막내
mangnae[ma̠ŋnɛ]
The English word "youngest" is translated into Korean as 막내 (mangnae).
막내 is used to refer to the youngest person in a specific social group, such as a family, a classroom or a workplace. While 어린 means 'young' in a general age-related sense, 막내 is a noun specifically used to denote the position of the youngest person in a hierarchy or group.
Meaning: superlative form of young (adj)
Which one should you use?
The term 최연소 is a formal term used to describe the youngest person in a group, organization or team.
How do you pronounce it?
mangnae
When do people say it?
In Korean culture, being the 막내 often carries specific social expectations, such as being the person who performs certain chores or follows the lead of the older members.
Did you know?
- In a Korean company, even if you are a high-ranking manager, you might still be called the 막내 of your specific department if you were hired most recently.
- The word 막내 comes from the words for 'end' and 'to bear', literally describing the person who was born last.
- In many K-pop groups, the 'maknae' (the phonetic spelling of 막내) often becomes a famous character or persona within the group's brand.
Examples in context
- 그는 부서에서 최연소입니다.He is the youngest in the department.
- 우리 집 막내는 귀여워요.uri jip mangnaeneun gwiyeowoyo.The youngest in our family is cute.
- 제가 이 모임의 막내예요.jega i moimui mangnaeyeyo.I am the youngest in this group.
- 막내가 아주 똑똑하네요.mangnaega aju ttokttokhaneyo.The youngest one is very smart.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are talking about their siblings.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨는 형제가 많아요?jihun ssineun hyeongjega manayo?Do you have many siblings, Jihun?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 제가 막내예요.ne, jega maknaeyeyo.Yes, I am the youngest.
- 민지 Min-ji정말요? 부럽네요.jeongmalyo? bureopneyo.Really? I'm jealous.
- 지훈 Ji-hun사실은 가끔 힘들어요.sasireuneun gakkeum himdeureoyo.Actually, it's hard sometimes.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 막내, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 막내, CC BY-SA 4.0.
