부모 (bu-mo, bumo)
부모 (bumo) means the people who give birth to and raise children. It represents the basic family role.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
부모 (bumo) refers to a child's father and mother, the people who give birth to and care for children.
Nuances
When to use
family conversation, school life, official documents
In context
부모 is a noun used to denote family relationships without singular/plural distinction. It is appropriate in both formal and everyday contexts.
부모님께 선물을 드렸어요.
bu-mo-nim-kke seon-mul-eul deu-ryeoss-eo-yo., bu mo nim kke seon mul eul deu ryeoss eo yo.
부모님 is the respectful form of 부모, natural and correct here.
부모들은 아이들을 사랑해요.
bu-mo-deul-eun a-i-deul-eul sa-rang-hae-yo., bu mo deul eun a i deul eul sa rang hae yo.
Using 부모들 for plural parents is natural and clear.
부모가 학교에 갔어요.
bu-mo-ga hak-gyo-e gass-eo-yo., bu mo ga hak gyo e gass eo yo.
Single parent usage is possible, but usually 존댓말 부모님 is preferred.
부모한테 혼났어요.
bu-mo-han-te hon-nass-eo-yo., bu mo han te hon nass eo yo.
부모한테 is commonly used in casual conversation.
부모는 아이를 책임진다.
bu-mo-neun a-i-reul chaek-im-jin-da., bu mo neun a i reul chaek im jin da.
A formal sentence using 부모 as subject.
부모님이 학교에 갔어요.
bu-mo-nim-i hak-gyo-e gass-eo-yo., bu mo nim i hak gyo e gass eo yo.
Polite form 부모님 is natural and correct.
부모님은 항상 바쁘세요.
bu-mo-nim-eun hang-sang ba-ppeu-se-yo., bu mo nim eun hang sang ba ppeu se yo.
Polite and everyday expression both appropriate.
부모님을 사랑해요.
bu-mo-nim-eul sa-rang-hae-yo., bu mo nim eul sa rang hae yo.
Natural sentence using 부모님 as object.
What does 부모 mean?
Which sentence correctly uses the polite form 부모님?
In the sentence ‘부모한테 혼났어요.’ what does ‘부모한테’ mean?
