언니
eonni[ʌ̹nni]
The phrase unnie means unnie in Korean.
The term 언니 is used by a female to address an older female sibling or a female friend who is older than her.
Which one should you use?
While 언니 is used by females to address older females, the term 누나 is used by males to address older females.
Did you know?
- One theory suggests 언니 did not start as a standard word, but rather as a 'baby talk' or intentionally childish way for children to pronounce 형님, which means 'older sibling'.
- In certain professional settings like salons or boutiques, women may call the female staff 언니 to create a friendly, sisterly atmosphere that encourages spending.
- Women may use 언니 to address a female celebrity or idol they admire, even if they have no actual familial or personal relationship.
Examples in context
- 안녕하세요, 언니.Hello, unnie.
- 언니, 오늘 날씨가 정말 좋네요.Unnie, the weather is really nice today.
- 언니, 오래간만이에요.Long time no see, unnie.
- 안녕, 언니!Hi, unnie!
- 언니, 지금 뭐해?Unnie, what are you doing right now?
- 언니, 오늘 함께 영화 보러 갈래?Unnie, do you want to go watch a movie together today?
- 언니, 오늘 뭐 해요?unnie, oneul mwo haeyo?Unnie, what are you doing today?
- 언니는 정말 친절해요.unnie-neun jeongmal chinjeolhaeyo.Unnie is really kind.
- 언니, 이거 진짜 맛있어요!unnie, igeo jinjja masisseoyo!Unnie, this is really delicious!
Example conversation
Seoyeon is talking to her older sister's friend in the living room.
- 서연 Seo-yeon언니, 이 옷 정말 예뻐요.eonni, i ot jeongmal yeppeoyo.Unnie, these clothes are really pretty.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo고마워, 서연아. 너도 잘 어울릴 것 같아.gomawo, Seoyeon-a. neodo jal eoulil geot gata.Thanks, Seoyeon. I think they would look good on you too.
- 서연 Seo-yeon언니는 어디서 샀어요?eonni-neun eodiseo sasseoyo?Where did you buy them, unnie?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그냥 인터넷에서 주문했어.geunyang inteoneseo jumunhaesseo.I just ordered them online.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 언니, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 언니, CC BY-SA 4.0.
