내 여동생
nae yeodongsaeng
In Korean, 내 여동생 (nae yeodongsaeng) means "my sister" (specifically a younger sister).
This phrase is used to refer to a female sibling who is younger than the speaker. Because Korean terms for siblings are specific to both gender and age, 여동생 is used only for a sister who is younger than you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 내, meaning "my" and 여동생, meaning "younger sister".
Which one should you use?
While 여동생 refers specifically to a younger sister, different words are used for an older sister depending on the speaker's gender. A female speaker would use 언니 to refer to an older sister, and a male speaker would typically use 누나 to refer to an older sister.
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal or polite speech, you should replace the word 내 with 제 to say "my younger sister" (제 여동생).
How do you pronounce it?
nae yeodongsaeng
Did you know?
Examples in context
- 내 여동생은 단 것을 좋아한다.My sister has a sweet tooth.This sentence shows how to use 내 여동생 to describe someone's preferences.Tatoeba #11105171 by intertime, translation #250961 by CK
- 내 여동생은 아버지에게 새 자전거를 사 달라고 부탁했다.My sister asked my father to buy her a new bicycle.This sentence shows how to use 내 여동생 when describing a request made to a father.Tatoeba #11107576 by intertime, translation #11104916 by CK
- 제 언니는 저보다 두 살 더 나이가 많아요.My sister is two years older than me.
- 제 누나랑 쇼핑하러 갈 거예요.I am going shopping with my sister.
- 누나는 아름다운 미소를 지니고 있어요.My sister has a beautiful smile.
- 언니, 나가서 함께 놀자.Hey sis, let's go out and have fun.
- 내 여동생은 대학생이야.nae yeodongsaengeun daehaksaeng-iya.My younger sister is a college student.
Example conversation
Minjun and Jieun are talking about their families.
- 민준 Min-jun내 여동생은 정말 귀여워요.nae yeodongsaeng-eun jeongmal gwiyeowoyo.My sister is really cute.
- 지은 Ji-eun정말요? 사진 좀 보여주세요.jeongmalyo? sajin jom boyeojuseyo.Really? Please show me a photo.
- 민준 Min-jun여기 있어요. 같이 웃고 있죠?yeogi isseoyo. gachi utgo itjyo?Here it is. We are smiling together, right?
- 지은 Ji-eun와, 정말 많이 닮았네요!wa, jeongmal mani dalmanneyo!Wow, you two look a lot alike!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 내, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
