.
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 할아버지.
Pronunciation Guide
할 (hal) sounds like 'hal' in 'hall'. 아 (a) sounds like 'ah' in 'father'. 버 (beo) sounds like 'buh' in 'butter' (unstressed 'er' sound). 지 (ji) sounds like 'jee' in 'jeep'. The 'ㄹ' (l) sound in '할' is a light 'l' or 'r' sound, often a quick tap of the tongue.
More Example Sentences
Describing a grandfather's daily routine.
저희 할아버지는 매일 아침 산책을 하세요.
My grandfather takes a walk every morning.
Recalling a memory of a grandfather telling stories.
할아버지께서 옛날 이야기를 해주셨어요.
Grandfather told me an old story.
Expressing a wish for a grandfather's longevity and health.
할아버지, 건강하게 오래오래 사세요!
Grandfather, please live long and healthy!
Cultural Context
할아버지 (harabeoji) is the respectful term for grandfather. In Korean culture, grandparents often play a significant role in raising grandchildren, especially in dual-income families. While '할아버지' is a general term, one can specify '친할아버지' (chin-harabeoji) for paternal grandfather and '외할아버지' (oe-harabeoji) for maternal grandfather, reflecting the importance of lineage. Showing deep respect for elders, including grandparents, is a cornerstone of Korean etiquette and family values.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 할아버지 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
할아버지 댁
Grandfather's house (honorific)
할아버지 생신
Grandfather's birthday (honorific)
할아버지 사랑해요
I love you, Grandfather
Related Expressions
할머니
halmeoni
grandmother
친할아버지
chin-harabeoji
paternal grandfather
외할아버지
oe-harabeoji
maternal grandfather
손자
sonja
grandson
More Relationships Words
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