Korean Dictionary
How to say "In-laws" in Korean
“In-laws” in Korean is 시댁 (pronounced "Sidaek").
시댁
Sidaek
Usage & Context
The husband's family from a wife's perspective. 처가 (cheo-ga) refers to the wife's family from the husband's perspective. Relationships with in-laws (시댁, 처가) can be complex in Korea due to Confucian family dynamics. Holidays (명절) often involve navigating expectations from both families.
Example Sentence
시댁에 자주 방문해서 좋은 관계를 유지하려고 해요.
I try to visit my in-laws often to maintain a good relationship.
How to use 시댁 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “In-laws” is 시댁, romanized as Sidaek.
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 시댁.
Pronunciation Guide
'시' sounds like 'see' but with a slightly softer 's' sound, almost like 'sh' but not quite. '댁' sounds like 'daek' in 'deck,' but with a slightly softer 'd' sound. The two syllables are pronounced distinctly.
More Example Sentences
Describing holiday traditions and family duties for a married woman.
명절에는 시댁에 가서 음식 준비를 도와드려요.
During holidays, I go to my in-laws' house to help prepare food.
Discussing common marital challenges related to family dynamics.
남편과 시댁 문제로 가끔 다퉈요.
My husband and I sometimes argue over issues with his family.
Expressing a desire for family harmony and respect.
시댁 식구들과 좋은 관계를 유지하고 싶어요.
I want to maintain a good relationship with my in-laws.
Cultural Context
'시댁' refers specifically to the husband's family from the wife's perspective. The equivalent for the wife's family from the husband's perspective is '처가' (cheoga). Relationships with '시댁' can be complex due to traditional Confucian values, where the wife is often expected to assimilate into the husband's family and show great respect to elders. Many K-dramas depict the challenges and humorous situations arising from '시댁' relationships, especially between the wife and her mother-in-law (시어머니, sieomeoni).
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 시댁 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
시댁에 가다.
To go to the in-laws' house.
시댁 식구.
In-laws (family members).
시댁과의 갈등.
Conflict with in-laws.
Related Expressions
처가
Cheoga
Wife's family (from husband's perspective)
시어머니
Sieomeoni
Mother-in-law (husband's mother)
시아버지
Siabeoji
Father-in-law (husband's father)
친정
Chinjeong
Wife's original family home (often used by a married woman referring to her own parents' house)
More Relationships Words
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