hyung
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.”
How to use hyung
Learner’s notesIn 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.
Used mainly in casual, family, or peer contexts in Korean culture; increasingly familiar to English speakers through K-pop and K-dramas.
Word forms
hyungs plural
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).
Rhymes for hyung
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).
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