How to say "Oppa, unnie, hyung, noona" in Korean
The natural way Koreans say "Oppa, unnie, hyung, noona" — with the polite form, close alternatives, and audio for every line.
오빠
oppa
Literally: Older brother (said by a woman).
When to use it
Four words for older sibling, and which one you use depends on YOUR gender as much as theirs. This is the single most-asked question from K-drama and K-pop fans.
Polite form
- 오빠oppaUse this with strangers, anyone older than you, and at work.
Other ways to say it
- 언니eonni= Older sister - said by a womanA woman calls an older woman 언니. Also used for shop staff and friendly strangers.
- 형hyeong= Older brother - said by a manA man calls an older man 형. Never 오빠.
- 누나nuna= Older sister - said by a manA man calls an older woman 누나.
In a sentence
- 오빠, 이거 먹어 봤어?oppa, igeo meogeo bwasseo?Oppa, have you tried this?
- 형, 같이 가요.hyeong, gachi gayo.Hyung, let's go together.
Practise this one. These phrases are in the phrase quiz — five rounds, no sign-up. Not reading Hangul yet? Start with the alphabet in 20 minutes.
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