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K-Pop slang term

What does Hyung (형) mean?

Term

형

Hyung

Phonetic

hyung

Definition

What a man or boy calls an older brother, or an older male friend/idol. In boy groups, younger members often call older members hyung.

Context / Example

“The maknae still calls the leader "hyung" on every variety show.”

Also searched as

hyeong · 형

Tags

FandomBeginnerCulture

About this term

Hyung (형) is what a man or boy calls an older brother or an older male friend/idol. In boy groups, younger members often call older members hyung on camera.

It pairs with oppa (women→older male), unnie, and noona. "Hyung meaning" is a staple beginner query after variety shows.

Frequently asked questions

Hyung vs oppa?

Hyung is used by men/boys toward an older male; oppa is used by women/girls toward an older male.

Does hyung only mean blood brother?

No — close older male friends and group members are commonly called hyung too.

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