오빠
oppa[o̞p͈a̠]
The English phrase "big brother" is translated into Korean as 오빠 (oppa).
오빠 is a term used by females to refer to their older brother or to an older male friend.
Which one should you use?
While 오빠 is the term used by females, males use 형 to address an older male or close male friends who are older. Additionally, males may use 형아 in informal situations to address an older brother or a close male friend.
How do you pronounce it?
oppa
When do people say it?
In Korean social culture, it is common for women to use 오빠 to address male acquaintances who are slightly older than them, even if there is no biological relation.
Did you know?
- If a woman refers to a man as 오빠, she is often subtly signaling a level of social intimacy that implies a close, sometimes flirtatious, relationship.
- The word 오빠 likely evolved from a combination of the archaic term for brother, 오라비, and the vocative particle -아 used when calling out to someone.
- In some contexts, calling a stranger 오빠 can be a strategic way to build instant rapport or ask for a favor by implying a sibling-like bond.
Examples in context
- 실례합니다, 형님, 이거 좀 도와 주실 수 있을까요?Excuse me, Hyung, can you please help me with this?
- 오빠, 항상 잘 챙겨 줘서 고마워요.Oppa, thank you for always taking care of me.
- 야, 형아 같이 밥 먹자.Hey Hyung, let's grab some food together.
- 오빠, 배고파요.oppa, baegopayo.Big brother, I'm hungry.
- 우리 오빠는 정말 멋있어요.uri oppaneun jeongmal meosisseoyo.My big brother is really cool.
- 오빠, 이거 좀 도와줄래요?oppa, igeo jom dowajullaeyo?Big brother, can you help me with this?
Example conversation
Seoyeon is asking Dohyun for a favor.
- 서연 Seo-yeon오빠, 제 가방 좀 들어줄래요?oppa, je gabang jom deureojullaeyo?Oppa, could you carry my bag for me?
- 도현 Do-hyeon그래, 이리 줘.geurae, iri jwo.Sure, give it to me.
- 서연 Seo-yeon오빠는 정말 친절해요.oppaneun jeongmal chinjeolhaeyo.You are truly kind.
- 도현 Do-hyeon별거 아니야.byeolgeo aniya.It's no big deal.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 오빠, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오빠, CC BY-SA 4.0.
