형
hyeong[çʌ̹ŋ]
The English phrase "big brother" is translated into Korean as 형 (hyeong).
형 is a term used mainly by male speakers to address an older brother or male acquaintances who are older than them.
Which one should you use?
While a male speaker uses 형 to address an older brother, a female speaker uses 오빠 to address an older brother or an older male. Additionally, while a male uses 형 for an older brother, he uses 누나 to address an older sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix –님 to 형 creates the formal form 형님, which is used to show extra respect to an older brother or a senior male.
How do you pronounce it?
hyeong
Did you know?
- In certain formal or traditional settings, adding the suffix 님 to create 형님 can be used to address a high-ranking member of a gang or a powerful senior in a hierarchy.
- The concept of 'big brother' in Korean culture often carries an implicit expectation that the '형' will provide guidance or even financial support to the younger male.
- In the Korean language, the same sound 형 can represent several different words depending on the Hanja character used, such as 'punishment' or 'shape'.
Examples in context
- 오빠, 이거 해 줄 수 있어요?Oppa, can you do this for me?
- 형, 뭐해?Hey, what are you up to, hyeong?
- 우리 형은 키가 커요.uri hyeong-eun ki-ga keo-yo.My big brother is tall.
- 형, 지금 어디 가요?hyeong, ji-geum eo-di ga-yo?Big brother, where are you going now?
- 형이 저를 도와줬어요.hyeong-i jeo-reul do-wa-jwo-sseo-yo.My big brother helped me.
Example conversation
Minji asks Dohyeon about his brother at a cafe.
- 민지 Min-ji도현 씨, 형 있어요?Do-hyeon ssi, hyeong is-seo-yo?Dohyeon, do you have a big brother?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 형이 한 명 있어요.Ne, hyeong-i han myeong is-seo-yo.Yes, I have one big brother.
- 민지 Min-ji형이랑 사이가 좋아요?Hyeong-i-rang sa-i-ga jo-a-yo?Are you close with him?
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 형이랑 아주 친해요.Ne, hyeong-i-rang a-ju chin-hae-yo.Yes, I am very close with my big brother.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 형, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 형, CC BY-SA 4.0.
