Level 4

효도

hyodo

Filial piety

TOPIK 4

Understanding 효도 (Filial Piety)

효도 refers to the respect, care, and gratitude children show towards their parents. It is a deeply rooted cultural value in Korea, emphasizing not only material support but also emotional connection and respect.

Common Contexts

You will often hear 효도 in family conversations, especially when discussing how to care for aging parents or express gratitude. It can involve actions like visiting parents, calling them regularly, or helping them financially.

Typical Collocations

  • 효도를 하다: to perform filial piety, to show respect and care to parents
  • 효도 여행: a trip taken to honor or thank parents
  • 효도 선물: a gift given to parents as a sign of respect and gratitude

Usage Notes

효도 is usually used in a positive, respectful context. It is often associated with traditional values but remains relevant in modern Korean society. Avoid confusing 효도 with 단순한 선물 (simple gift); 효도 implies a deeper sense of duty and affection.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes think 효도 means only giving money or gifts. However, 효도 includes emotional support and respectful behavior, which are equally important.

Example Sentences

효도는 부모님께 감사하는 마음을 행동으로 보여주는 것입니다.

Hyodoneun bumonimkke gamsahaneun maeumeul haengdong-euro boyeojuneun geosimnida.

Filial piety is showing gratitude to your parents through your actions.

효도를 위해 부모님께 자주 전화를 드려야 한다.

Hyodoreul wihae bumonimkke jaju jeonhwareul deuryeoya handa.

To practice filial piety, you should call your parents often.

효도는 단순히 돈을 드리는 것만이 아니라 마음을 표현하는 것이다.

Hyodoneun dansunhi doneul deurineun geosman-i anira maeumeul pyohyeonhaneun geosida.

Filial piety is not just giving money but also expressing your feelings.