oppa
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.”
How to use oppa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Korean word of affection for an older brother figure, now widely used in K-pop fan culture for admired male idols.
Common in K-pop and Korean drama fandoms; used casually and affectionately, not literally implying siblinghood.
Word forms
oppas plural
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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.
Rhymes for oppa
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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