Korean word

님

Pronunciation

Romanizationnim

Meaning

  • nounmister

Example

철수님이 왔어요.cheol su ni mi wa sseo yo

Mr. Cheolsu came.

Illustration for 님 (mister)

More examples

선생님께서 질문에 답하셨어요.seon saeng nim kke seo chil mu ne ta pa syeo sseo yo

The teacher answered the question.

Core concept

A respectful form placed after a person's name or title to show courtesy when addressing them.

Common phrases

  • 선생님seon saeng nim

    teacher

  • 고객님ko gaeng nim

    customer

  • 사장님sa jang nim

    boss

Similar words

씨ssi: A polite name ending used to address someone while keeping a little social distance.
선생님seonsaengnim: A respectful form of address for a teacher or instructor who guides learners.
사장님sajangnim: A polite form of address for the person in charge of a company, workplace, or shop.

Definition in Korean

사람 이름이나 직함 뒤에 붙어 상대에게 존경이나 예의를 나타내는 높임말의 접미사.sa ram i reu mi na chi kam twi e pu teo sang dae e ge chon gyeong i na ye ui reul na ta nae neun no pim ma rui cheom mi sa

Word origin

The native Korean form 님 (nim, "honorific suffix") began as a noun for a respected person and later became a suffix.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English titles that usually come before a name, this form follows the name or title and marks a respectful conversational tone.

Other meanings

  • sirnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word