Glossary of Common Korean Terms

Glossary of Common Korean Terms

This is a page containing a list of common korean honourifics and terms that might show up, so I won’t have to give an explanation for them.

• Hyung: used by males to refer to an older male. It can be their actual older brother or someone they are close to.
• Hyungnim: more respectful way of saying Hyung.
• Oppa: used by females to refer to an older male.
• Unni: used by females to refer to an older female.
• Noona: used by males to refer to an older female.
• Noonim: more respectful way of saying Noona.
• Dongsaeng - younger sibling
• Ahjussi: a term used for middle-aged men.
• Ajumma: a term used for middle-aged women.
• Orabeoni: more respectful way for females to refer to older males. More commonly used in the older days.
• Abamama: term used be princes and princesses to refer to their father, the king. More commonly used in the older days.
• Omamama: term used be princes and princesses to refer to their mother, the queen. More commonly used in the older days.
• Maehyung: elder sister’s husband/brother-in-law

• nim: a title of respect. It is usually attached after an occupation.
• ssi: a title of respect. It is usually attached after actual names.
• Sunbae: used to refer to someone older than you who usually goes to the same school or works in the same place as you.
• Hoobae: used to refer to someone younger than you who usually goes to the same school or works in the same place as you.