Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 누나 | nuna | [ˈnu(ː)na̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 언니 | eonni | [ʌ̹nni] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 여동생 | yeodongsaeng | [jʌ̹do̞ŋsʰɛŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [jʌ̹do̞ŋsʰe̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 동생 | dongsaeng | [to̞ŋsʰɛŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [to̞ŋsʰe̞ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
|
| 누이 | nu'i | [nui] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 시스터 | siseuteo | [ɕʰisʰɯtʰʌ̹] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | colloquial, humorous, ironic |
Korean uses specific terms for sisters based on the gender of the person speaking and whether the sister is older or younger. A male speaker uses 누나 to refer to an older sister or an older female in general. A female speaker uses 언니 to refer to her older sister. To specify a younger sister, use 여동생. The term 동생 is more general and can refer to either a younger brother or a younger sister.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 여동생 is a combination of 여, meaning female and 동생, meaning younger sibling.
Which one should you use?
The terms for an older sister are gender-dependent for the speaker: 누나 is used by males, while 언니 is used by females. Unlike these terms, 여동생 specifically refers to a younger sister regardless of the speaker's gender. The term 동생 is broader and refers to any younger sibling, including brothers.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The loanword 시스터 is used colloquially, humorously or ironically and is not a standard way to address a sibling.
How do you pronounce it?
nuna
Did you know?
- Some linguists believe that 언니 actually began as a way for people to intentionally pronounce the word for 'older brother', 형님, in a more childish or cute way.
- While 언니 is used for an older sister, it is also a very common way for women to address older female friends or acquaintances who are slightly older than them.
Examples in context
- 나 너네 언니 만나고 싶어I'd like to meet your older sister.This sentence is useful for practicing the term 언니.Tatoeba #8306577 by ljj, translation #997875 by CK
- 톰이 동생을 괴롭히곤 했어.Tom used to torment his younger sister.This sentence is useful for practicing the term 동생.Tatoeba #8533611 by Eunhee, translation #4449112 by Hybrid
- 내 여동생은 단 것을 좋아한다.My sister has a sweet tooth.This sentence is useful for practicing the term 여동생.Tatoeba #11105171 by intertime, translation #250961 by CK
- 언니는 제 역할 모델입니다.My sister is my role model.
- 저는 두 명의 언니가 있어요.I have two older sisters.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo is introducing his older sister to Seoyeon.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo이쪽은 내 누나야.Ijjogeun nae nunaya.This is my older sister.
- 서연 Seo-yeon안녕하세요, 처음 뵙겠습니다.Annyeonghaseyo, cheoeum boepgetseumnida.Hello, nice to meet you.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo누나도 서연이 알고 있었지?Nunado Seoyeoni algo isseotji?You knew about Seoyeon too, sister?
- 서연 Seo-yeon네, 얘기 많이 들었어요.Ne, yaegi mani deureosseoyo.Yes, I've heard a lot about you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sister” translations and entries 누나, 언니, 여동생, 동생, 누이, 시스터, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 누나, 동생, 언니, 여동생, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
