Meaning of Oppa, Eonnie, Hyung and Noona in Korean?

 Chapter Fifteen

Oppa, Eonnie, Hyung, and Noona in Korean

In this chapter, we are going to learn the meaning of Oppa, Noona, Eonnie, and Hyung, in Korean. I believe you all have heard these words, either when you watch dramas or when you see Korean people talking. Literally, the English translations of these words are,

  • Meaning of Oppa 오빠- Elder brother
  • Meaning of Noona 누나- Elder sister
  • Meaning of Hyeong 형- Elder brother
  • Meaning of Eonnie 언니- Elder sister.

But, the actual meanings of these words and who calls whom using these, are different.

oppa meaning, noona in korean, unnie meaning in korean, hyung meaning

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So, what exactly is the meaning of Oppa, Noona, Hyung, and Eonnie? 궁금해요?

Let's see.

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Meaning of Oppa (오빠) in Korean

Oppa in Korean means, older brother. But, Oppa can be used only by girls, to call boys who are older than them. (So, if you are a boy, DON'T call your older brother, Oppaaaaaaaa!!!!!) 알았어요? Oppa is generally used to call elder brothers, even if they are not related by blood. 

oppa meaning, noona in korean, unnie meaning in korean, hyung meaning

Here is a small tip: If you're (for girls) going to South Korea, and you want to ask for direction. If the person seems elder than you, please don't call them Oppa, instead address them by,  저기요 (Jeo-gi-yo) means 'excuse me'. Because, most Korean girls don't call strangers Oppa, and instead they call them using 저기요. 

Meaning of Noona 누나 in Korean


Noona 누나 means elder sister or older sister. But can everybody call their older sisters Noona? NO! Noona is only used by boys, to address their older sisters. As said earlier, Noona can be used by boys to call older sisters, even if they are not related by blood. But, if she is a stranger, or if you are meeting for the first time, then it will good to not call her Noona, instead use Ms. with their names. However, it is okay to address the waitress at hotels by Noona, regardless of their age. 


Meaning of Hyeong 형 in Korean


Hyeong 형 means older brother in Korean. If Oppa is used by girls to call their older brothers, then Hyeong is used by BOYS to call their elder brothers. 

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Meaning of Eonnie 언니 in Korean


Eonnie 언니 means elder sister. If Noona is used by boys, then Eonnie 언니 is used by girls to call their elder sisters. If you are a girl, then you can call girls who are elder than you, by Eonnie. Even if they are strangers, it doesn't matter. Sometimes Eonnie is also written as Unnie. But the actual romanization of 언니 is Eonnie. 
oppa meaning, noona in korean, unnie meaning in korean, hyung meaning


Younger brother and younger sister in Korean

Now we know what to call our elder sisters and elder brothers in Korean. But, what do we call our younger ones? Any idea?

Usually, younger siblings in Korean in Dongsaeng 동생.  If the younger one is a girl, then we add 여 and it becomes 여동생 (Yeo-dong-saeng). If it is a boy, then we add 남 and it becomes 남동생(Nam-dong-saeng). 

However, if you're meeting an elder brother or sister for the first time, or if you're a stranger to them, try not to call them Oppa or Noona or Hyung or Eonnie. Because sometimes, people find it strange. So, try to address them by their names. After getting along, you can call them Oppa or Noona or Hyung or Eonnie.

I think this is all for the lesson. Good luck!

One important thing, If you have any doubts, feel free to comment below or contact me through the form in the right side!

Bye!



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