Meaning
언니
eonni
older sister (for females)
Real Feeling
What Koreans really mean
This is a term of intimacy and respect that helps establish a hierarchy in a relationship. It is almost exclusively used by females to address or refer to older females; if a male uses it, it is typically limited to specific social subcultures or theatrical contexts. It carries a sense of sisterly bond, and using it with someone you have just met signifies an immediate invitation to a friendlier, more informal relationship.
💬 Used in real life
• Used when a younger girl asks an older female acquaintance for fashion advice.
• Said when calling out to an older female coworker to get her attention in the breakroom.
How It's Used
Real example sentences — tap any bubble to explore it
Two close female friends making plans
eonni, jeobeone malhan kape gayo!
Eonni, let's go to that cafe we talked about!
Two close female friends making plans
joa! oneul nalssido joheunde ttakida.
Sounds good! The weather is nice today, so it's perfect.
Similar Expressions
Related feelings and meanings — click to explore
Tags
Korean expressions carry layers of meaning that direct translation misses. The real meaning lives in the emotion, context, and cultural moment.
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