더 나이 많은
The English phrase "older" is translated into Korean as 더 나이 많은.
While 더 나이 많은 is the comparative form of old, Korean uses specific terms depending on the social context. In academic or professional environments, the term 선배 is commonly used to refer to someone older. In informal, sibling-like relationships, different terms are used based on the gender of the speaker and the person being addressed: females use 오빠 to address older males and 언니 to address older females, while males use 형 to address older males and 누나 to address older females.
Meaning: comparative form of old, more old (adj)
Did you know?
- Using the 'older sibling' terms 오빠, 언니, 형 and 누나 is common even between strangers who are not related, as long as they are close in age.
- In Korea, being 'older' by just one year can fundamentally change the grammar of a conversation, forcing the younger person to use formal language.
- In Korea, the concept of being 'older' is so central to social hierarchy that people often ask for your birth date immediately upon meeting to determine which title to use.
Examples in context
- 나의 오빠는 내 전화번호를 알고 있어My older brother knows my phone number
- 그는 저보다 더 나이 많은 사람이에요.geuneun jeoboda deo nai maneun saramieyo.He is an older person than me.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are talking about a new colleague.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 저 분이 팀장님보다 더 나이 많은가요?Minji ssi, jeo buni timjangnimboda deo nai maneungayo?Minji, is that person older than the team leader?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 제가 알기로는 더 나이 많으세요.ne, jega algironeun deo nai maneuseyo.Yes, as far as I know, they are older.
- 민준 Min-jun그렇군요. 그럼 더 정중하게 말씀드려야겠어요.geureokunyo. geureom deo jeongjunghage malsseumdeuryeogesseoyo.I see. Then I should speak more politely.
- 민지 Min-ji맞아요. 그게 좋을 것 같아요, 민준 씨.majayo. geuge joeul geot gatayo, Minjun ssi.That's right. I think that would be best, Minjun.
