older brother in korean
How to Say "Older Brother" in Korean (오빠 / 형): Who Says Which
오빠 / 형
oppa / hyung
Quick answer
Girls say 오빠 (oppa) to an older brother; boys say 형 (hyung). The word changes depending on the speaker's gender.
Common forms
| Register | Hangul | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| female speaker → older brother | 오빠 | oppa | What a girl calls her older brother — also widely used for older male friends or a boyfriend. |
| male speaker → older brother | 형 | hyung | What a boy calls his older brother — strictly male-to-male usage. |
| talking about someone's older brother (neutral) | 오빠 / 형 | oppa / hyung | When describing someone else's older brother, use the appropriate term based on who's speaking. |
| formal / written reference | 형님 | hyungnim | Respectful form of 형 — used among adults to show additional respect. |
How it changes by relationship
오빠, 밥 먹었어?
Oppa, bap meogeosseo?
girl calling her own older brother: Did you eat, oppa? — the everyday family check-in.
형, 어디 가?
Hyung, eodi ga?
boy calling his own older brother: Where are you going, hyung? — natural between brothers.
언니 오빠 봤어?
Eonni oppa bwasseo?
referring to someone else's older brother (female context): Did you see your older brother? — using 오빠 because the speaker is female.
형님, 잘 지내셨어요?
Hyungnim, jal jinaesyeosseoyo?
formal / respectful (male): 형님 adds a respectful layer, used in formal or older settings.
Examples
오빠, 같이 가자!
Oppa, gachi gaja!
Oppa, let's go together!
형, 나 도와줘.
Hyung, na dowajwo.
Hyung, help me.
우리 오빠는 정말 착해요.
Uri oppa-neun jeongmal chakaeyo.
My older brother is really kind.
Usage note
English speakers often use 오빠 for any older brother figure, but using 오빠 as a male speaker is incorrect and will sound jarring to native Koreans — males must use 형. The gender of the speaker (not the person being called) determines which word to use.
Mini quiz
What is the primary Korean phrase for "older brother" here?
FAQ
Can a girl call a friend 오빠 even if he's not her brother?
Yes — 오빠 is commonly used by girls for any older male they're close to, including friends, seniors, or a boyfriend.
Can a boy use 오빠?
No. A male speaker uses 형 for an older male. Using 오빠 as a male sounds unnatural.
What's the female equivalent of 형?
Girls use 오빠 to address an older male, and 언니 (unnie) to address an older female. Males use 형 (older male) and 누나 (noona, older female).