Nuance Dictionary / Titles & Hierarchy
선배 seon-bae
Senior; implies not just being older, but a mentor figure who takes care of you
What does 선배 mean?
선배 (seon-bae) means: Senior; implies not just being older, but a mentor figure who takes care of you.
A core aspect of Korean hierarchy. A good seonbae buys you food and guides you, rather than just acting superior.
How it's actually used
- 힘든 일이 있을 때마다 회사 선배님이 좋은 조언을 많이 해주세요.
him-deun il-i is-seul ttae-ma-da hoe-sa seon-bae-nim-i jo-eun jo-eon-eul mani hae-ju-se-yo.
Whenever I have a hard time, my senior at work gives me a lot of good advice.
💡 Shows the mentor aspect of a seonbae guiding you through difficulties. - 어제는 친한 선배가 맛있는 고기를 사주셔서 배불리 먹었어요.
eo-je-neun chin-han seon-bae-ga mas-it-neun go-gi-reul sa-ju-syeo-seo bae-bul-li meog-eot-seo-yo.
Yesterday, a close senior bought me delicious meat so I ate my fill.
💡 Buying younger peers food is a classic bonding duty for a good seonbae. - 이번에 새로 들어온 팀원 잘 부탁한다고 선배가 밥을 사줬다.
ibeone saero deuroon timwon jal butaktandago seonbaega babeul sajwotda.
My senior bought me lunch, asking me to take good care of the new team member.
💡 Illustrates the supportive, mentoring role of a seonbae.