Korean Dictionary
How to say "Senior / Sunbae" in Korean
“Senior / Sunbae” in Korean is 선배 (pronounced "Sunbae").
선배
Sunbae
Usage & Context
선배 (sunbae) refers to a person senior to you in school, workplace, or any organization. The sunbae-hoobae relationship is a fundamental social dynamic in Korea, where seniors are expected to guide and treat juniors, often buying meals. Respecting your 선배 is a key social expectation.
Example Sentence
선배가 밥을 사줘서 감사했어요.
I was grateful that my senior bought me a meal.
How to use 선배 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Senior / Sunbae” is 선배, romanized as Sunbae.
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 선배.
Pronunciation Guide
The word "Sunbae" is pronounced "soon-bay." "Sun" is like "soon" in "soon," and "bae" is like "bay" in "bay window."
More Example Sentences
A junior expressing thanks for a senior's generosity.
선배가 밥을 사줘서 감사했어요.
I was grateful that my senior bought me a meal.
A junior politely asking for help or advice from a senior.
선배님, 궁금한 게 있는데 좀 여쭤봐도 될까요?
Sunbae-nim, I have a question, may I ask you?
Praising a senior's good qualities to a third party.
우리 선배는 항상 후배들을 잘 챙겨줘요.
Our senior always takes good care of their juniors.
Cultural Context
선배 (sunbae) is a fundamental concept in Korean society, denoting someone who started earlier or is more experienced in a particular organization (school, workplace, club). The 선배-후배 (sunbae-hoobae) relationship is hierarchical but also reciprocal: 선배 are expected to guide, mentor, and often treat (buy meals/drinks for) their 후배, while 후배 are expected to show respect and deference. This dynamic is a cornerstone of social interactions, fostering a sense of community and responsibility, and is a common theme in K-dramas and real-life social etiquette.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 선배 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
선배님
Respected senior (honorific suffix)
선배 대접
Treating a senior (with respect, often buying them food/drinks)
선배 노릇
Acting like a senior (fulfilling the role of a senior)
Related Expressions
후배
Hoobae
Junior (opposite of sunbae)
동료
Dongnyo
Colleague, peer (more general term)
상사
Sangsa
Boss, superior (more formal, workplace-specific)
멘토
Mento
Mentor (a more modern, direct equivalent)
More Relationships Words
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