Korean Dictionary
How to say "Joseon Social Classes" in Korean
“Joseon Social Classes” in Korean is 신분제도 (pronounced "sinbunjedo").
신분제도
sinbunjedo
Usage & Context
The Joseon Dynasty had a rigid social class system with yangban (nobles), jungin (middle class), sangmin (commoners), and cheonmin (lowborn) classes. Social mobility was extremely limited and determined by birth. This class system was officially abolished in the late 19th century.
Example Sentence
조선의 신분제도는 태어날 때부터 신분이 정해졌어요.
In Joseon social classes, status was determined from birth.
How to use 신분제도 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Joseon Social Classes” is 신분제도, romanized as sinbunjedo.
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 신분제도.
Pronunciation Guide
'Sin' sounds like 'seen.' 'Bun' is like 'boon.' 'Je' is like 'jeh' in 'jet.' 'Do' is like 'doe.' The pronunciation is relatively straightforward, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable of each word part.
More Example Sentences
Explaining historical societal structure.
조선 시대에는 엄격한 신분제도가 있었어요.
There was a strict social class system during the Joseon Dynasty.
Discussing the negative aspects of the system.
신분제도 때문에 많은 사람들이 차별을 받았죠.
Many people faced discrimination because of the social class system.
Comparing historical and modern social structures.
현대 사회는 신분제도가 없지만, 여전히 사회적 불평등은 존재해요.
Modern society doesn't have a social class system, but social inequality still exists.
Cultural Context
The Joseon Dynasty's 'sinbunjedo' was a rigid hierarchical system that dictated one's entire life based on birth. From the ruling yangban to the commoners (sangmin) and the lowborn (cheonmin), social mobility was extremely limited. This system deeply influenced family lineage, marriage, and career paths. While officially abolished in the late 19th century, its historical impact can still be seen in some lingering social attitudes or even in the way family backgrounds are sometimes perceived, though modern Korea is a meritocracy. Historical K-dramas often highlight the struggles and injustices caused by this system.
Editorial note
We review entries like 신분제도 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
신분제도 폐지
Abolition of the social class system
신분 상승
Social mobility, rising in status
신분 차이
Status difference
Related Expressions
계급 제도
gyegup jedo
Class system (more general term)
양반
yangban
Aristocracy (highest class)
상민
sangmin
Commoner (middle class)
천민
cheonmin
Lowborn (lowest class)
More Korean History Words
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