Korean Dictionary
How to say "Grandmother" in Korean
“Grandmother” in Korean is 할머니 (pronounced "Halmeoni").
할머니
Halmeoni
Usage & Context
Paternal or maternal grandmother. 할머니 is used both as an address term and to refer to elderly women in general, similar to how 할아버지 is used for elderly men. Korean grandmothers (할머니) are often portrayed as the warm, food-providing heart of the family in culture.
Example Sentence
할머니가 만들어 주신 김치가 제일 맛있어요.
The kimchi my grandmother made is the most delicious.
How to use 할머니 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Grandmother” is 할머니, romanized as Halmeoni.
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 할머니.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'hahl-muh-nee' — 'hahl' rhymes with 'doll,' 'muh' is a short neutral 'uh' sound, and 'nee' rhymes with 'knee.' Keep the flow gentle and even, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
할머님
hal-meo-nim
Very respectful form used for someone else's grandmother or an elderly woman you don't know well
Casual (반말)
할매
hal-mae
Regional/casual form (common in Gyeongsang dialect) used affectionately with your own grandmother
More Example Sentences
talking about family during a casual conversation
우리 할머니는 올해 여든이 되셨어요.
My grandmother turned eighty this year.
saying a heartfelt wish during 설날 (Lunar New Year)
할머니, 건강하게 오래오래 사세요.
Grandma, please live a long, healthy life.
pointing out a stranger who needs help on the street
저기 할머니 한 분이 길을 잃은 것 같아요.
It looks like an elderly lady over there has gotten lost.
Cultural Context
할머니 is used both for your own grandmother and for any elderly woman you address on the street — like 'ma'am' mixed with genuine warmth. Paternal and maternal grandmothers share the same term in daily life, though formally they're distinguished as 친할머니 (paternal) and 외할머니 (maternal). In K-dramas, 할머니 is often the emotional backbone of the family, famous for her 손맛 ('hand taste' — the unique flavor of home cooking). Younger Koreans might also call an especially sweet grandma 할무니 or 할미 as a term of endearment.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 할머니 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
할머니 보고 싶어요.
I miss my grandmother.
할머니 댁에 갈 거예요.
I'm going to my grandmother's house.
할머니가 해 주신 음식이 최고예요.
Grandma's home cooking is the best.
Related Expressions
할아버지
hal-a-beo-ji
grandfather
외할머니
oe-hal-meo-ni
maternal grandmother
친할머니
chin-hal-meo-ni
paternal grandmother
손주
son-ju
grandchild
More Relationships Words
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