형
hyeong[çʌ̹ŋ]
The English word 'bro' can be translated into Korean as 형 (hyeong).
This term refers to a male comrade, friend or someone who shares one's ideals. It is specifically used by males to address an older male friend or sibling.
Meaning: male comrade or friend, one who shares one’s ideals (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 형 is used by males to address an older male friend, 누나 is used by males to address an older female friend. While 형 is used by males to address an older male, 오빠 is used by females to address an older male.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South Korea, 오빠 is used by females to address an older brother or male friend.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the honorific suffix '-님' (-nim) to 형 creates a more formal and respectful way to address an older male, often used in professional settings or by much younger men, creating 형님.
How do you pronounce it?
hyeong
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 형 regardless of their own gender. However, it is strictly a term used by males to address older males.
Did you know?
- The word 형 can also be a homonym for a word meaning 'punishment' or 'penalty' when derived from the character 刑.
- Using 형 toward a man who is actually younger than you can be a way of teasing him or acknowledging his seniority in a specific skill.
- While 형 is a term of endearment between male friends, using it with a stranger who is significantly older or in a much higher social position could be seen as overly familiar or rude.
Examples in context
- 형, 같이 점심 먹을까요?hyeong, gachi jeomsim meogeulkkayo?Bro, shall we eat lunch together?
- 그 형은 성격이 아주 좋아요.geu hyeongeun seonggyeogi aju joayo.That guy is a great person.
Example conversation
Dohyun is talking to Jieun about his close male friend.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그 사람은 저한테 정말 좋은 형이에요.geu saram-eun jeohante jeongmal joeun hyeong-ieyo.That person is a really great bro to me.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 친한 사이인가 봐요.jeongmal chinhan sai-inga bwayo.You two must be very close.
- 도현 Do-hyeon네, 형이랑 고민을 많이 나눠요.ne, hyeong-irang gomin-eul mani nanwoyo.Yes, I share a lot of my worries with him.
- 지은 Ji-eun좋은 인연을 가지셨네요.joeun inyeon-eul gajisyeonneyo.You have a wonderful relationship.
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.
