noun

oppa

O-puh

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Oppa (noun) means a Korean term used by a woman to affectionately address an older brother or close older male friend. Example: “She always calls her boyfriend "oppa" even though they're the same age in Western terms.”

noun

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

"She always calls her boyfriend "oppa" even though they're the same age in Western terms."

A male celebrity or idol admired by younger female fans.

"Fans screamed when their favorite oppa took the stage."

"Your oppa from Boys Over Flowers and The Legend of the Blue Sea is back with a new album." — , Cosmo Bae Lee Min Ho (2017)

How to use oppa

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA Korean word of affection for an older brother figure, now widely used in K-pop fan culture for admired male idols.

When to use it

Common in K-pop and Korean drama fandoms; used casually and affectionately, not literally implying siblinghood.

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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: oppas

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She always calls her boyfriend "_____" even though they're the same age in Western terms.

Etymology

Borrowed from Korean 오빠 (oppa), meaning "older brother" as used by a female speaker.

Origin: Korean

Antonyms

unnie

Related words

unnie

Rhymes for oppa

poppa

See all rhymes for oppa →

Frequently asked questions

What does “oppa” mean?

The word “oppa” means a Korean term used by a woman to affectionately address an older brother or close older male friend. In plain terms, a Korean word of affection for an older brother figure, now widely used in K-pop fan culture for admired male idols.

How do you pronounce “oppa”?

“Oppa” is pronounced O-puh (/ˈoʊpə/ in IPA).

How do you use “oppa” in a sentence?

Here is “oppa” used in a sentence: “She always calls her boyfriend "oppa" even though they're the same age in Western terms.”

What part of speech is “oppa”?

“Oppa” is a noun.

Where does the word “oppa” come from?

The word “oppa” comes from Korean. Borrowed from Korean 오빠 (oppa), meaning "older brother" as used by a female speaker.

How many meanings does “oppa” have?

“Oppa” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Korean term used by a woman to affectionately address an older brother or close older male friend.

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