고마워요 언니
gomawoyo eonni
The English phrase "thank you sister" is translated into Korean as 고마워요 언니 (gomawoyo eonni).
This phrase is used by a female to express gratitude toward an older sister or an older female friend. Using the form 고마워 instead of 감사해 conveys a tone that is more intimate and familiar.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 언니 (eonni) literally means 'older sister' when used by a female speaker.
How do you pronounce it?
gomawoyo eonni
Did you know?
- The term 언니 may have originated as a cute or 'childish' way for children to pronounce the more formal word 형님.
- The word 언니 is so common in pop culture that it is often used as a title for female celebrities or idols by their younger female fans.
- Because 언니 implies a specific seniority, a younger woman cannot use this phrase to thank a woman who is actually younger than her, even if they are close friends.
Examples in context
- 고마워 언니Thank you, sister.
- 고맙습니다 언니. 오늘 정말 특별하게 해줘서 고마워.Thank you, sister. Thank you for making today so special.
- 도와줘서 고마워요 언니.dowajwoseo gomawoyo eonni.Thank you for helping me, sister.
Example conversation
Minji gives Dohyun's sister a ride home.
- 도현 Do-hyeon민지 누나, 태워줘서 고마워요.Minji nuna, taewojwoseo gomawoyo.Minji, thank you for the ride.
- 민지 Min-ji아니야, 별거 아니야.aniya, byeolgeo aniya.No, it was nothing.
- 도현 Do-hyeon옆에 있는 동생이 고마워요 언니라고 하네요.yeope inneun dongsaeng-i gomawoyo eonnirago haneyo.My sister next to me says, 'Thank you, sister'.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 귀엽다!jeongmal gwiyeopda!She is so cute!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 언니, CC BY-SA 4.0.
