Curious to know what oppa means in Korean?
Oppa can be someone’s brother, friend, boyfriend, or even husband.
I’ll explain all the meanings of oppa!
Quick Summary
- Oppa in Korean literally means “older brother” used by women.
- Oppa is a friendly way to call an older Korean guy but may be misunderstood as flirting because it’s often used in a romantic context.
- Oppa can be an older brother, friend, boyfriend, or even husband.
If you’ve ever watched a K-drama or listened to K-pop, you’ve probably heard the word oppa countless times.
But what does it actually mean?
Literally, it means “older brother” when used by a woman, but its meaning goes far beyond family ties.
Depending on the context, oppa can refer to an older male friend, boyfriend, or even a handsome celebrity.
While it’s often used affectionately, calling someone oppa can sometimes be misunderstood as flirting.
This article is to show you the different meanings of oppa, when to use it, and why it’s such a culturally significant term in Korea!
1. Biological Older Brother
The first meaning of oppa is a biological brother.
I add “chin (meaning “biological” in Korean)” or “woori (meaning “our” in Korean)” before oppa when I mention my brother to someone else and want to emphasize that he’s my real brother, like my “chin oppa” or “woori oppa.”
When I talk to my brother, I call him “oppaya” in my Southern Gyeongsangnam-do satoori accent.
Koreans can tell when someone is talking to an actual brother because the tone is flat with zero cutesiness.
2. Older Male Cousin
Oppa also means an older male cousin.
“Sachon” means a cousin in Korean, so an older male cousin is “sachon oppa.”
We specify it this way when mentioning him to other people, and we simply call him “oppa” directly.
3. Older Guy Friend
Oppa can also mean an older male friend.
It sounds really friendly when you address someone oppa, so most Korean guys like to be called this way.
Use with caution, though, as this may be interpreted as flirting.
If a woman suddenly starts calling a guy oppa in a playful or cute tone, he might assume she’s interested in him romantically.
4. Male Upper Classmate
Oppa can be an older male classmate who is somewhat close to the speaker.
When I want to keep a distance, I stick to the title, “sunbae (senior)” instead of oppa to avoid misunderstandings.
This distinction is especially important in professional or academic settings where using oppa might come across as too informal or overly familiar.
5. Boyfriend or Husband
From the 1990s, Koreans started using oppa for a boyfriend or even a husband.
Since most Korean women date and marry an older guy, calling the significant other “oppa” continues even after marriage.
In K-dramas, it’s common to see female characters calling their boyfriends “oppa” in an affectionate way, sometimes even exaggerating it to sound cute or playful.
Many Korean boyfriends or husbands like being called oppa because it makes them feel needed and protective.
6. Handsome Guy (Celebrity)
Koreans half-jokingly call a handsome guy (usually a celebrity) oppa.
We say, “All handsome men are oppa,” regardless of age.
Just like the recent article by Newsen Reporter Ji Soo-jin, “Kim Soo-hyun: Handsome Guys Are All Oppa!”
This usage is common among K-pop fans, who often call their favorite idols “oppa” even if they’re younger than them.
You can tell whether an oppa is someone’s family, close friend, or romantic partner by the nuances.
But if you can’t tell the difference, feel free to ask.
Then she will be happy to clarify whether he’s her chin oppa, sachon oppa, or acquainted oppa!
