Titles & Hierarchy

Words in this collection

• 동기 (dong-gi) — The only people you can truly complain to in a strict hierarchical system. A lifeline.
• 언니 (eon-ni) — Used to break the ice and show friendliness, even if they aren't actually older.
• 을(의 입장) (eul-ui-ip-jang) — The tragic opposite of Gap. The one who has to smile while being treated poorly.
• 갑질(하다) (gap-jil-ha-da) — A major social issue in Korea. The arrogance of the person in power (the 'Gap').
• 형님 (hyeong-nim) — A heavy, respectful version of 형 (hyung). Often used in mafia movies or deep business relations.
• 이모 (i-mo) — Calling the owner 'Imo' instead of '사장님 (Boss)' often gets you extra side dishes.
• 막내 (mang-nae) — The beloved but exhausted youngest member of a group, family, or K-Pop band.
• 사모님 (sa-mo-nim) — The ultimate service-industry flattery term for a middle-aged woman.
• 삼촌 (sam-chon) — Used to address approachable middle-aged men in casual neighborhood settings. It strips away the intimidating authority of formal titles like '사장님' (boss/owner) and replaces it with the friendly, accessible warmth of a favorite relative.
• 선배 (seon-bae) — A core aspect of Korean hierarchy. A good seonbae buys you food and guides you, rather than just acting superior.
• -씨 (-ssi) — A trap for foreigners. It sounds polite, but using it towards an older person is extremely rude.