noun

hyung

hyuhng

Quiz me More like this

Hyung (noun) means a Korean term used by a man to address or refer to an older brother or a close older male friend. Example: “He introduced his hyung, who had taught him to play guitar.”

noun

A Korean term used by a man to address or refer to an older brother or a close older male friend.

"He introduced his hyung, who had taught him to play guitar."

How to use hyung

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA respectful, affectionate Korean term a man uses for an older brother or older close male friend, often seen in K-pop and Korean media.

When to use it

Used mainly in casual, family, or peer contexts in Korean culture; increasingly familiar to English speakers through K-pop and K-dramas.

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like hyung.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: hyungs

Test yourself on “hyung” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He introduced his _____, who had taught him to play guitar.

Etymology

Borrowed directly from Korean hyeong, meaning "older brother" (used by a male speaker).

Origin: Korean

Rhymes for hyung

Yung Myung

See all rhymes for hyung →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hyung” mean?

The word “hyung” means a Korean term used by a man to address or refer to an older brother or a close older male friend. In plain terms, a respectful, affectionate Korean term a man uses for an older brother or older close male friend, often seen in K-pop and Korean media.

How do you pronounce “hyung”?

“Hyung” is pronounced hyuhng (/hjʌŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “hyung” in a sentence?

Here is “hyung” used in a sentence: “He introduced his hyung, who had taught him to play guitar.”

What part of speech is “hyung”?

“Hyung” is a noun.

Where does the word “hyung” come from?

The word “hyung” comes from Korean. Borrowed directly from Korean hyeong, meaning "older brother" (used by a male speaker).

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include hyung:

Words with Korean origins