How do you pronounce 형님?

형님 is pronounced “hyeong-nim” (revised romanization). You can hear it pronounced with Korean audio on this page.

When do Koreans use 형님?

A heavy, respectful version of 형 (hyung). For example: “형님, 요즘 사업은 어떻게 잘 돼가십니까?” — “Brother, how is business going these days?”

형님 (hyeong-nim) means: Respectful 'older brother' among men; often has a gangster/loyalty or brother-in-law nuance.

A heavy, respectful version of 형 (hyung). Often used in mafia movies or deep business relations.

형님, 요즘 사업은 어떻게 잘 돼가십니까?
Hyeongnim, yojeum saeobeun eotteoke jal dwaegasimnikka?
Brother, how is business going these days?
💡 Used to show deep respect to an older male mentor, boss, or close senior.
우리 형님이 저 아끼셔서 좋은 자리에 추천해 주셨어요.
Uri hyeongnimi jeo akkisyeoseo joheun jarie chucheonhae jusyeosseoyo.
My older brother (figure) cares for me a lot, so he recommended me for a good position.
💡 Often used among close male friends or colleagues with a strong hierarchy.
형님, 이번 일은 제가 알아서 깔끔하게 처리하겠습니다.
hyeongnim, ibeon ireun jega araseo kkal-kkeumhage cheorihagesseumnida.
Brother, I'll take care of this matter cleanly on my own.
💡 Conveys heavy loyalty, often used in formal male hierarchies or dramatic contexts.