What “Sunbae” (선배) Means in Korean & When to Use It


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This article was co-authored by wikiHow writer Aimee Payne, MFA. Aimee Payne is a writer and editor living in Jacksonville, Florida. For more than 10 years, she has created informative and engaging marketing content for the insurance, collectibles and apparel industries. She graduated from Otterbein University where she studied English literature and music, and received her MFA in writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of all facts cited and confirming the authority of its sources. Find out more…

If you’re a K-pop or K-drama fan, you may have heard idols or characters say the word “sunbae” (선배) when talking about another idol or an older, more experienced character. The English translation of the Korean word “sunbae” is “elder”, but it is also used to refer to a younger person who has more experience in a certain field. In this article, we’ll cover the meaning of “sunbae” and how to use it respectfully. In addition, we will explain the meanings of other Korean honorific titles to help you better understand the culture.

Sunbae is a Korean honorific title meaning “elder”. Both male and female speakers use it when speaking or talking about older or younger people who are more experienced at school, at work, or in a particular field.

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Source: HIS Education

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