Popular Phrases in Korean Dramas 1

1. 형, 누나 vs. 오빠, 언니

For guys

형 [hyeong]: older brother

누나 [nuna]: older sister

For girls

오빠 [oppa]: older brother

언니 [eonni]: older sister

In Korea, it is impolite to address people older than you by name (or “you”). Even among close friends, Koreans use special words that are literally translated as “older brother” or “older sister.”

2. 선배 vs. 후배

선배 [seonbe] refers to a person who entered the company or school earlier and has more experience than you.

Meanwhile, 후배 [hube] means a person who entered later and has less experience than you.

3. 사랑해 [saranghe]

I love you

If you want to make it more polite, add 요 [yo] to the end — 사랑해요 [sarangheyo].

4. 보고 싶어 [bogo sipeo]

I miss you

If you want to make it more polite, add 요 [yo] to it — 보고 싶어요 [bogo sipeoyo].

5. 약속해 [yaksokhe]

Promise me

Add 요 for the polite form — 약속해요 [yaksokheyo].

6. 잘 자 [jal ja]

Good night/ Sleep tight

Add 요 for the polite form — 잘 자요 [jal jayo].

7. 미안해 [mianhe]

I’m sorry

Add 요 for the polite form — 미안해요 [mianheyo].

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