K-Drama Stage 2 · Comprehension
누나
nuna
Older sister (used by men)
🗣️ How to say it
nu-na — two clean, soft syllables.
📊 Meaning spectrum
older sister →close older woman →admired older woman
💬 When to use it
A male calling an older female — sister, friend, or a 'noona' crush. The male counterpart to a woman's '언니.'
누나, 이거 어때요? 🔊
Noona, how about this?
🧠 Culture note
'누나 romance' (younger man + older woman) is a popular K-drama trope. Women never use 누나 — they say 언니.
✅ Use it / ❌ Don't
✅ A man addressing an older female friend
❌ A woman using it (women say 언니)
🎬 Where you've heard it
🎯 Quick quiz
What does 누나 mean?