언니
eonni[ʌ̹nni]
The Korean phrase for "big sister" is 언니 (eonni).
언니 is a term used by a female to refer to her older sister or an older female friend.
Which one should you use?
While 언니 (eonni) is used by females to address an older sister, 누나 (noona) is the term used by males to address an older sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
When 언니 is the subject of a sentence, the subject marker '-가' is attached to form 언니가. When 언니 is the direct object of a sentence, the object marker '-를' is attached to form 언니를.
How do you pronounce it?
eonni
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, using kinship terms like 언니 instead of a person's name is a way to show respect and acknowledge the age hierarchy in a social relationship.
Did you know?
- The word 언니 may have originated as an intentionally childish or cute way to pronounce the more formal term 형님.
- Female K-pop fans often call the female members of their favorite groups 언니 even if they have never met.
- While 언니 denotes an older sister, it is considered impolite for a woman to call herself 언니 when speaking to a younger person.
Examples in context
- 이 분은 제 언니입니다.This person is my big sister.
- 언니, 한 가지 조언을 구하고 싶어요.Big sister, I would like to ask for some advice.
- 오늘은 내가 누나보다 잘 생겼어!Today, I look better than my big sister!
- 언니, 항상 고마워.Big sister, I'm always grateful to you.
- 언니는 대학생이에요.eonni-neun daehaksaeng-ieyo.My big sister is a college student.
- 언니, 같이 가요!eonni, gachi gayo!Big sister, let's go together!
- 친한 언니가 선물해 줬어요.chinhan eonni-ga seonmulhae jwosseoyo.A close older female friend gave it to me as a gift.
Example conversation
Jieun is talking to Hyeonwoo about her sister.
- 지은 Ji-eun언니는 지금 집에 없어요.eonnineun jigeum jibe eopseoyo.My big sister is not at home right now.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말요? 언제 돌아와요?jeongmallyo? eonje dorawayo?Really? When is she coming back?
- 지은 Ji-eun언니가 내일 온대요.eonniga naeil ondaeyo.My big sister says she will come tomorrow.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo알겠어요. 내일 봐요.algesseoyo. naeil bwayo.I see. See you tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 언니, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 언니, CC BY-SA 4.0.
