Korean Dictionary
How to say "Single parent" in Korean
“Single parent” in Korean is 한부모 (pronounced "Hanbumo").
한부모
Hanbumo
Usage & Context
A parent raising a child alone. Single parenthood is becoming more common in Korean society.
Example Sentence
한부모 가정은 많은 도움이 필요합니다.
Single-parent families need a lot of support.
How to use 한부모 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Single parent” is 한부모, romanized as Hanbumo.
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 한부모.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounce '한부모' as 'Hahn-boo-moh'. '한' sounds like 'han' in 'hand'. '부' is like 'boo' in 'boo-hoo'. '모' is like 'moh' in 'more'.
More Example Sentences
Someone describing a friend's family situation.
그녀는 한부모로서 두 아이를 키우고 있어요.
She is raising two children as a single parent.
A news report or policy discussion about social welfare.
한부모 가정을 위한 정부 지원이 확대되고 있습니다.
Government support for single-parent families is expanding.
A discussion about social issues and necessary reforms.
한부모의 육아 부담을 덜어주는 정책이 필요해요.
Policies are needed to alleviate the childcare burden on single parents.
Cultural Context
Historically, single parenthood in Korea carried a significant social stigma, often leading to discrimination. However, societal views are gradually changing, and there's increasing recognition and support for '한부모 가정' (hanbumo gajeong, single-parent families). Government initiatives and public awareness campaigns are working to destigmatize and provide resources. K-dramas and media are also starting to portray diverse family structures, including single-parent families, in a more positive light.
Editorial note
We review entries like 한부모 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
한부모 지원 정책
single-parent support policy
한부모의 어려움
difficulties of single parents
한부모로서 당당하게
proudly as a single parent
Related Expressions
한부모 가정
hanbumo gajeong
single-parent family
편부모
pyeonbumo
single parent (older term, less common)
미혼모
mihonmo
unmarried mother
미혼부
mihonbu
unmarried father
More Parenting & Family Life Words
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