ajeossi

mister; an adult or middle-aged man

Ajeossi can be neutral, familiar, distancing, teasing, or rude depending on the age gap and relationship. Being called ajeossi may emphasize that a man is no longer being treated as oppa.

Children, younger characters, customers, strangers, neighbors, and irritated heroines use it for drivers, shopkeepers, detectives, guardians, older male acquaintances, and reluctant protectors.

Do not treat it as simply “any man older than the speaker.” Context matters, and directly calling someone ajeossi can offend a man who considers himself too young for the label.