In Korean culture, there are special terms that are used by older brothers when referring to their younger sisters. These terms signify the close bond between siblings and convey affection and endearment.
Some key facts about how Korean guys address their little sisters:
- The most common term used is “dongsaeng” (동생) which just means “younger sibling”
- “Ee-saeng” (이생) is also used, which means “this kid” or “this young one”
- Oppa (오빠) is how sisters address their older brothers, but brothers do not use this term
- More intimate or affectionate terms are common among siblings who are close
- Koreans take pride in their family relationships and see them as very important
Below we’ll explore in more detail the special vocabulary Korean guys use for their little sisters and what it signifies about their sibling bond.
The Basic Term: Dongsaeng (동생)
The most common Korean word used by older brothers for younger sisters is “dongsaeng” (동생). This simply translates to “younger sibling”.
Dongsaeng is used for siblings who are younger, regardless of gender. It’s not just for sisters.
Some key facts about dongsaeng:
- Pronounced like “dohng-sehng”
- The opposite term is “hyung” (형) which is what younger siblings call older brothers
- Gender neutral word that can refer to younger brothers too
- Polite and common way for an oppa to address a dongsaeng
- Establishes the birth order dynamic between siblings
When an oppa calls his sister dongsaeng, he’s highlighting their age difference and birth order position. It reminds the younger sibling to show proper manners and respect.
At the same time, oppas use dongsaeng fondly and lovingly. It affirms the special bond between hyung and dongsaeng.
Examples of Dongsaeng Usage
- “Dongsaeng, let’s go eat dinner”
- “Did you finish your homework already, dongsaeng?”
- “Dongsaeng, I bought you a gift!”
As you can see, dongsaeng is versatile and can be used casually in day-to-day conversation between siblings.
Endearing Variations
While dongsaeng is the standard term, Korean oppas often use more affectionate variations when addressing cherished little sisters.
This shows their fondness and familiarity. Some common endearing terms include:
Jagi-Dongsaeng (자기동생)
Jagi means “dear” or “honey” in Korean. By adding jagi, the oppa is calling the sibling his “dear dongsaeng”. This adds a layer of cuteness and endearment to the standard dongsaeng.
Dongsaeng-ah (동생아)
Adding an -ah (아) to the end of dongsaeng makes it sound more affectionate and cute. The -ah ending gives it a loving, coddling tone.
Chagi-ya (차기야)
Chagiya is another term used between couples in Korean, similar to “honey” or “darling”. Used for a dongsaeng, it shows the brother’s sweet fondness and attachment.
Yeobo (여보)
Yeobo means “dear” or “honey” and is commonly used between married couples. Brothers use it with dongsaeng to sound extra affectionate.
Ee-saeng (이생)
Another common term Korean oppas use for little sisters is ee-saeng (pronounced like “ee-sehng”).
This translates to “this kid” or “this young one”. It has a few key connotations:
- Affectionate way to refer to a younger sibling
- Showcases the age gap between siblings
- Can be used casually and lovingly
- Reinforces the oppa-dongsaeng dynamic
Ee-saeng reminds the little sister that she’s still the “kid” while her oppa is older and wiser. Simultaneously, it’s said fondly by oppas as an expression of love.
Examples of Ee-saeng Usage
- “Ee-saeng, you’re getting so big now!”
- “Ee-saeng, you’re still too young to stay out late.”
- “Mom is picking you up after school today, ee-saeng.”
As you can see, it’s a playful and sweet way for oppas to refer to their young dongsaeng.
Oppa (오빠)
In Korean culture, sisters call their older brothers “oppa” while brothers use dongsaeng for their little sisters.
It would be very strange and inappropriate for a Korean brother to call his sister “oppa”. Here’s some background:
- Oppa (오빠) translates to “older brother”
- Sisters use it casually and affectionately for their hyungs
- Brothers do not call their dongsaengs “oppa”
- Would go against proper Korean birth order etiquette
- Younger brother is “dongsaeng” while older brother is “hyung”
So in summary, oppa is a one-way term of endearment used by younger sisters for their big brothers. Saying “oppa” back would be uncomfortable and seem improper in Korean culture.
What Not to Say
There are certain Korean terms and phrases that would be inappropriate, rude or strange for a brother to call his sister:
- Noona (누나) – What younger brothers call older sisters
- Unnie (언니) – What younger females call older females
- Jagiya (자기야) – “Darling”, used for romantic partners
- Yeobo (여보) – Endearing term for spouses
- Chagi (차기) – “Sweetheart”, said to girlfriends/boyfriends
These terms would defy proper oppa-dongsaeng etiquette in Korean culture. It’s important for oppas to use the appropriate dongsaeng vocabulary to maintain sibling respect.
Honorifics and Manners
In Korean culture, speaking using proper grammar and honorifics is essential, especially when addressing siblings.
Younger siblings must speak respectfully to their elders. Some key principles:
- Use honorific suffixes like 형 (-hyung) for older brothers
- Speak in polite banmal, not casual chonemal
- Say yes formally like “ye” (예) not just “ne” (네)
- Use the formal polite speech level
Meanwhile, older siblings can speak less formally to their dongsaeng due to their seniority. But oppas still use affectionate, endearing terms to show care for their sister.
This hierarchy permeates all Korean sibling-to-sibling speech and heavily influences the way oppas address younger sisters.
Examples of Polite Dongsaeng Speech
Casual: Oppa, can I borrow your phone?
Polite: Oppa, may I please borrow your phone?
Casual: Thanks, oppa!
Polite: Thank you, oppa.
Casual: Oppa, let’s eat!
Polite: Oppa, shall we eat now?
Nicknames
In addition to traditional sibling terms, many oppas give their dongsaeng cute nicknames as well. This highlights their close bond and fondness.
Some common nicknames Korean oppas use include:
- Ae-gi (애기) – “Baby”
- Saeng-ie (생이) – Cute variation of saeng/seng meaning younger sibling
- Cho-daeng (조댕) – Endearing term for a young child
- Min-gi (민기) – Cute nickname with no specific meaning
Nicknames are playful and affectionate. Oppas may say these along with or even more frequently than traditional sibling terms. It adds a layer of intimacy and kinship.
Examples of Nickname Usage
- “Min-gi, come eat breakfast!”
- “Cho-daeng, you can have some of my snacks.”
- “Saeng-ie, did you sleep well?”
These nicknames affirm the close oppa-dongsaeng bond.
Conclusion
There is a special vocabulary in Korean that brothers use to address younger sisters. While “dongsaeng” means a gender-neutral “younger sibling”, oppas have many affectionate variations when speaking to their cherished sister.
From “ee-saeng” to mean “this kid” to cute nicknames like “cho-daeng”, the words an oppa uses for his sister have deep cultural meaning. They represent the importance of family and age hierarchy in Korea along with genuine sibling love and affection.
For oppas, picking the perfect name to call their adored dongsaeng is one small way to solidify their unbreakable bond as hyung and saeng. The oppa-dongsaeng relationship is one to be treasured, signified through sweet and thoughtful address terms.