Korean Dictionary
How to say "Older brother (said by female)" in Korean
“Older brother (said by female)” in Korean is 오빠 (pronounced "Oppa").
오빠
Oppa
Usage & Context
A female speaker's older brother, or affectionately used for older male friends and romantic partners. 오빠 has become internationally known through K-pop, often used by female fans toward male idols. It carries warmth and sometimes a romantic connotation between couples.
Example Sentence
오빠, 저 지금 집에 가고 있어요!
Oppa, I'm on my way home now!
How to use 오빠 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Older brother (said by female)” is 오빠, romanized as Oppa.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 오빠.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'oh-pah' — 'o' is a round 'oh,' and 'ppa' has a tensed 'pp' (held double p) with an open 'ah.'
Formal & Casual Forms
Casual (반말)
오빠
oppa
Default casual form, used by females for older males they're close with
More Example Sentences
girlfriend texting boyfriend
오빠, 뭐 해?
Oppa, what are you doing?
introducing family
우리 오빠는 회사원이에요.
My older brother is an office worker.
girlfriend asking boyfriend
오빠, 이거 사주세요!
Oppa, buy this for me, please!
Cultural Context
오빠 is one of the most culturally loaded words in Korean — used by younger females to address older males, it can mean biological brother, older male friend, romantic boyfriend, or even a favorite K-pop idol. Context and tone distinguish usage. The 오빠 dynamic is a staple of K-dramas and romantic relationships, often with a playful or flirty undertone.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 오빠 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
오빠!
Oppa! (calling out)
오빠, 보고 싶어.
Oppa, I miss you.
우리 오빠예요.
This is my older brother / boyfriend.
Related Expressions
형
hyung
older brother (said by male)
언니
eonni
older sister (said by female)
친오빠
chinoppa
biological older brother
남친 오빠
namchin oppa
boyfriend oppa
More Relationships Words
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