Korean word

언니

Pronunciation

Romanizationeonni

Meaning

  • nounbig sister

Example

언니, 같이 가자.eon ni ka chi ka ja

Big sis, let's go together.

Illustration for 언니 (big sister)

More examples

급한 일이 있으면 언니에게 전화해.keu pan i ri i sseu myeon eon ni e ge cheon hwa hae

If something urgent comes up, call your big sister.

Core concept

A warm way for a girl or woman to address an older sister or a familiar older woman.

Common phrases

  • 언니에게eon ni e ge

    to big sister

  • 언니한테서eon ni han te seo

    from big sister

  • 언니랑eon ni rang

    with big sister

Similar words

누나nuna: A familiar title for an older sister or another older woman used by a younger man.
누님nunim: A respectful title for an older sister or older woman that shows warmth as well as respect.
오빠oppa: A familiar title used by a girl or woman for an older brother or another close older man.

Definition in Korean

여성이 자기보다 나이가 많은 가족의 여성이나 친한 여성에게 정답게 부르는 호칭yeo seong i cha gi bo da na i ga ma neun ka jo gui yeo seong i na chin han yeo seong e ge cheong dap kke pu reu neun ho ching

Word origin

The exact history is uncertain, but this native Korean family term has broadened to address familiar older women outside the family.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English kinship terms, it can be used for a close older female friend, but it may sound too familiar with a stranger or in a formal setting.

Other meanings

  • older female friendnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word