What Does "Unnie" Mean in Korean? (Plus, When & How to Use It)

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Plus, the meanings of noona, oppa, hyung & other honorific titles!
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Whether you’re casually interested in the Korean language or are working your way up to fluency, “unnie” is an honorific title you’ll need to add to your vocabulary. It means “older sister,” and it’s strictly reserved for female-to-female interactions. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about “unnie,” including what it means, how to pronounce it, and when to use it. We’ll also go over related honorific titles, plus provide the differences between “unnie” and “noona.”

“Unnie” (μ–Έλ‹ˆ) Meaning & Usage

“Unnie” is a Korean honorific term used by females to address older sisters or older female friends. It conveys respect, closeness, and affection, and should be reserved for casual settings. Younger female fans use “unnie” to address female idols, and an “unnie line” refers to the oldest members of a K-pop girl group.

Section 1 of 6:

What does “unnie” mean in Korean?

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  1. If you are a woman and you’re speaking to your older sister or an older female friend, you can call them “unnie.” It acknowledges the older person’s role as a mentor, and conveys respect and closeness. Since it’s an informal way to address someone, reserve it for casual conversations with friends, family members, and close colleagues—it is not appropriate to use with your boss or teacher. [1]
    • How to pronounce “unnie:” It’s a 2-syllable word, where “un” sounds like the first syllable of “under” and “nie” sounds like “knee.”
    • How to write “unnie:” You can write “unnie” in Korean as “μ–Έλ‹ˆ.” In romanized letters, it is spelled “eonni,” but you may see it written as “oni” or “uni.”
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Section 2 of 6:

How to Use “Unnie”

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  1. This is the most common situation to use the term “unnie.” It conveys the same level of respect and affection as calling someone “oppa” (older brother in Korean), but it’s exclusive for female-to-female relationships. [2]
    • “Unnie, you’re the best!” (μ–Έλ‹ˆ, μ΅œκ³ μ•Ό!)
    • “Unnie, do you want to go to the movies together tomorrow?” (μ–Έλ‹ˆ, 내일 같이 μ˜ν™” 보러갈래?)
  2. Whether she’s an older female classmate, close colleague, or friend, you can call any older female “unnie” in casual settings. It’s a friendly and informal way to show admiration and closeness. [3]
    • “Unnie, how have you been lately?” (μ–Έλ‹ˆ, μš”μ¦˜ μ–΄λ•Œ?)
    • “Thank you, Unnie. Really, thank you.” (μ–Έλ‹ˆ, κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ. λ„ˆλ¬΄ κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ.)
  3. In Korean restaurants, waitresses are usually busy and may not wait for you to order. You can get a waitress’ attention by calling her “unnie” or saying “jeogiyo” (μ €κΈ°μš” or “excuse me”), and by raising your hand and making eye contact with her. [4]
    • “Unnie, can we have extra chopsticks?” (μ–Έλ‹ˆ, 젓가락 ν•˜λ‚˜ 더 μ£Όμ‹€ 수 μžˆλ‚˜μš”?)
    • “Unnie, can you give me a to-go box?” (μ–Έλ‹ˆ, ν…Œμ΄ν¬μ•„μ›ƒ μƒμž μ’€ μ£Όμ‹€ 수 μžˆλ‚˜μš”?)
  4. In K-pop culture, younger female fans often use “unnie” to refer to older female idols they admire, even though they don’t know each other personally. An “unnie line” is also a common term that refers to the older female members of a girl group.
    • Them: “Who’s your favorite unnie in TWICE?”
      You: “Nayeon!”
    • Them: “Who’s your favorite unnie line?”
      You: “Minji and Hanni of NewJeans!”
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Section 3 of 6:

“Unnie” vs “Noona”

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  1. Both “unnie” and “noona” (λˆ„λ‚˜) are honorific titles that mean “older sister,” but their usage depends on the speaker’s gender. “Noona” is used by males to address older sisters or older female friends, and convey respect and closeness. Calling someone “noona” acknowledges the older female’s role as a mentor, similar to calling someone “unnie.” Examples of when to use “noona” include: [5]
    • A brother speaking to his older sister.
    • A boyfriend addressing his older girlfriend.
    • A man talking to his close, older female friend.
    • A man addressing female staff in a restaurant.
Section 4 of 6:

How do Koreans feel when someone calls them “unnie?”

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  1. In Korean culture, honorific titles are super important because they convey respect and keep social order. Calling someone “unnie” acknowledges their age or position, making it clear who’s older so everyone behaves respectfully in social situations. Aside from respect, the term “unnie” indicates closeness and affection, adding a warm and personal touch when addressing an older female. [6]
    • If you don’t use honorifics correctly (or choose to ignore them), Korean people might think you’re being rude. It’s crucial to use them correctly to build good relationships in both personal and professional settings
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Section 5 of 6:

Related Honorific Terms

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  1. This honorific term means “older brother.” It is used by younger women to address older men, such as older brothers, cousins, male friends, or boyfriends. [7]
    • “You can do it, Oppa!” (κ·Έ 일, 였빠라면 ν•  수 μžˆμ–΄!)
    • “Oppa’s advice was really helpful.” (였빠의 쑰언이 정말 도움됐어.)
  2. This honorific term is used by males to address older females, such as an older sister or older female friend. Think of it as the opposite of “oppa.” [8]
    • “Noona, did you get home okay?” (λˆ„λ‚˜, 집에 잘 λ„μ°©ν–ˆμ–΄μš”?)
    • “Noona always says the right things.” (λˆ„λ‚˜λŠ” μ–Έμ œλ‚˜ μ˜³μ€ 말을 ν•΄.)
  3. This is an honorific title that men use to address their older brothers or male friends. Think of it as the male equivalent of “unnie.” [9]
    • “Hyung, what do you think about this?” (ν˜•, 이거 μ–΄λ•Œ 보여?)
    • “Thanks for always looking out for me, Hyung.” (ν˜•μ΄ 항상 λ‚˜λ₯Ό μ§€μΌœμ€˜μ„œ κ³ λ§ˆμ›Œ.)
  4. This honorific term means “senior.” It’s used to address males and females who have more experience than you, or who are in a higher position than you at work or school. You can attach the ending “nim” (λ‹˜) to be more polite and respectful. [10]
    • “Wow, sunbaenim! Thank you!” (μš°μ™€, μ„ λ°°λ‹˜! κ°μ‚¬ν•©λ‹ˆλ‹€!)
    • “Sunbae, can you give me your contact information?” (μ„ λ°°, μ—°λ½μ²˜ μ•Œλ €μ£Όμ‹œκ² μ–΄μš”?)
  5. This honorific title means “junior” and refers to males and females who have less experience than you at work or school, such as a classmate who’s a year or two younger than you. [11]
    • “Hubae, did you have a good weekend?” (ν›„λ°°, 주말 잘 λ³΄λƒˆμ–΄?)
    • “Hubae, do you want an iced americano?” (ν›„λ°°, μ•„μ΄μŠ€ 아메리카노 λ§ˆμ‹€λž˜?)
  6. This is an informal word that means “friend” in Korean, and it can refer to both men and women. Think of it as the equivalent of “buddy” or “pal” in English. [12]
    • “My friend is so funny.” (λ‚΄ μΉœκ΅¬κ°€ λ„ˆλ¬΄ μž¬λ°Œμ–΄.)
    • “He’s a friend of a friend.” (κ·ΈλŠ” λ‚΄ 친ꡬ의 μΉœκ΅¬μ•Ό .)
  7. This Korean term means “younger sibling.” It can be used to refer to any younger male or female that you’re close to, even if they are not biologically related to you. [13]
    • “My little brother is annoying.” (λ‚΄ 동생이 μ§œμ¦λ‚˜)
    • “Can you pick up your little sister?” (동생을 데리러 갈 수 μžˆλ‚˜μš”?)
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Section 6 of 6:

Levels of Formality in Korean

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  1. The formality you use depends on the situation and the person you’re addressing, but it’s important to learn all 3 since you will usually combine them with the appropriate honorific title to approach someone: [14]
    • Nopimmal (λ†’μž„λ§) or formal speech: The most traditional and respectful level of speech, used in formal situations and to elders or superiors. You can attach the ending “-(으)μ‹œ-” to verbs or use the formal version of some verbs and particles.
    • Jondaetmal (μ‘΄λŒ“λ§) or polite speech: This level of speech is right between formal and casual, providing respect without going overboard. Verbs usually end with “-γ…‚λ‹ˆλ‹€.”
    • Banmal (반말) or casual speech: This is the most informal level of speech, used with friends, family members, and close acquaintances. Avoid using it in front of someone of a higher rank.

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      Tips

      • To improve your pronunciation of Korean words, watch YouTube videos or take language classes. There are tons of tutorials that can help you get the pronunciation down, and you can improve your Korean by learning the Korean alphabet (Hangul) and practicing whenever you have the opportunity. [15]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://translationblog.net/oppa-hyung-unnie-noona-difference/
      2. ↑ https://translationblog.net/oppa-hyung-unnie-noona-difference/
      3. ↑ https://translationblog.net/oppa-hyung-unnie-noona-difference/
      4. ↑ https://translationblog.net/oppa-hyung-unnie-noona-difference/
      5. ↑ https://koreabridge.net/post/meaning-oppa-hyung-noona-unnie-90daykorean
      6. ↑ https://translationblog.net/oppa-hyung-unnie-noona-difference/
      7. ↑ https://translationblog.net/oppa-hyung-unnie-noona-difference/
      8. ↑ https://translationblog.net/oppa-hyung-unnie-noona-difference/
      9. ↑ https://translationblog.net/oppa-hyung-unnie-noona-difference/
      1. ↑ https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/korean-words-learn-from-k-drama-boys-over-flowers/
      2. ↑ https://www.lindsaydoeslanguages.com/korean-words-learn-from-k-drama-boys-over-flowers/
      3. ↑ https://learnkorean24.com/friend-in-korean/
      4. ↑ https://www.beelinelanguage.com/younger-sibling-in-korean/
      5. ↑ https://gogohanguk.com/en/blog/korean-levels-of-speech/
      6. ↑ https://www.optilingo.com/blog/korean/learning-how-to-speak-korean/

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