Not sure when to call someone unnie or noona in Korean? What is oppa in Korean language?
Korean culture is huge on honorific titles and peoples age
So, Make sure to become very familiar with these honorifics and their various usages. It can help you save yourself from potentially offending someone and saying sorry.
Today we’ll talk about Finding out the multiple meanings of sunbae, hubae, Hyung, Noona,oppa and Unnie in Korean and how to use them with examples.
We also cover how to say friends, Korean honorific titles, cultural background of oppa, Noona, Unnie, and hyung in Korean language.
Alright friends, Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Oppa in Korean language| What does oppa in Korean means?
What is oppa in Korean language?
Oppa in Korean means “older brother” and is used by a female to address an older male.
It is used as a term for respect and affection.
But the meaning of oppa in Korean is not that simple.
Because Oppa in Korean language can be used to address a romantic partner, a close friend, or relative who is older than the speaker.
In Korean culture, it is common for females to use terms like “oppa” to show respect to males who are older or have a higher social status.
Now that you know the oppa meaning, let’s learn how to write oppa in Korean characters
oppa in Korean writing| how to write oppa in Korean language
oppa in Korean translation is 오빠
To write “oppa in Korean language”, you can use the following characters:
oppa in the Korean writing system, each character represents a syllable rather than a single letter.
these characters in the following order:
The first character, 오, is written by making a horizontal line from left to right and adding a small vertical line on the left side. The second character, 빠, is written by making a horizontal line from left to right and adding two small vertical lines on the left side. Together, these two characters formed the word “oppa,”.
If you want to know how to spell oppa in Korean, say this in this order
The characters 오 and 빠 are each pronounced as a single syllable, with the character 오 being pronounced as “o” and the character 빠 being pronounced as “ppa.”
When these two characters are combined, they form the word “oppa,” which is pronounced as “oppa.”
How to use the term Oppa in Korean language ?
Now that you finally know what is the meaning of Oppa in Korean
It’s time to learn how to use it in real life?
It’s important to note that the Oppa meaning in Korean language can vary depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the person being addressed
Oppa in Korean means an older brother or a male who is older than the speaker.
Here’s another meaning of oppa used by women or girls when addressing an older male who is a close friend
Another oppa meaning in Korean is the boyfriend. you can also use this term while showing affection to your boyfriend.
Example
Here are some examples of how to use Oppa in Korean sentences:
“Oppa, can you help me with this?”
“오빠, 이거 좀 도와줄 수 있나요?” (oppa, igeo jom dowajul su innayo?)
Oppa, can you give me a ride to the store?”
오빠, 저를 저기까지 태워줄 수 있나요?” (oppa, jeoreul jeogikkaji taewojul su innayo?)
“Oppa, can you pass me that?”
“오빠, 저게 좀 주실 수 있나요?” (oppa, jeoge jom jusil su innayo?)
“I’m sorry, oppa. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“미안합니다 오빠. 제가 생각지도 않고 그렇게 생각해봤어요.” (mianhamnida oppa. jega saenggakjido ango geureoke saenggakhaebwayo.)
“Thank you, oppa. You’re always so helpful.”
“고마워요 오빠. 언제나 저희를 도와주시는거 같아요.” (gomawoyo oppa. eonjena jeohireul dowajusineungeo gata yo.)
“Oppa, let’s go out for dinner tonight.”
“오빠, 오늘 밤에 저희가 저기에서 저녁 먹으러 가요.” (oppa, oneul bame jeohiga jeogieseo jeonyeok meogeureo gayo.)
unnie in Korean|what does unnie mean in Korean
Do you know what is unnie in Korean and how to spell unnie in Korean language?
Well, now you do
To say “unnie” in Korean language, you can use the following word: 언니
This word is made up of two characters: 언 and 니. The character 언 is pronounced as “eon,” and the character 니 is pronounced as “ni.” When these two characters are combined, they form the word “unnie,”
So, unnie in Korean pronounce as “eon-ni.”
“Unnie” is a term that is used to address an older sister or a female who is older than the speaker.
It is typically used by men or boys when addressing an older female who is a close friend or family member. In addition to its use as a term of address, “unnie” can also be used as a term of endearment or affection.
It’s important to note that unnie meaning in Korean depends on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the person being addressed.
Now that you know what unnie in Korean means? Let’s see how you say unnie in Korean sentences
When to Use unnie in Korean
There are more than one meaning of unnie in Korean like this
The term “unnie” can also be used in a more casual or affectionate way to address a female who is not necessarily related to the speaker, but who is older
For example, a man might use the term “unnie” to address a female friend who is a few years older than him, or to express affection towards a romantic partner who is older than him.
In addition to its use as a term of address, “unnie” can also be used as a term of endearment or affection.
For example, a man might say “unnie, I miss you” to express his love and longing for an older female friend or romantic partner.
How to use unnie in Korean sentences
If you are learning Korean, It’s never enough to know unnie meaning
And what is unnie in Korean.
You need to know How to use unnie in Korean sentences
So, Here are some examples of how to use unnie in Korean language
when did I become your unnie?
저 언제부터 언니가 됐죠?”
Unnie, today is our unnie’s birthday.
“언니, 오늘 저희 언니 생일이에요.”
Unnie, when can we watch this interesting movie together?
“언니, 이 재미있는 영화 언제 같이 봐요?”
Unnie, when will you give me my birthday present?
“언니, 제 생일 선물 언제 줄거예요?”
Unnie, I called because something happened to me.
언니, 제가 언니한테 무슨 일이 있어서 전화했어요.”
noona in Korean| What does noona mean in Korean
Do you know what is noona in Korean
Well, now you do
To say “noona” in Korean, you can use the following word: 누나
This word is made up of two characters: 누 and 나. The character 누 is pronounced as “nu,” and the character 나 is pronounced as “na.” When these two characters are combined, they form the word “noona,” which is pronounced as “nu-na.”
There is more than one meaning of noona in Korean
noona in Korean means an older sister or a female who is older than the speaker.
It is typically used by men or boys when addressing an older female who is a close friend or family member.
When to Use noona in Korean
Due to the different noona meaning in Korean, you can use this word in a variety of contexts, such as when speaking to an older sister, an older female cousin, or an older female friend.
You can also use noona in Korean language to address an older female romantic partner or spouse.
How to use noona in Korean sentences
If you are learning Korean, It’s never enough to know noona meaning
And what’s noona in Korean
You need to know How to use noona in Korean sentences
So, Here are some examples of how to use noona in Korean language
when did I become your noona?
제가 언제부터 누나가 됐죠?”
My sister’s expecting a baby.
우리 언니[누나/여동생]가 아기를 가졌다.
I slept at my sister’s house last night.
나는 어젯밤에 우리 누나[언니/여동생] 집에서 잤다.
‘What does your sister do?’ ‘She’s a dentist.’
“당신 누나[언니/여동생]는 뭐하세요?” “ (그녀는) 치과의사예요.”
I have one older sister and one younger brother.
나는 누나 한 명과 남동생 한 명이 있다.
Hyung in Korean| What does hyung mean in Korean
Do you know what is hyung in Korean
Here’s how
To say hyung in Korean language, you can use the following word: 형(hyeong)
This word is made up of a single character: 형. The character 형 is pronounced as “hyeong.”
hyung in Korean means an older brother or a male who is older than the speaker.
When to Use hyung in Korean
Now that you know what is the meaning of hyung in Korean, it’s time to learn how to write hyung in Korean
“Hyung” is a Korean term that is used by males to address older males. It is equivalent to “older brother” in English
it is used as a term of respect and affection.
Hyung can be used to address a close friend or relative who is older than the speaker, or it can be used to address a male who is older or has a higher social status. I
In Korean culture, it is common for males to use honorific terms like “hyung” to show respect and deference to males who are older or have a higher social status.
Example
My brother and I went to the same school.
내 남동생과 나는 같은 학교에 다녔다.
I’m going to the hospital to visit my brother
나는 형을 보러 병원에 갈 것이다.
My brother lives overseas.
우리 형은 외국에 산다
My brother is an emotional person.
우리 형은 감정적인 사람이다.
The man with the mustache is my brother.
콧수염을 기른 저 사람이 우리 형이야.
I’m as tall as my brother.
나는 형과 키가 같다
동생 (dongsaeng) in Korean|dongsaeng meaning in Korean
동생” (dongsaeng) in korean means “younger sibling.” It is commonly used to refer to a younger brother or sister, regardless of their gender.
The word “동생” is made up of two characters: “동” and “생.”
The character “동” is pronounced as “dong” and means “same” or “equal.”
The character “생” is pronounced as “saeng” and means “life” or “birth.”
When these two characters are combined, they form the word “동생,” which means “someone who was born at the same time as you.”
In Korean culture, the terms “누나” (noona) and “형” (hyung) are used to address an older sister or brother, respectively.
“동생” is used to address a younger sibling. These terms are commonly used by men and boys, and are typically used to address close friends or family members.
Example
My brother likes scary movies.
내 동생은 공포영화를 좋아한다
Don’t make fun of your brother
네 동생을 놀리지 마라
Do you remember my sister Sally?
내 동생 샐리 알지?
I share a room with my sister.
동생과 방을 함께 쓴다.
‘Who is that?’ ‘It’s my brother.’
저 사람 누구야?” “내 동생이야.
Don’t be so nasty to your brother.
네 동생한테 그렇게 못되게 굴지 마
My sister is very mature for her age.
내 동생은 나이에 비해 아주 성숙하다.
Now you know dongsaeng meaning in Korean, let’s see how you talk about it
남동생 (namdongsaeng)
남동생” (namdongsaeng) is a Korean word that means “younger male sibling.” It is commonly used to refer to a younger brother.
The word “남동생” is made up of three characters: “남,” “동,” and “생.”
The character “남” is pronounced as “nam” and means “male.” The character “동” is pronounced as “dong” and means “same” or “equal.”
The character “생” is pronounced as “saeng” and means “life” or “birth.” When these three characters are combined, they form the word “남동생,” which means “a male who was born at the same time as you.”
In Korean culture, the terms “누나” (noona) and “형” (hyung) are used to address an older sister or brother, respectively.
“동생” is used to address a younger sibling, regardless of their gender.
“남동생” specifically refers to a younger male sibling.
These terms are commonly used by men and boys, and are typically used to address close friends or family members
Example
My little brothers are always fighting.
내 남동생들은 맨날 싸워
Don’t be so mean to your little brother!
(남)동생에게 그렇게 못되게 굴지 마!
My younger brother loves kaiju films.
남동생이 괴수 영화를 무척 좋아한다.
여동생 (yeodongsaeng)
여동생” (yeodongsaeng) is a Korean word that means “younger female sibling.” It is commonly used to refer to a younger sister.
The word “여동생” is made up of three characters: “여,” “동,” and “생.”
The character “여” is pronounced as “yeo” and means “female.”
The character “동” is pronounced as “dong” and means “same” or “equal.”
The character “생” is pronounced as “saeng” and means “life” or “birth.”
When these three characters are combined, they form the word “여동생,” which means “a female who was born at the same time as you.”
“동생” is used to address a younger sibling, regardless of their gender. “여동생” specifically refers to a younger female sibling.
These terms are commonly used by men and boys, and are typically used to address close friends or family members.
Example
Don’t tease your little sister.
어린 여동생 놀리지 마라.
His sister’s a sweet young thing.
그의 여동생은 앙증맞은 아이이다.
That baby girl is my little sister.
그 여자 아기는 내 여동생이에요.
My sister has a slender waist.
내 여동생은 개미 허리이다
My younger sister is very selfish.
내 여동생은 매우 이기적이다
My sister received several scholarships.
내 여동생은 장학금을 여러 번 받았다.
Sunbae meaning|what does sunbae in Korean mean
hyung and sunbae meaning
Do you know hyung and sunbae meaning in korean
Here’s how
In Korean culture, the terms “sunbae” and “hoobae” (후배) are commonly used to describe relationships between people in a particular field or activity.
“Sunbae” is used to refer to someone who is older or more experienced, while “hoobae” is used to refer to someone who is younger or less experienced.
What is the meaning of sunbae in Korean language
Sunbae” (선배) is a Korean word that means “senior” or “elder.”
It is commonly used to refer to someone who is older or has more experience in a particular field or activity, such as a school, workplace, or hobby.
The word “sunbae” is made up of two characters: “선” and “배.”
The character “선” is pronounced as “seon” and means “preceding” or “senior.”
The character “배” is pronounced as “bae” and means “elder” or “senior.”
When these two characters are combined, they form the word “선배,” which means “someone who is older or has more experience than you.”
These terms are often used in schools, workplaces, and other social settings to show respect and deference to those who are older or more experienced.
Example
I had some pretty cool seniors.
나는 매우 멋진 선배들이 몇 있었어
He was three years my senior in school.
그는 나의 3년 직속 선배다
I didn’t know he was a senior.
나는 그가 선배인지 알지 못했다.
I respect him as my senior.
저 사람을 선배로서 존경하고 있다
You’ll know when you’re a senior.
선배가 되면 알 거야
I’m your senior, am I not?
난 네 선배야, 그렇지 않니?
I thought you were a senior.
나는 당신이 선배라고 생각했어.
Now that you know sunbae meaning and how to use sunbae in Korean.it’s time to address juniors
the meaning of Hubae in Korean
“Hoobae” (후배) is a Korean word that means “junior” or “newcomer.”
It is commonly used to refer to someone who is younger or has less experience in a particular field or activity, such as a school, workplace, or hobby.
The word “hoobae” is made up of two characters: “후” and “배.”
The character “후” is pronounced as “hu” and means “after” or “following.”
The character “배” is pronounced as “bae” and means “elder” or “senior.”
When these two characters are combined, they form the word “후배,” which means “someone who is younger or has less experience than you.”
Example
He married a junior colleague.
그는 직장 후배와 결혼했다
Why should the junior walk the senior home?
후배가 선배를 왜 바래다 줘야 해?
I am his junior in life.
나는 그의 후배다.
He’s a junior partner at my firm.
그는 우리 회사 후배 동료이다.
Chingu in Korean| How to say your friend in Korean
You may be looking to make new friends or want to say hello to new acquaintances.
But how to say friend in Korean
After all, A friend in need is a friend indeed!
Friend in Korean language is 친구 (chingu).
This word can be used to refer to a close friend or a casual acquaintance. It is also used to refer to someone you are friends with or get along well with.
Here is how you can use the word “friend” in Korean sentences
My friend is a comedy artist
저의 친구는 코미디 아티스트입니다.
We have a mutual friend.
우리 둘 다 아는 친구가 있어.
A friend in need is a friend indeed.
어려울 때 친구가 진정한 친구다.
He’s a friend of a friend.
그는 내 친구의 친구야.
Our friends often drink together.
우리 친구들은 자주 술을 함께 마십니다.
We met through a friend.
우린 친구 통해서 알게 되었어.
Is he a friend of yours?
그 사람이 당신 친구인가요?
This is my friend Tom.
여기는 제 친구 톰입니다
My daughter’s spending the night with a friend.
우리 딸은 친구와 함께 밤을 보내고 있다
Great job. You finally know how do you say friend in Korean
So what’s next?
Business/Work Titles
In Korean culture, it is common to use titles or honorifics to show respect and deference to those who are older or have a higher social status.
Here are some common business or work titles in Korean:
사장님 (sajangnim)-owner or CEO of a company
직원 (jigwon)-employee
과장 (gwajang) – manager
부장 (bujang) – director
상무 (sangmu) – vice president
사장 (sajang) – president
이사 (isa) – executive
임원 (imwon) – executive member
전무 (jeonmu) – executive vice president
It is important to use these titles appropriately and concerning show proper respect and avoid offending others.
How to remember it easily?
I know saying “Oppa,unnie,hyung in Korean” is a bit confusing and so many ways make it even harder to remember.
but with practice and time, you can be as good as native Korean speakers.
After all, when it comes to fluency, practice is the key.
Here’s how I did it.
I hope these resources will help you master the words “unnie, Hyung, Oppa in Korean” in no time.
Anki Isn’t The Only Game In Town.
Did you know you can watch a mini-series and master how to say Hyung, Unnie, Oppa, and Noona in Korean?
Well, what could be better than that?
Here is how Koreans do it all the time (now you can do it too!!!)
Use flashcards and Test
Maybe drama is not your thing. What about flashcards?
I know it’s an old thing(you might be using Anki too)
But When it comes to mastering Korean vocabulary, you will never regret using these fellas.
Here is list
https://quizlet.com/431681369/lesson-1-korean-formalities-greetings-flash-cards/
https://quizlet.com/585458675/korean-honorifics-flash-cards/
https://quizlet.com/107558207/basic-hangul-words-they-use-in-kdrama-8-flash-cards/
Conclusion
So, that is how you show respect in Korean culture by using Hyung, Unnie,Oppa and noona in Korean
Make sure to become very familiar with each of the above-mentioned honorifics and their various usages to save yourself from a great deal of embarrassment or from potentially offending someone.
Honorifics can be tricky but it comes with practice. Just like honorifics, learning Hangul is not as hard as it looks!
Thank you for reading this post. See you in the next lesson
