Korean Dictionary
How to say "Older sister (said by female)" in Korean
“Older sister (said by female)” in Korean is 언니 (pronounced "Eonni").
언니
Eonni
Usage & Context
A female speaker's older sister, or affectionately used for older female friends. Also used in shops where younger female staff address older female customers as 언니. The term implies a warm, familiar sisterly bond and is freely used outside biological relationships.
Example Sentence
언니, 이 옷 어때요? 저한테 어울려요?
Eonni, how does this outfit look? Does it suit me?
How to use 언니 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Older sister (said by female)” is 언니, romanized as Eonni.
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 언니.
Pronunciation Guide
Pronounced 'eon-nee' — 'eon' sounds like 'uhn,' and 'ni' is a crisp 'nee.' The double 'n' is slightly held.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
언니
eonni
Default form — Korean doesn't typically use a more formal version for this
More Example Sentences
a younger woman asking her older female friend
언니, 이 옷 어때요?
Eonni, how's this outfit?
introducing family
우리 언니는 변호사예요.
My older sister is a lawyer.
asking to join an older friend's plans
언니, 저도 같이 가도 돼요?
Eonni, can I come along too?
Cultural Context
언니 is used by females for older females — biological sisters, older female friends, or even female cosmetics/clothing store workers (regardless of actual age). Addressing a retail worker as 언니 is a friendly tactic that can get you better service or discounts. Drag queens and older female celebrities are also affectionately called 언니.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 언니 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
언니!
Eonni!
우리 언니예요.
This is my older sister.
언니, 뭐 해?
Eonni, what are you doing?
Related Expressions
누나
nuna
older sister (said by male)
친언니
chineonni
biological older sister
동생
dongsaeng
younger sibling
이모
imo
aunt / (familiar) older woman
Frequently asked questions
How do I correctly pronounce "언니" and what are common pitfalls for English speakers?+
The Korean word "언니" (Eonni) is pronounced with "eo" as in "uh" in "butter," and "nni" like "knee." The double 'n' (ㄴㄴ) creates a slight pause or emphasizes the 'n' sound, making it distinct from a single 'n'. A common pitfall is pronouncing it too flat or like "on-nee" rather than "uh-nnee," where the first syllable is soft and the second is clear. Focus on a clear 'uh' sound for 언 (eon) and a strong 'nee' for 니 (ni).
When and how do females typically use "언니" in Korean culture and relationships?+
Females use "언니" (Eonni) primarily to address their biological older sister. Beyond family, it's widely used by younger females to address older female friends, colleagues, or even strangers in service settings, like a younger shop assistant addressing an older female customer. This usage signifies a warm, sisterly bond or a respectful but familiar address. It's a versatile term reflecting social hierarchy and affection among women.
Is "언니" considered a formal or informal term in Korean, and can men ever use it?+
"언니" (Eonni) is an informal and familiar term. It is exclusively used by females to address older females. Males do not use "언니." If a male wants to address his older sister, he would use "누나" (Nuna). Using "언니" as a male would sound unnatural and incorrect. While respectful in its context, it's not used in highly formal situations where more general honorifics might be preferred, but rather in personal, close-knit interactions.
What are other Korean terms for "older sister" or similar family titles for different speakers?+
For a male speaker, "older sister" is "누나" (Nuna). This is a crucial distinction. "언니" (Eonni) is exclusively for females addressing older females. Other related family terms include "오빠" (Oppa) for a female addressing an older brother, and "형" (Hyeong) for a male addressing an older brother. These terms are gender-specific for both the speaker and the person being addressed, highlighting the intricate nature of Korean honorifics and family titles.
What are common mistakes foreigners make when using "언니" and how can they be avoided?+
A very common mistake is for males to use "언니" (Eonni) when addressing an older female. Remember, males must use "누나" (Nuna) for their older sisters or older female friends. Another mistake is using it for any older woman regardless of relationship, which can sometimes be too familiar or inappropriate. Ensure you have an established friendly or sisterly relationship before using it, or are in a service context where it's customary for younger female staff.
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