오빠
oppa[o̞p͈a̠]
The Korean term 오빠 (oppa) means
오빠 is an informal term of address used by females to address an older brother or an older male friend who is close to them.
Meaning: term of address (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
oppa
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use 오빠 for any older male. However, this term is specifically used by females. Males use different terms like hyeong for older males.
When do people say it?
In romantic contexts, women often use 오빠 to address their older boyfriend or husband.
Did you know?
- The word 오빠 is actually a contraction of the older term 오라비 (orabi) and the vocative particle 아 (a).
- While ‘oppa’ is common in pop culture, calling a stranger 오빠 can be seen as overly flirtatious or even rude depending on the social setting.
- A woman might stop calling her husband 오빠 and switch to a more formal or parent-focused title once they have children.
Examples in context
- 오빠, 뭐 해요?oppa, mwo haeyo?Oppa, what are you doing?
- 오빠는 정말 친절해요.oppaneun jeongmal chinjeolhaeyo.Oppa is really kind.
- 오빠, 배고파요.oppa, baegopayo.Oppa, I'm hungry.
Example conversation
Minji and Minjun are walking in a park.
- 민지 Min-ji오빠, 같이 사진 찍을까요?Oppa, gachi sajin jjigeulkkayo?Oppa, shall we take a photo together?
- 민준 Min-jun그래, 좋아요.Geurae, joayo.Sure, that sounds good.
- 민지 Min-ji오빠는 사진 찍는 거 좋아해요?Oppaneun sajin jjikneun geo joahaeyo?Do you like taking photos, Oppa?
- 민준 Min-jun네, 아주 좋아해요.Ne, aju joahaeyo.Yes, I like it very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oppa” translations and entries 오빠, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 오빠, CC BY-SA 4.0.
