네 누나
ne nuna
The English phrase "your sister" is translated into Korean as 네 누나 (ne nuna).
This phrase is used to refer to an older sister of the person being spoken to.
Which one should you use?
The term 누나 is used specifically by a male speaker to refer to an older sister. If the person being spoken to is female, the term for her older sister would be 언니 instead of 누나.
How do you pronounce it?
ne nuna
Did you know?
- Korean speakers often use 누나 to address older female friends or colleagues, even if they are not biologically related.
- In certain regional dialects like Gyeongsang, the word for sister can sound like it has a 'p' or 'b' sound, which is a fossilized remnant of its ancient pronunciation.
Examples in context
- 누나, 오늘은 뭐 할까요?Sister, what would you like to do today?
- 누나, 뭐 해?Sis, what are you doing?
- 언니, 오늘 영화 볼래?Hey sis, do you want to watch a movie today?
- 네 누나를 만나고 싶어.ne nuna-reul mannago sipeo.I want to meet your sister.
- 네 누나는 정말 친절해.ne nuna-neun jeongmal chinjeolhae.Your sister is really kind.
- 혹시 네 누나 번호 알아?hoksi ne nuna beonho ara?By any chance, do you know your sister's number?
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about a family gathering.
- 지훈 Ji-hun네 누나도 오늘 와?ne nuna-do oneul wa?Is your sister coming today too?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 지금 오고 있어.eung, jigeum ogo isseo.Yes, she is on her way now.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말? 빨리 보고 싶다.jeongmal? ppalli bogo sipda.Really? I want to see her soon.
- 수빈 Su-bin곧 도착할 거야.got dochak-hal geoya.She will arrive shortly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 네, 누나, CC BY-SA 4.0.
