형
hyeong[çʌ̹ŋ]
The English phrase 'hyung' translates to the Korean term 형 (hyeong).
형 is a term used by a male to address his older brother or an older male friend.
Which one should you use?
A female uses 오빠 to address an older brother or older male friend, whereas a male uses 형.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the suffix '-nim' to 형 creates a more respectful and formal version of the term 형님.
How do you pronounce it?
hyeong
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, using 형 acknowledges the age hierarchy between the speaker and the person being addressed.
Did you know?
- In Korean K-pop fandom culture, female fans often refer to their favorite male idols as 형 in a playful, gender-bending way to show deep affection and 'brotherly' closeness.
- Depending on the context, the same sound 형 can also mean 'punishment', 'model' or 'shape' in Korean.
- While 형 is common, if you address a much older man in a formal or service-oriented setting, using it might actually be seen as overly casual or even rude.
Examples in context
- 형, 배고파요.hyeong, baegopayo.Hyung, I'm hungry.
- 우리 형은 정말 멋있어요.uri hyeongeun jeongmal meosisseoyo.My hyung is really cool.
- 형, 이거 좀 도와주세요.hyeong, igeo jom dowajuseyo.Hyung, please help me with this.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is talking to Jieun about his older brother.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo형이 오늘 집에 와요.hyeongi oneul jibe wayo.My older brother is coming home today.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말요? 같이 저녁 먹어요.jeongmalyo? gati jeonyeok meogeoyo.Really? Let's have dinner together.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo형한테 물어볼게요.hyeonghante mureobolgeyo.I will ask my brother.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 꼭 알려주세요.ne, kkok allyeojuseyo.Yes, please let me know.
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.
