Korean word

형님

Pronunciation

Romanizationhyeongnim

Meaning

  • nounolder brother

Example

가게에서 형님께 인사를 드렸어요.ka ge e seo hyeong nim kke in sa reul teu ryeo sseo yo

I greeted my older brother at the store.

Illustration for 형님 (older brother)

More examples

친구가 제 형님을 소개해 줬어요.chin gu ga che hyeong ni meul so gae hae chwo sseo yo

My friend introduced my older brother to me.

Core concept

A warm and respectful way to address an older man, often like calling him an older brother.

Common phrases

  • 제 형님che hyeong nim

    my big brother

  • 형님이시다hyeong ni mi si da

    be an older brother

  • 형님과 사이가 좋다hyeong nim gwa sa i ga cho ta

    be on good terms with one's older brother

Similar words

형hyeong: A familiar term used by a male speaker for an older brother or a close older male friend.
오빠oppa: A familiar term used by a woman for an older brother, close older man, or boyfriend.

Definition in Korean

친밀함과 존경을 담아 나이가 많은 남성을 부르는 경칭.chin mil ham gwa chon gyeong eul ta ma na i ga ma neun nam seong eul pu reu neun kyeong ching

Word origin

The word combines the Korean term for an older brother with the honorific suffix that adds respect.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English older brother, this term can also address a respected older male outside the family, such as a senior acquaintance.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word