남매
nammae
The Korean word for siblings is 남매 (nammae).
남매 is used to describe a group of siblings that includes both brothers and sisters. In informal settings, females may refer to an older brother as 오빠 or an older sister as 언니.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 남매 is composed of characters meaning 'male' (남) and 'female' (매), specifically referring to a brother and sister pair.
Which one should you use?
While 남매 refers to a mixed-gender sibling group, 형제 is used to refer to brothers or a group of siblings in a general sense and 자매 refers specifically to sisters. Unlike 자매, the term 남매 must include at least one brother.
How do you pronounce it?
nammae
Did you know?
- When talking about siblings, Koreans use different terms for 'older brother' depending on whether the speaker is male 형 or female 오빠.
- Due to the emphasis on birth order, a person cannot simply say 'I have a sibling' without usually specifying if that sibling is older or younger.
- While 남매 describes the relationship, Koreans often specify the exact order and gender of siblings using a formula like 'first son and second daughter'.
Examples in context
- 저는 세 형제가 있습니다.I have three siblings.
- 오빠, 놀러 가자!Brother, let's go play!
- 언니, 오늘 뭐 할래?Sister, what do you want to do today?
- 저희 집은 남매예요.jeohui jibeun nammaeyeyo.My family is a brother and sister pair.
- 그들은 다정한 남매입니다.geudeureun dajeonghan nammaeimnida.They are affectionate siblings.
- 남매 사이가 아주 좋아요.nammae sai ga aju joayo.The siblings get along very well.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Jieun are talking about their families.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo지은 씨는 남매가 있어요?Jieun ssineun nammaega isseoyo?Jieun, do you have siblings?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 남동생이 한 명 있어요.ne, namdongsaengi han myeong isseoyo.Yes, I have one younger brother.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo정말요? 저도 남매예요.jeongmalyo? jeodo nammaeyeyo.Really? I'm a sibling too.
- 지은 Ji-eun와, 정말 비슷하시네요.wa, jeongmal biseuthasineyo.Wow, you guys are really similar.
