남동생
namdongsaeng[na̠mdo̞ŋsʰɛŋ]
The Korean term for "little brother" is 남동생 (namdongsaeng).
남동생 is used by a person to refer to their own younger brother, but it is not typically used as a direct way to call out to him. Instead, one would use his name or a nickname.
Which one should you use?
The term 동생 (dongsaeng) is gender-neutral.
How do you pronounce it?
namdongsaeng
Did you know?
- While 남동생 is a family term, 동생 can be used for people who are not blood-related but are younger than you in a social group or friendship.
- In Korean pop culture, fans often refer to their favorite younger male idols as 'national 남동생' to imply a protective, sisterly affection.
- In Korean culture, the relationship between a 남동생 and an older sibling is defined by a strict hierarchy that persists even into adulthood.
Examples in context
- 남동생이 한 명 있어요.namdongsaengi han myeong isseoyo.I have one little brother.
- 제 남동생은 학생이에요.je namdongsaeng-eun haksaeng-ieyo.My little brother is a student.
- 남동생이랑 같이 살아요.namdongsaeng-irang gachi sarayo.I live with my little brother.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hun are talking about their families at a cafe.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨는 남동생이 있어요?Ji-hun ssi-neun namdongsaeng-i isseoyo?Ji-hun, do you have a little brother?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 남동생이 두 명 있어요.Ne, namdongsaeng-i du myeong isseoyo.Yes, I have two little brothers.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말 많네요!Jeongmal manneyo!That is a lot!
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 조금 시끄러워요.Ne, jogeum sikkeureowoyo.Yes, they are a bit noisy.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 남동생, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
