막내
mangnae[ma̠ŋnɛ]
The Korean term for "maknae" is 막내 (mangnae).
막내 refers to the youngest member, or the youngest sibling, in a family or a group.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from the concept of being the last-born.
How do you pronounce it?
mangnae
When do people say it?
In Korean social hierarchy, the 막내 often receives different types of attention, sometimes being pampered by older members or being expected to perform certain tasks for the group.
Did you know?
- In K-pop fan culture, the 'fake maknae' is a term for the oldest member of a group who acts the youngest or has the most youthful appearance.
- The word 막내 is used not just for biological families, but also for the newest or youngest recruit in a workplace or a military unit.
- In some social contexts, being the 막내 allows a person to use slightly more casual language or behave more playfully than their seniors would permit.
Examples in context
- 우리 가족의 막내는 제니예요.Jenny is the youngest in our family.
- 저희 회사의 막내는 민수씨예요.Mr. Min-su is the youngest in our company.
- 그는 우리 집 막내입니다.geuneun uri jip maknae-imnida.He is the youngest in our family.
- 막내가 정말 귀여워요.maknae-ga jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.The youngest member is really cute.
Example conversation
Minji is introducing the youngest member of their office social group to Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지 씨, 이분이 누구예요?Minji-ssi, ibun-i nuguyeyo?Minji, who is this person?
- 민지 Min-ji우리 동아리의 막내예요.uri dongari-ui maknae-yeyo.She is the youngest in our club.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아, 정말 귀엽네요.a, jeongmal gwiyeomneyo.Ah, she is really cute.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 다들 막내를 좋아해요.ne, dadeul maknae-reul joahaeyo.Yes, everyone loves the youngest member.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maknae” translations and entries 막내, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
