K-Drama Stage 2 · Comprehension
언니
unni
Older sister (used by women)
🗣️ How to say it
Clear double-n: "UN-ni". Hold the n.
📊 Meaning spectrum
older sister →close older woman →girl-crush 'queen'
💬 When to use it
Used by females for an older female — sister, close friend, or admired woman. Fans call female idols '언니'.
언니, 너무 예뻐요! 🔊
Unni, you're so pretty!
🧠 Culture note
Men never use '언니' (they say 누나 nuna). Mixing these up is an instant giveaway you're new to Korean.
✅ Use it / ❌ Don't
✅ A woman addressing an older female friend
❌ A man using it — men say 누나 (nuna)
🎬 Where you've heard it
🎯 Quick quiz
What does 언니 mean?