Korean is full of relationship words that define how everybody speaks to one another. These are not just terms; they denote respect, proximity, and social understanding. If you want to speak naturally, getting these right is a must.
Here’s a simple guide to help you address your relatives and friends the way native speakers do.
Why Korean Titles Matter
Korean culture places strong emphasis on age and social roles. This is the reason family titles are often used, even when talking to non-family members. They signal respect and warmth, setting the tone for the relationship.
Core Family Terms
Parents
- 엄마 (eomma): Mom
- 아빠 (appa): Dad
- 어머니 / 아버지: More formal for mother and father
Siblings
Which word you use depends on your gender.
If you are male:
- 형 (hyeong): Older brother
- 누나 (nuna): Older sister
If you are female:
- 오빠 (oppa): Older brother
- 언니 (eonni): Older sister
For younger siblings, you can use these general words:
- 남동생: Younger brother
- 여동생: Younger sister
Extended Family
- 할아버지: Grandfather
- 할머니: Grandmother
- 이모: Maternal aunt
- 외삼촌: Maternal uncle
- 고모: Paternal aunt
- 삼촌: Paternal uncle
- 사촌: Cousin
Context usually makes it clear which side of the family you are referring to.
Titles Used for Non-Family
Korean speakers often extend family terms to friends or acquaintances in order to express closeness or respect.
For Friends
Age also matters.
If the person is older, then:
- Men call older men 형.
- Women call older women 언니.
- Women call older men 오빠.
- Men call older women 누나.
If the person is younger:
Use their name with 아/야 depending on the final sound of the name.
For Strangers or Casual Acquaintances
- 선배 (seonbae): One’s senior at school or work
- 후배 (hubae): A junior at school or work
- 아저씨: Middle-aged man
- 아줌마: Middle-aged woman
Use the last two sparingly, because some individuals do not like them.
Naming Rules You Should Know
Titles Replace Names
When you call somebody 언니, 형, or 삼촌, the title can stand on its own, but it is also very common to attach it to the person’s name. For close family members, people often use just the title (for example, simply calling someone 할머니). Among friends and relatives, you will frequently hear patterns like 민수 형 or 지연 언니, where the name comes first and the title follows.
Add 님 to Show Extra Respect
님 makes a term more polite.
Examples:
- 선생님 for teacher
- 아버님 for father-in-law (or a very respectful way to say “father”)
- 사장님 for company boss
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Older friends should not be called by their name alone, as this would sound impolite.
- Do not mix titles with the wrong gender. Calling a man 언니 will confuse everyone.
- Do not use 오빠 as a joke with strangers; this carries a friendly or sometimes intimate tone.
Final Tips
Pay attention to how Koreans address one another. Note how age influences every decision. Start out using safe titles like 선배, 사장님, or family terms with people you are close to. In time, you’ll feel which word fits which relationship.
Mastering these titles makes your Korean sound natural and respectful without having to overthink every sentence.
