eonni
Also written: unni; eonnie; onni
A Korean kinship and address term used by a female speaker for an older sister, older female relative, or an older woman with whom she has an accepted close relationship.
Literal meaning
older sister or older female, used by a female speaker
Cultural context
Eonni can mark biological family, chosen-sister closeness, friendship, mentorship, or affectionate familiarity. The term is gendered by the speaker: a male speaker normally uses nuna for an older female.
How dramas use it
Female characters use eonni in family scenes, friendships, workplaces, schools, and found-family relationships. A formal title changing to eonni can show that emotional trust has finally replaced distance.
Usage & formality
The speaker is female and the person addressed is female and older. Subtitles may flatten eonni into a name, 'sis,' or 'older sister,' so the relationship shift can be easy to miss.