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Glite Dictionary
eonni

eonni

9.9
In Korean, a younger woman who calls an older woman she sees as a sister
  • noun
translation icon : eonni
  • My eonni always gives me great advice.

Examples

  • She smiled and said, 'Thank you, eonni,' after receiving advice from her older colleague.

  • Lisa called her friend eonni because she looked up to her as an older sister.

  • In many K-dramas, a younger girl will refer to an older girl as eonni.

  • I love spending time with my eonni.

  • In many K-dramas, a younger girl will refer to an older girl as eonni.

  • Lisa called her friend eonni because she admired her like an older sister.

  • She smiled and said, 'Thank you, eonni,' after receiving kind advice from her older friend.

Synonyms

sis
vseonni
  • Informal
57 7.7

A woman who has the same parents as you

is used specifically for older females rather than any sister
heynim
vseonni
11 9.9

A polite word used in Korea to address an older person and show respect

is focused on older female relatives or close women rather than any elder
didi
vseonni
  • Indian
1 9.7

A respectful name for an older sister or older woman

is specific to Korean culture rather than South Asian usage
unnie
vseonni
  • UK
9.9

In Korean, a word a younger woman uses to call an older sister or older woman friend

is used mainly when the younger female shares a close relationship

Surface Forms

eonni singular
eonnis plural

Etymology

Eonni comes from the Korean word 언니, which means 'older sister', so a younger woman uses eonni to call an older sister or a close older female friend to show affection and respect.