Namdongsaeng

Namdongsaeng is a Korean term used to refer to a younger brother. It is a compound word derived from "namja" (male) and "dongsaeng" (younger sibling). Therefore, namdongsaeng specifically denotes a male younger sibling. The term is commonly used within families and in informal conversations among Koreans.

In Korean kinship terminology, there are distinct terms for older and younger siblings, as well as for male and female siblings. While "dongsaeng" can refer to any younger sibling regardless of gender, "namdongsaeng" narrows this down to a male. This specificity is important in Korean culture, where age and gender often dictate social interactions and forms of address.

The counterpart to namdongsaeng is "yeodongsaeng," which refers to a younger sister. Similarly, for older siblings, "oppa" is used by females to address an older brother, and "hyeong" is used by males to address an older brother. An older sister is called "unni" by females and "nuna" by males. Understanding these terms is crucial for navigating Korean social dynamics. The use of namdongsaeng reflects the nuanced system of familial relationships in Korean society.