형
hyeong[çʌ̹ŋ]
In Korean, the term for "older brother" depends on the gender of the speaker. The default form is 형 (hyeong). Wiktionary also lists 오빠 (oppa).
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 형 | hyeong | [çʌ̹ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 오빠 | oppa | [o̞p͈a̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms is determined by the gender of the person speaking. A male speaker uses 형 to refer to an older brother, while a female speaker uses 오빠.
How do you pronounce it?
hyeong
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the same word for "older brother" regardless of their own gender. However, in Korean, you must choose the word based on your own gender.
Did you know?
- The Sino-Korean root for 형 is shared with several other words, including those for 'punishment' and 'shape'.
- Beyond family, the term 오빠 is frequently used by women to refer to an older male friend or a romantic partner. This usage is so common that it often carries a sense of intimacy or affection rather than strictly biological kinship.
- Calling a stranger 오빠 or 형 can be a strategic way to build instant rapport or ask for a favor in casual settings.
Examples in context
- 우리 오빠는 아버지를 빼닮았다.My older brother takes after my father.This sentence shows the use of 오빠 when discussing family resemblance.
- 형, 오늘 뭐 할까요?Hyeong, What should we do today?
- 오빠, 오늘 나랑 영화 볼래?Oppa, do you want to watch a movie with me today?
- 형님, 무엇을 도와 드릴까요?Hyeongnim, how can I help you?
- 형, 오늘 우리 같이 축구하자!Hyeong, let's play soccer together today!
- 오빠, 오늘 어디 가볼까?Oppa, where should we go today?
- 형님, 어제 고생 많으셨어요. 오늘은 편히 쉬세요.Hyeongnim, you worked hard yesterday. Take it easy today.
- 우리 형은 정말 친절해요.uri hyeong-eun jeongmal chinjeol-haeyo.My older brother is really kind.
- 형이 지금 집에 왔어요.hyeong-i jigeum jib-e wass-eo-yo.My older brother came home just now.
Example conversation
Hyun-woo is talking to Seo-yeon about his family.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo형이 정말 멋있어요.hyeong-i jeongmal meosisseoyo.My older brother is really cool.
- 서연 Seo-yeon정말요? 사진 보여주세요.jeongmalyo? sajin boyeojuseyo.Really? Please show me a photo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo여기 형 사진이에요.yeogi hyeong sajin-ieyo.Here is a photo of my older brother.
- 서연 Seo-yeon와, 정말 닮았네요!wa, jeongmal dalmanneyo!Wow, you really look alike!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “older brother” translations and entries 형, 오빠, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오빠, 형, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
