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An introduction to Korean formality levels and honorific expressions
While “dongsaeng” literally means “younger sibling,” it’s commonly used in Korea as a warm, familiar way to refer to younger close friends or extended family. Unlike other honorifics, “dongsaeng” is gender-neutral and appropriate for all genders. Want to use the term correctly? This guide breaks down the meaning of “dongsaeng” and introduces other respectful Korean terms for relatives and workplace peers.
Essential Tips for Using “Dongsaeng” (동생)
Though “dongsaeng” (동생) translates to “younger sibling,” it’s also used for any younger person you’re close to, regardless of gender. If you mean a younger sister, say “yeo-dongsaeng”; for a younger brother, use “nam-dongsaeng.”
How-To Instructions
What is the meaning of “dongsaeng” (동생)?
“Dongsaeng” literally means “younger sibling.” Both Korean men and women use “dongsaeng” (pronounced “dong-SANG”) to refer to a younger sibling of any gender. It’s also a term of endearment used for younger friends with a close bond, as well as for younger cousins or extended family members.
- Being called “dongsaeng” by an older friend often feels heartwarming because the term carries familial affection.
- Still, the word can imply a sense of hierarchy, as Korean culture traditionally expects younger individuals to show respect to their elders.
Proper Ways to Use “Dongsaeng” (동생)
Say “dongsaeng” when referring to a younger sibling. Older brothers and sisters commonly use “dongsaeng” when speaking to or about their younger sibling. For more clarity, they may say “yeo-dongsaeng” (여동생) for a younger sister or “nam-dongsaeng” (남동생) for a younger brother.
- “Dongsaeng, grab me a Milkis from the fridge, will you?”
- “I’ll swing by and get you after baseball, dongsaeng.”
- “My yeo-dongsaeng has plans with friends, so I’m driving them to the theater.”
- “Have you seen my nam-dongsaeng? We’re twins, but I’m older by 15 minutes!”
Use “dongsaeng” when talking about a younger cousin. As an older cousin or relative, you might normally call them by their name, but when introducing or referring to them, say “sachon-dongsaeng” (사촌동생) for boys and “sachon-yeodongsaeng” (사촌여동생) for girls.
- “This is my sachon-dongsaeng. His name is Kim Ha-joon.”
- “I’d like you to meet my sachon-yeodongsaeng, Park Ji-soo.”
- “I’m really close to my sachon-dongsaeng—we basically grew up together.”
- “My sachon-yeodongsaeng from Australia is coming soon. Can you believe we’ve never met?”
Calling a younger friend or acquaintance “dongsaeng.” In Korean culture, people often use someone’s name when speaking directly to a younger friend. But when talking *about* them to others, they may refer to that person as their “dongsaeng.” It’s rare to include gender distinctions like “yeo” or “nam” when using the term casually.
- “Jisung is like a little brother to me—he’s my dongsaeng, so don’t give him a hard time.”
- “Min-jun’s always hanging out here. She’s practically my dongsaeng now.”
- “I’m budgeting tonight—we’ve got dinner plans with my dongsaeng.”
- “Even though we aren’t blood-related, my dongsaeng and I are really close.”
Different Korean Honorifics
- Oppa (오빠): Used by females to address an older male they’re close to. It translates to “older brother.”
- Unnie (언니): A female’s term for an older female friend or sister. Means “older sister.”
- Noona (누나): Males use this to refer to an older female they’re close with. It means “older sister.”
- Ja-mae (자매): Used for referring to multiple sisters, regardless of the speaker’s gender.
- Hyung-je (형제): A general term for more than one brother.
- Nam-mae (남매): A neutral term to refer to both brothers and sisters as a group.
- Sunbae (선배): Meaning “senior,” used for someone older or more experienced. Occasionally, an older person may use it for someone younger with more experience.
- Hubae (후배): Translates to “junior,” used to refer to someone younger or with less experience in school or work settings.
- Chingu (친구): A general term for a friend who is the same age as you.
- Donggab (동갑): Refers to someone born in the same year—implying equal footing in terms of age-based hierarchy.
- Eomeonim (어머님): The formal word for “mother,” though people usually say eomma (엄마) for “mom.”
- Abunim (아버님): The respectful way to say “father.” The informal version is appa (아빠).
- Ajumoni (아주머니): A polite way to address a woman in her 40s to 60s, meaning “middle-aged woman.”
- Ajusshi (아저씨): The equivalent for “middle-aged man,” respectfully addressing men in their 40s to 60s.
- Halabuji (할아버지): Means “grandfather,” used for elderly men, not necessarily a blood relative.
- Halmeoni (할머니): Means “grandmother,” also a general respectful term for older women.
- Agassi (아가씨): Refers to an unmarried young woman, much like “miss” in English.
- Imonim (이모님): Literally “my aunt,” often used casually to refer to a middle-aged woman unrelated to the speaker.
Add “ssi” (씨) or “nim” (님) to a name for politeness. In Korean, suffixes like “ssi” and “nim” function similarly to Mr. or Ms. in English. These honorifics are respectful and gender-neutral. Attach them after someone’s name to show courtesy. For example, Min Yoona-ssi equals Ms. Yoona Min.
- Using “ssi” after a first name is polite but still informal—Yoona-ssi would be Ms. Yoona.
- “Nim” is more formal than “ssi” and is ideal for official or professional conversations.
- Remember, Korean names typically begin with the family name followed by the given name.
Understanding Formality in Korean Speech
Korean has 7 levels of speech politeness. Yet, only 4 are regularly used in modern conversation. For formal occasions, Koreans use hasipsioche. The most frequent form is haerache, a straightforward but respectful tone. Haeyoche is commonly heard when addressing strangers, coworkers, elders, or higher-ranking individuals. Among friends or those younger, haeche is preferred. Here’s a brief overview of all 7 speech levels:
- Hasoseoche (하소서체): Once reserved for royalty and high-ranking officials, this ultra-formal style now appears mainly in historical dramas.
- Hasipsioche (하십시오체): Used in formal speeches, business settings, and when talking to elders or strangers.
- Haoche (하오체): A formal but outdated style, now rarely used outside of period dramas.
- Hageche (하게체): Slightly old-fashioned, this tone is for peers or juniors and mostly spoken by older generations.
- Haerache (해라체): A formal yet plain register often found in media writing and casual speech among equals.
- Haeyoche (해요체): Everyday polite speech used widely with non-close acquaintances.
- Haeche (해체): The most informal level, meant for intimate or younger relationships like friends and siblings.
Common Korean Workplace Titles
In Korean workplaces, honorifics reflect age and seniority. Typically, older colleagues will address you with your name followed by “ssi” as a respectful marker. However, it’s also common to refer to coworkers by their job titles. Here are some frequently used Korean workplace titles with their English meanings:
- Hoejang-nim (회장님): Chairman or Chairwoman
- Sajang-nim (사장님): President or CEO
- Jeonmuisa-nim (전무이사님): Senior Managing Director
- Sangmooisa-nim (상무이사님): Managing Director
- Isa-nim (이사님): Director
- Bujang-nim (부장님): Department Head
- Chajang-nim (차장님): Deputy Department Head
- Gwajang-nim (과장님): Unit Supervisor
- Daeri-nim (대리님): Assistant Manager
- Timjang-nim (팀장님): Team Leader
- Sawon (사원): General Employee
Why Age Matters in Korean Society
In Korea, age shapes the way people speak and interact. Asking someone “How old are you?” is a common way to gauge the appropriate level of speech and behavior. For example:
- Older individuals typically guide group decisions, treat others to meals, and oversee younger people, though they may assign them various tasks.
- Younger people, in turn, show respect by bowing lower, setting the table, or serving drinks for their elders.
Until 2023, Koreans calculated age by counting New Year’s Days plus one. A baby was considered 1 year old at birth, and they turned 2 when the next January 1 arrived, regardless of their actual birthdate. Alongside this, many Koreans also followed the international age system, which aligns with how age is counted in the U.S.
- Starting June 28, 2023, South Korea officially adopted the international age system and ended the traditional age-counting method.
