누나 (nu-na, nuna)
누나 (nuna) is used by males to refer to an older sister. It's a casual, friendly term.
Core meaning and shades learners miss.
누나 is a term a male uses to address his older sister or an older female he is close to.
Nuances
When to use
family conversation, between friends, everyday speech
In context
Used by males to address an older sister or older female close to them. Not used by females or in other relationships.
나는 누나가 두 명 있어.
na-neun nu-na-ga du myeong iss-eo., na neun nu na ga du myeong iss eo.
Correct sentence where a male refers to his older sisters.
여자가 친구를 누나라고 불렀다.
yeo-ja-ga chin-gu-reul nu-na-ra-go bul-reoss-da., yeo ja ga chin gu reul nu na ra go bul reoss da.
Females should use '언니' instead of '누나'.
동생이 누나에게 선물을 줬다.
dong-saeng-i nu-na-e-ge seon-mul-eul jwoss-da., dong saeng i nu na e ge seon mul eul jwoss da.
Younger sibling correctly refers to older sister as 누나.
남자가 여자 친구를 누나라고 부른다.
nam-ja-ga yeo-ja chin-gu-reul nu-na-ra-go bu-reun-da., nam ja ga yeo ja chin gu reul nu na ra go bu reun da.
In romantic relationships, '누나' is generally not used.
누나, 오늘 저녁 같이 먹자.
nu-na, o-neul jeo-nyeok gat-i meok-ja., nu na, o neul jeo nyeok gat i meok ja.
Natural expression for a male addressing an older female in a friendly way.
What does a male call his older sister?
What does a female call an older female?
Is it correct for a man to call his girlfriend '누나'?
