안녕 언니
annyeong eonni
In Korean, "hello sister" is translated as 안녕 언니 (annyeong eonni).
안녕 언니 is an informal greeting used by a female to address an older sister or an older female friend. While it refers to a sister, the term 언니 is also frequently used to address female friends who are slightly older than the speaker, even if there is no biological relation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 안녕, meaning hello or peace and 언니, meaning older sister (as used by a female).
Which one should you use?
The term 언니 is specifically used by females to address an older sister or an older female. A male would use 누나 instead.
How do you pronounce it?
annyeong eonni
Did you know?
- The term 언니 might have started as a way for children to speak in a cute or 'babyish' way. It is thought to be an intentionally childish pronunciation of the more formal term 형님.
- In Korea, calling a female stranger 언니 can actually be a way to build instant rapport. It is often used in markets or shops to create a friendly, sisterly atmosphere between women.
- While 안녕 is used for 'hello', it is also the standard way to say 'goodbye' in informal settings.
Examples in context
- 안녕 언니!annyeong eonni!Hello, sister!
- 안녕 언니, 잘 지냈어?annyeong eonni, jal jinaesseo?Hello sister, have you been well?
Example conversation
Subin greets her older female friend at a cafe.
- 수빈 Su-bin안녕 언니, 여기서 만나네!Annyeong eonni, yeogiseo mannane!Hello sister, we meet here!
- 지훈 Ji-hun어, 수빈아 안녕!Eo, Subin-a annyeong!Oh, hello Subin!
- 수빈 Su-bin언니도 커피 마시러 왔어?Eonni-do keopi masireo wasseo?Did you come to drink coffee too, sister?
- 지훈 Ji-hun응, 나도 방금 도착했어.Eung, nado banggeum dochakhaesseo.Yes, I just arrived.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 안녕, 언니, CC BY-SA 4.0.
