Korean Word & Slang Meanings

What Korean words actually mean — with real examples, who says them to whom, common mistakes, and a quick quiz to check you got it.

• What Does 아줌마 (Ajumma) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 아줌마 (ajumma) means in Korean, why it can offend, what to say instead (이모, 저기요), and the cultural image behind the word.

• What Does 아저씨 (Ajusshi) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 아저씨 (ajusshi) means in Korean — 'mister' or middle-aged man — when it's fine, when it distances, and what to say instead.

• What Does 동생 (Dongsaeng) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 동생 (dongsaeng) means in Korean, why you don't call someone 'dongsaeng' to their face, and how 남동생 and 여동생 differ.

• What Does 언니 (Unnie) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 언니 (unnie) means in Korean, who can say it, why women say it to shop staff, and how it differs from 누나 (noona).

• What Does 형 (Hyung) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 형 (hyung) means in Korean, who can say it, how it differs from 오빠 (oppa), and the common mistakes learners make.

• What Does 막내 (Maknae) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 막내 (maknae) means in Korean — the youngest of a family, team, or K-pop group — plus 'golden maknae' and how the role works in Korean culture.

• What Does 누나 (Noona) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 누나 (noona) means in Korean, who can say it, the 'noona romance' nuance, and how it differs from 언니 (unnie).

• What Does 오빠 (Oppa) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 오빠 (oppa) means in Korean, who can use it, when to say it, common mistakes, and how it differs from 형, 언니, and 누나.

• What Does 선배 (Sunbae) Mean in Korean?

  Learn what 선배 (sunbae) means in Korean, how it differs from 후배 (hoobae), when to add 님, and why the word matters at school and work.