noun
oppa
O-puh
noun
1
A Korean term used by a woman to affectionately address an older brother or close older male friend.
"She always calls her boyfriend "oppa" even though they're the same age in Western terms."
2
A male celebrity or idol admired by younger female fans.
"Fans screamed when their favorite oppa took the stage."
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.
When to use it
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.