What Does "Noona" Mean in Korean? (Plus, When & How to Use It)

What does “noona” mean in Korean?

“Noona” is an honorific term that means “older sister" in Korean. If you’re a man, you can use “noona” to address an older female, such as an older sister, girlfriend, or female friend. Calling someone “noona” signifies a close relationship to the other person, and acknowledges their role as a mentor or protector. Since it’s an informal term, reserve it for casual exchanges with friends, family members, and close colleagues—it’s inappropriate to use “noona” with a boss, teacher, or someone of higher authority. How to pronounce “noona:” It’s a 2-syllable word, where “noo” sounds like “new” and “na” sounds like the last syllable in “banana.” How to write “noona:” You can write “noona” in Korean as “누나.” In romanized letters, it is spelled “noona,” but you may see it written as “nuna.”

How to Use “Noona”

Use “noona” to address your older sister. This is the most common situation to use the term “noona.” It conveys the same level of respect and affection as calling someone “oppa” or “hyung” (older brother in Korean), but it’s exclusive for male-to-female relationships. “Noona, you’re the best!” (누나, 최고야!) “Noona, do you want to go to the zoo?” (누나, 동물원에 갈래요?)

Use “noona” to address an older female friend. Whether she’s an older female classmate, close colleague, or friend, you can call any older female “noona” in casual situations. It’s a friendly way to show respect, admiration, and closeness. “Noona, how are you?” (누나, 잘 지내요?) “Noona, do you want to drink an iced Americano?” (누나, 아이스 아메리카노 마실래?)

Use “noona” to address female staff in a restaurant. In Korean restaurants, waitresses are usually busy, and they may not check up on you or wait for you to order. You can get a waitress’ attention by calling her “noona,” raising your hand, or making eye contact with her. Alternatively, you can say “yeogiyo” (여기요 or “excuse me”) if you’re in a crowded bar or a BBQ restaurant. “Noona, can we have another bottle of Soju?” (누나, 소주 한 병 더 주시겠어요?) “Noona, I would like one order of pork belly to-go.” (누나, 삼겹살을 테이크아웃으로 하나 주문하겠습니다.)

Use “noona” to address your older girlfriend. In K-dramas and romance novels, the younger male protagonist often uses “noona” to address an older female character, especially if he’s romantically interested in her. It’s also common for younger Korean men to call their older girlfriends “noona” in real life. “UGH, the noona romance in Hotel del Luna is everything!!!” “Noona, do you want to go out with me this weekend?” (누나, 이번 주말에 나랑 같이 나갈래?)

Unnie vs Noona

“Noona” is exclusively used by males, while “unnie” is used by females. Both “unnie” and “noona” are honorific titles that mean “older sister,” but their usage depends on the speaker’s gender. “Unnie” is used by females to address older sisters or older female friends, and convey respect and closeness. Calling someone “unnie” acknowledges the older female’s role as a mentor, similar to “noona.” Examples of when to use “unnie” include: A sister speaking to her older sister. A female talking to her older female friend. A younger female speaking to an older waitress. A younger female fan referring to older female idols.

How do Koreans feel when someone calls them “noona?”

“Noona” is deemed a friendly and polite term of endearment. In Korean culture, honorifics are super important because they convey respect and keep social order. Calling someone “noona” acknowledges their age or position, making it clear who’s older so everyone behaves respectfully in social situations. The term “noona” also indicates closeness and affection, adding a personal touch when addressing an older female. Is calling a girl "noona" flirty? Not necessarily! When a man calls an older woman “noona,” it usually means he views her as an older sister. However, it can be flirty if he constantly invites her out, pays for her things, or expresses romantic interest. Why is it important to use honorifics? If you don’t use honorifics correctly or choose to ignore them, Korean people will probably think you’re being rude. It’s crucial to use them correctly to build good relationships in both personal and professional settings!

Related Honorific Terms

Unnie (언니) This honorific term is used by females to address older females, such as an older sister or older female friend. Think of it as the opposite of “oppa,” which is what younger women use to address older men. “Are you ready to leave, Unnie?” (떠날 준비 됐나요, 언니?) “Unnie, did you get home safe?” (언니, 집에 무사히 도착했어요?)

Oppa (오빠) This honorific term directly translates to “older brother.” It’s used by younger women to address older men, such as older brothers, cousins, male friends, or their boyfriend. “I’m happy today because of Oppa!” (오빠 때문에 오늘 행복해) “Oppa, do you want to watch a movie together tomorrow?” (오빠, 내일 같이 영화 볼래?)

Hyung (형) This honorific title is used by men to address older men they’re close to, such as an older brother, cousin, or friend. Think of it as the male equivalent of “unnie,” or the term females use to refer to older sisters or female friends. “Hyung, how is it living in America?” (형, 미국에서의 생활은 어떤가요?) “Thanks for always looking out for me, Hyung.” (형이 항상 나를 지켜줘서 고마워.)

Sunbae (선배) This honorific term means “senior.” It’s used to address males and females who have more experience than you, or who are in a higher position than you at work or school. To be even more polite and respectful, you can attach “nim” (님) to the end of “sunbae” (“sunbaenim” or 선배님). “Sunbae, can you give me your contact information?” (선배, 연락처 알려주시겠어요?) “Wow, sunbaenim! I can’t believe you work at Samsung!” (우와, 선배님! 당신이 삼성에서 일한다는 게 믿겨지지 않아요!)

Hubae (후배) This honorific title directly translates to “junior.” It refers to males and females who have less experience than you at work or school, such as the new intern at your job or a classmate who’s a year or two younger than you. “Hubae, did you do well on your test?” (후배, 시험은 잘 봤어?) “Hubae, let me know if you need any help.” (후배, 도움이 필요하면 알려주세요.)

Chingu (친구) This informal term means “friend” in Korean, and it can refer to both men and women. It’s the equivalent of calling someone “buddy” or “pal” in English. “My friend is the best!” (내 친구가 최고야!) “He’s a friend of a friend.” (그는 내 친구의 친구야 .)

Dongsaeng (동생) This Korean term translate to “younger sibling.” It can be used to refer to any younger male or female that you’re close to, even if you’re not related to them by blood. “My little brother is being so loud” (내 동생이 너무 시끄러워요.) “Can you pick up your sibling from school?” (학교에서 동생을 데리러 갈 수 있나요?)

Levels of Formality in Korean

In Korean speech, there are 7 levels of formality you can use. The level of formality you use depends on the situation and the person you’re addressing, but it’s important to learn all 7 since you will usually combine them with the appropriate honorific title to approach someone: Hasoseo-che (하소서체): The most traditional and respectful level of speech, used in formal situations and to elders or superiors. It was mostly used to address royalty in the past, but can be seen in historical dramas or religious texts. Hasipsio-che (하십시오체): This level of speech is right between formal and casual, providing respect without going overboard. Strangers typically use this during their first few encounters, and it’s often used in public speeches, business, and people in the service industry. Haeyo-che (해요체): This is the most common polite level of speech, and it can be used to address strangers and the elderly. Foreigners are often urged to learn this form because it’s ideal for everyday situations. Hao-che (하오체): This is an outdated style of formal speech that you can find in historical K-dramas. It can be used to address people that are the same age as you or younger, and it's mainly seen in writing. Hage-che (하게체): This is an uncommon, casual-leaning style of speech that middle-aged people use to address other adults that they’re close to. It can also be used by older people to address younger people. Haera-che (해라체): This is a casual level of speech that’s still formal. It’s most often used in writing, but not commonly used in conversation. Hae-che (해체): This is the most informal level of speech, used with friends, family members, and close acquaintances. Avoid using it in front of someone of a higher rank.