What does 여자 mean?
여자 (yeo-ja) means: Woman.
Speakers use this to refer to someone born as a female, often combining it with descriptive modifiers like 예쁜, 성숙한, or 얌전하고 여성스러운. It appears frequently in everyday contexts involving people, family members, or acquaintances, such as describing a friend who has a demure side or noting demographic shifts in the workplace. It also pairs directly with relational nouns and verbs like 여자 친구, 여자 화장실, and 여자를 사귀다.
Depending on context, pairing this with traditional descriptions of demeanor can carry conventional expectations of feminine behavior.
Depending on context, pairing this with traditional descriptions of demeanor can carry conventional expectations of feminine behavior.
Other sides of 여자
◆ gender-neutral categorization — Speakers use this term in formal or administrative contexts as a clinical, objective descriptor for biological sex. It appears alongside discussions of demographic roles and changing societal structures. It combines with modifying adjectives and nouns in everyday discourse such as 예쁜 여자 and 여자 가수.
Depending on the context, using this as a clinical descriptor can sound starkly matter-of-fact, focusing purely on biological categorization rather than personal identity.
◆ romantic/attraction marker — Speakers use this to refer to a romantic partner, girlfriend, or wife, as well as when discussing dating or romantic pursuits. It frequently appears in collocations such as 여자 친구, 여자를 만나다, and 여자를 사귀다. It also surfaces in questions inquiring about a person's romantic life, such as asking whether someone has someone they are currently meeting.
Depending on the context, using this term in relation to dating can shift the focus purely to romantic availability or pursuit, rather than general social interaction.
◆ social hierarchy/gendered expectations — Speakers use this word in discussions regarding gender roles and societal expectations, often pairing it with modifiers like '여자처럼' or specific descriptive adjectives. In dialogue, it appears when speakers discuss how gender dictates responsibilities or when evaluating whether someone exemplifies traditional feminine qualities. It frequently arises in conversations about societal shifts or traditional norms surrounding behavior and appearance.
Depending on the context and tone, attaching prescriptive modifiers to this word can evoke older generational norms or traditional expectations of behavior, which some listeners may perceive as limiting or dated.
Depending on the context, using this as a clinical descriptor can sound starkly matter-of-fact, focusing purely on biological categorization rather than personal identity.
◆ romantic/attraction marker — Speakers use this to refer to a romantic partner, girlfriend, or wife, as well as when discussing dating or romantic pursuits. It frequently appears in collocations such as 여자 친구, 여자를 만나다, and 여자를 사귀다. It also surfaces in questions inquiring about a person's romantic life, such as asking whether someone has someone they are currently meeting.
Depending on the context, using this term in relation to dating can shift the focus purely to romantic availability or pursuit, rather than general social interaction.
◆ social hierarchy/gendered expectations — Speakers use this word in discussions regarding gender roles and societal expectations, often pairing it with modifiers like '여자처럼' or specific descriptive adjectives. In dialogue, it appears when speakers discuss how gender dictates responsibilities or when evaluating whether someone exemplifies traditional feminine qualities. It frequently arises in conversations about societal shifts or traditional norms surrounding behavior and appearance.
Depending on the context and tone, attaching prescriptive modifiers to this word can evoke older generational norms or traditional expectations of behavior, which some listeners may perceive as limiting or dated.
How it's actually used
- 승규의 여자 친구는 예쁘고 친절하다.
seung-gyu-ui yeo-ja chin-gu-neun ye-ppu-go chin-jeol-ha-da.
Seunggyu's girlfriend is pretty and kind.
💡 Shows the word in a common compound meaning girlfriend. - 유민이는 얌전하고 여성스러운 여자다.
yu-min-i-neun yam-jeon-ha-go yeo-seong-seu-reo-un yeo-ja-da.
Yumin is a demure and feminine woman.
💡 Shows the word paired with traditional descriptive traits. - 요즘에는 결혼 후에도 자기 일을 하는 여자들이 많다.
yo-jeum-e-neun gyeol-hon hu-e-do ja-gi il-eul ha-neun yeo-ja-deul-i man-ta.
These days, there are many women who continue to work after marriage.
💡 Shows the plural form used in a social observation context.