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A2 noun #2,800 le plus courant 5 min de lecture

남매

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 남매 en 30 secondes
Explication 남매 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn '남매' as a basic family word. Think of it as the answer to 'Do you have a brother and a sister?' Instead of saying 'I have one brother and one sister,' you can say 'We are 남매.' It is a simple noun. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember: Boy + Girl = 남매. It is used to describe your family members. For example, '우리 남매예요' (We are brother and sister). This level focuses on identifying the relationship and using it in simple 'Subject + Verb' sentences. You might hear this when people talk about their basic family tree. It is one of the first 500 words you should know to describe people around you. Focus on the pronunciation: 'nam-mae'. The 'm' sound is doubled, making it sound smooth. Practice saying it with numbers, like '2남매' (two siblings). This is the foundation for understanding how Korean categorizes people by gender and relationship.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use '남매' in more descriptive sentences. You can talk about how the siblings look or behave. For example, '남매가 닮았어요' (The brother and sister look alike). You also start to use particles like '하고' or '이랑' to connect '남매' with other family members. At this stage, you should be able to distinguish '남매' from '형제' (brothers) and '자매' (sisters) when someone asks about your family. You might use it in a short paragraph about your childhood. '저는 남매가 한 명 있어요' is technically incorrect; you would say '우리는 남매예요' or '저는 오빠가 있는 남매예요'. Understanding that '남매' describes the *group* rather than an individual is a key A2 milestone. You will also encounter this word in simple stories or textbook dialogues about family hobbies or weekend plans. It's a very practical word for social introductions.
At the B1 level, you use '남매' to discuss relationships and social dynamics. You might describe the '남매간의 우애' (the affection between brother and sister). You can use more complex grammar like '-아/어 보이다' to say '남매처럼 보여요' (You look like siblings). You also begin to understand the cultural nuance of the word. For instance, in Korea, the relationship between a brother and sister involves specific titles (Oppa, Nuna, etc.), and '남매' is the umbrella term for that dynamic. You might participate in a discussion about whether it's better to have a '남매' or '형제'. You can use the word in the passive or causative sense, like '남매로 키워졌다' (were raised as siblings). Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like '현실 남매' (realistic siblings) which is a popular slang term for siblings who fight. This level requires you to use the word in context with emotions and social expectations.
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At the B2 level, you can use '남매' in formal discussions, essays, or complex narratives. You might analyze the portrayal of '남매' in Korean literature or film. You understand that '남매' can be used metaphorically to describe a very close, non-romantic relationship between a man and a woman. You are comfortable using the word with advanced particles and connectors. For example, '남매라기보다는 친구 같은 사이' (A relationship that is more like friends than siblings). You can discuss the sociological aspects of the '1남 1녀' (one son, one daughter) family structure in modern Korea. You also recognize the word in news reports or documentaries about family reunions or inheritance laws. At this level, you should be able to explain the etymology (Hanja) of the word to someone else. You can use it to describe complex social bonds and the evolution of the Korean family unit over time.
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At the C1 level, '남매' is a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it in academic writing or professional contexts to discuss demographic trends or psychological studies on sibling rivalry and cooperation. You understand the subtle difference between '남매' and '오누이' in terms of literary register and emotional weight. You can use the word in idiomatic or sophisticated ways, such as discussing the '남매의 정' (the deep bond of siblings) in a philosophical context. You are capable of debating the changing definitions of family in Korea and how terms like '남매' might be adapted in the future. You can interpret the word in classical texts or high-level literature where the '남매' relationship might symbolize broader social or political themes. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct use of honorifics when referring to someone else's '남매'.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '남매' and its place in the Korean linguistic landscape. You can discuss the historical evolution of the term from Middle Korean to the present day. You are aware of how '남매' functions in various dialects or in North Korean speech compared to South Korean speech. You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific cultural memories or to subvert traditional expectations of sibling roles. You understand the legal intricacies where '남매' might be defined in the civil code regarding inheritance and family registry (호적). You can analyze the linguistic economy of the word—how it packs gender and relationship into two syllables—and compare it to other languages. You can engage in high-level discourse about the '남매' trope in Korean pop culture and its global reception. Your understanding is both deep (etymological) and broad (sociological).
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

남매 en 30 secondes

  • 남매 refers to a brother and sister pair or group.
  • It comes from Hanja: 男 (male) and 妹 (younger sister).
  • It is distinct from 형제 (brothers) and 자매 (sisters).
  • Used commonly in family introductions and media tropes.

The Korean word 남매 (nammae) is a specific collective noun used to describe a pair or group of siblings consisting of both male and female members. In English, we often simply say 'siblings,' but Korean culture places a high value on specifying the gender composition of familial relationships. The term is derived from the Hanja characters 男 (nam) meaning 'male' and 妹 (mae) meaning 'younger sister.' Despite the literal translation of the characters, 남매 is used universally for any combination of brothers and sisters, regardless of who is older or younger.

Core Concept
A mixed-gender sibling group. If you have one brother and one sister, you are part of a '남매'.
Etymological Nuance
While 'mae' refers to a younger sister, the term covers elder sisters (nuna/eonni) and brothers (hyeong/oppa) collectively.
Social Usage
Used when introducing one's family or describing the relationship between a boy and a girl who share the same parents.

"우리 집은 남매가 사이가 정말 좋아요." (The brother and sister in our house get along really well.)

— Common domestic expression

Understanding 남매 is crucial because Korean lacks a perfect one-to-one gender-neutral equivalent for 'siblings' that is used as frequently as in English. While 형제 (hyeongje) is often used as a generic term for all siblings in legal or formal contexts, in daily conversation, 남매 is the precise choice for mixed-gender pairs. This distinction reflects the Confucian roots of Korean society, where gender and age hierarchy within the family unit are clearly defined and linguistically marked.

"사이좋은 남매처럼 보였어요." (They looked like a brother and sister who get along well.)

This word is frequently found in folk tales, such as the famous story of 'The Sun and the Moon' (해와 달이 된 오누이), where the term '오누이' is a more poetic or archaic synonym for 남매.

Using 남매 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that defines a relationship. It is most commonly used with counters or as a subject/object in sentences describing family dynamics. When counting, you use the structure [Number] + 남매.

Counting Siblings
'2남매' (two siblings: one boy, one girl) or '3남매' (three siblings: e.g., two boys, one girl).
Describing Bonds
'남매간' (between brother and sister) is used to describe the relationship or feelings shared between them.
Introduction
'저희는 1남 1녀 남매입니다' (We are a brother and sister pair).

"그들은 얼굴이 아주 닮은 남매예요." (They are a brother and sister who look very much alike.)

In Korean media, you will often see the term used in variety shows or dramas to highlight the 'chemistry' between a male and female celebrity who act like siblings, often referred to as '현실 남매' (realistic siblings) – a term used when they bicker or tease each other constantly.

When writing, 남매 functions as a standard noun. It can take any particle: 남매가 (subject), 남매를 (object), 남매의 (possessive). For example, '남매의 우애' (the brotherly/sisterly love between siblings).

"우리는 어릴 때부터 싸우면서 자란 남매입니다." (We are siblings who grew up fighting since we were young.)

The term 남매 is ubiquitous in Korean daily life, entertainment, and literature. It is the default way to categorize a mixed-gender sibling set in any official or casual conversation. You will hear it in the following contexts:

  • Family Introductions: When parents talk about their children to neighbors.
  • K-Dramas: Often used to clarify that two characters are related by blood to avoid romantic misunderstandings.
  • News Reports: When reporting on stories involving a brother and sister.
  • Variety Shows: To describe the 'sibling-like' dynamic between cast members.

"이번 드라마에서 두 배우는 남매로 출연합니다." (In this drama, the two actors appear as brother and sister.)

In traditional Korean culture, the '남매' relationship was often idealized in stories where the brother protects the sister or the sister sacrifices for the brother's education. Modern usage, however, leans towards the '현실 남매' (realistic siblings) trope, which emphasizes the playful and sometimes annoying reality of growing up together.

Daily Life
"남매끼리 여행 가는 거 어때요?" (How about a trip just for the brother and sister?)
Formal Settings
"슬하에 1남 1녀 남매를 두고 계십니다." (They have a son and a daughter.)

The most frequent error for learners is using '남매' as a catch-all term for any siblings.

Because English uses 'siblings' regardless of gender, learners often forget that Korean has three distinct terms based on the gender of the individuals involved. Using 남매 for two sisters will cause confusion or be seen as a basic vocabulary error.

Incorrect Usage
Calling two brothers '남매' (Correct: 형제).
Incorrect Usage
Calling two sisters '남매' (Correct: 자매).
Over-formalization
Using '남매' when '오누이' (more poetic) or '동생' (younger sibling) might be more natural in a specific narrative context.

"우리 언니랑 나는 남매예요." (X) - Incorrect because '언니' implies two females.

Another mistake is forgetting that '남매' is a collective noun. You cannot call one person 'a 남매.' You must say '그는 나의 남동생이다' (He is my younger brother) or '우리는 남매다' (We are brother and sister).

Korean has a rich vocabulary for family relations. While 남매 is the standard term for mixed-gender siblings, several other words share the same semantic space.

형제 (Hyeongje)
Literally 'older brother and younger brother.' Used for male siblings, but also used as a generic legal term for all siblings.
자매 (Jamae)
Literally 'older sister and younger sister.' Used exclusively for female siblings.
오누이 (Onui)
A more traditional, poetic, or affectionate term for '남매'. You see this in fairy tales.
동기 (Donggi)
A formal or academic term for siblings (those born of the same parents).

"그들은 형제처럼 가깝게 지내요." (They get along closely like brothers.)

Choosing between these depends on the specific gender makeup of the group you are describing. In modern Seoul, 남매 is the most common and practical choice for daily life.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

-(이)다 (to be)

-하고/이랑 (and)

-처럼 (like)

-보다 (more than)

Honorifics (Oppa/Nuna)

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Exemples par niveau

1

우리는 남매예요.

We are brother and sister.

Noun + 이다 (to be)

2

남매가 있어요?

Do you have a brother and sister?

Noun + 가 있다 (to have)

3

제 친구는 2남매예요.

My friend has a brother and sister (is part of a 2-sibling pair).

Number + 남매

4

남매가 같이 놀아요.

The brother and sister play together.

Subject particle -가

5

귀여운 남매입니다.

They are cute siblings.

Adjective + Noun

6

남매가 학교에 가요.

The brother and sister go to school.

Direction particle -에

7

이 사진은 남매예요.

This photo is of a brother and sister.

Demonstrative '이'

8

남매가 밥을 먹어요.

The brother and sister are eating.

Object particle -을

1

우리 남매는 아주 닮았어요.

We (the siblings) look very much alike.

Adverb '아주' + Verb

2

남매가 사이좋게 지내요.

The brother and sister get along well.

Adverbial '-게'

3

그 집은 3남매예요.

That house has three siblings (mixed gender).

Noun + 이다

4

남매가 같이 숙제를 해요.

The brother and sister do homework together.

Adverb '같이'

5

어제 남매를 만났어요.

I met the brother and sister yesterday.

Past tense -았/었-

6

남매가 선물을 샀어요.

The brother and sister bought a gift.

Past tense

7

남매가 공원에서 뛰어요.

The brother and sister run in the park.

Location particle -에서

8

남매는 싸우기도 해요.

Siblings also fight sometimes.

Verb stem + 기 도 하다

1

남매간의 우애가 정말 깊네요.

The affection between the brother and sister is really deep.

Noun + 간 (between)

2

두 사람은 남매처럼 보여요.

The two of them look like brother and sister.

-처럼 보이다 (looks like)

3

남매가 서로를 잘 챙겨줘요.

The brother and sister take good care of each other.

-아/어 주다 (do for someone)

4

남매인데 성격이 참 달라요.

They are siblings, but their personalities are very different.

-(이)ㄴ데 (contrast)

5

남매가 힘을 합쳐서 일을 끝냈어요.

The brother and sister joined forces to finish the work.

-아/어 서 (reason/sequence)

6

남매가 부모님을 도와드려요.

The brother and sister help their parents.

Honorific -시-

7

남매가 나란히 앉아 있어요.

The brother and sister are sitting side by side.

-아/어 있다 (state)

8

남매가 웃는 모습이 보기 좋아요.

It's nice to see the brother and sister laughing.

Noun modifying form -는

1

남매라고 해서 항상 친한 것은 아니에요.

Just because they are siblings doesn't mean they are always close.

-다고 해서 (even though/just because)

2

그들은 어릴 때부터 남매처럼 자랐어요.

They grew up like brother and sister since they were young.

-아/어 오다/자라다

3

남매 사이의 갈등을 해결해야 해요.

The conflict between the siblings must be resolved.

-어야 하다 (must)

4

남매가 각자 다른 길을 걷고 있어요.

The brother and sister are walking different paths (careers).

Progressive -고 있다

5

남매의 정을 나누는 모습이 감동적이에요.

The sight of them sharing sibling affection is touching.

Adjective -적

6

남매가 함께 사업을 운영하고 있습니다.

The brother and sister are running a business together.

Formal ending -습니다

7

남매가 부모님의 유산을 물려받았어요.

The brother and sister inherited their parents' estate.

Vocabulary: 유산 (inheritance)

8

남매가 서로 의지하며 살아가고 있어요.

The brother and sister live relying on each other.

-으며 (while/and)

1

한국 사회에서 남매의 역할은 전통적으로 구분되었습니다.

In Korean society, the roles of brother and sister were traditionally divided.

Passive -되다

2

남매간의 경쟁 심리는 발달 과정에서 중요한 요소입니다.

Sibling rivalry between a brother and sister is an important factor in development.

Academic vocabulary

3

그 영화는 남매의 비극적인 운명을 다루고 있다.

The movie deals with the tragic fate of the brother and sister.

Literary style

4

남매가 성인이 된 후에도 긴밀한 관계를 유지하기란 쉽지 않다.

It is not easy for siblings to maintain a close relationship even after becoming adults.

-기란 (as for the act of...)

5

남매의 외모가 흡사하여 쌍둥이로 오해받기도 한다.

The brother and sister look so similar they are sometimes mistaken for twins.

Vocabulary: 흡사하다 (to be very similar)

6

남매가 부모님께 효도하는 방식은 각기 달랐다.

The ways the brother and sister showed filial piety to their parents were each different.

Vocabulary: 효도 (filial piety)

7

남매의 유대감은 시련 속에서 더욱 단단해졌다.

The bond between the siblings became stronger amidst trials.

Metaphorical usage

8

남매가 공유하는 어린 시절의 기억은 소중한 자산이다.

The childhood memories shared by the siblings are a precious asset.

Relative clause

1

남매라는 혈연의 굴레는 때로 개인의 자유를 억압하기도 한다.

The shackles of being siblings (blood relation) sometimes suppress individual freedom.

Philosophical tone

2

문학 작품 속에서 남매는 종종 대립하는 가치관을 상징한다.

In literary works, brother and sister often symbolize opposing values.

Literary analysis

3

남매가 겪는 갈등의 이면에는 복잡한 심리적 기제가 깔려 있다.

Behind the conflicts siblings experience lie complex psychological mechanisms.

Advanced psychological terms

4

남매의 정체성은 가족이라는 공동체 안에서 재정의되고 있다.

The identity of siblings is being redefined within the community of family.

Sociological discourse

5

남매가 서로에게 미치는 영향력은 평생에 걸쳐 지속된다.

The influence siblings have on each other lasts throughout their lives.

-에 걸쳐 (over/throughout)

6

남매의 우애를 다룬 설화는 민족의 정서를 대변한다.

Folktales about sibling affection represent the sentiment of the nation.

Vocabulary: 대변하다 (to represent)

7

남매가 직면한 현실적 고뇌는 현대 사회의 단면을 보여준다.

The realistic anguish faced by the siblings shows a cross-section of modern society.

Abstract noun '단면'

8

남매의 유대 관계를 강화하기 위한 사회적 지원이 필요하다.

Social support is needed to strengthen the bonding relationship of siblings.

Policy-oriented language

Collocations courantes

사이좋은 남매
현실 남매
2남매
3남매
남매가 닮다
남매를 키우다
남매가 싸우다
남매의 우애
남매 사이
쌍둥이 남매

Phrases Courantes

남매예요?
우리는 남매입니다.
남매가 참 닮았네요.
사이좋은 남매처럼
현실 남매의 정석
1남 1녀 남매
남매끼리 왜 이래?
남매가 다 공부를 잘해요.
남매가 성격이 비슷해요.
남매가 같이 살아요.

Souvent confondu avec

남매 vs 형제 (Brothers)

남매 vs 자매 (Sisters)

남매 vs 오누이 (Poetic version)

Expressions idiomatiques

"남매가 한 배를 탔다"
"남매는 전생에 부부였다 (folk saying)"
"남매의 정이 깊다"
"피를 나눈 남매"
"눈에 넣어도 안 아픈 남매"
"남매가 손을 잡다"
"남매가 등을 돌리다"
"남매가 한마음 한뜻"
"남매가 대들보"
"남매가 집안을 일으키다"

Facile à confondre

남매 vs

남매 vs

남매 vs

남매 vs

남매 vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

남자 (man)
남동생 (younger brother)
자매 (sisters)
매제 (younger sister's husband)
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Comment l'utiliser

plurality

The word itself implies a group; you don't usually need a plural marker like '들'.

distinction

Always remember: 남매 = Male + Female.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 남매 for same-sex siblings.
  • Using 남매 to refer to a single person.
  • Confusing the Hanja with other '남' words like '남' (others).
  • Forgetting to use honorifics within the 남매 relationship.
  • Using native Korean numbers (둘, 셋) instead of Sino-Korean (이, 삼) for counting.

Astuces

Learn the Hanja

Knowing 男 (man) and 妹 (sister) helps you remember the meaning instantly. It is a very logical word.

The Oppa/Nuna Rule

Even if you are '남매', the younger one must always use the correct title for the older one. It never changes.

Introducing Family

When asked 'How many siblings?', start with '저희는 X남매예요' for a natural response.

현실 남매

Use this term when you see a brother and sister fighting playfully. It shows high-level cultural awareness.

Counting

Always use Sino-Korean numbers (일, 이, 삼) before '남매' for the total count.

Drama Tropes

If a drama says two people are '남매', it's a signal that no romance will happen between them.

Subject Markers

Use '남매가' when they are doing something together, like '남매가 산책해요'.

Context Clues

If you hear '남매', look for a male and a female in the scene or story.

Similarity

A common compliment is '남매가 참 닮았네요' (The siblings look so much alike).

Pairing

Group '남매', '형제', and '자매' together in your flashcards to learn the gender distinctions.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Sino-Korean (Hanja)

Contexte culturel

The 'Sun and Moon' folk tale is the most famous story involving 남매.

Even within 남매, the younger sibling must use honorific titles like Oppa or Nuna for the older one.

'K-남매' is often used to describe the typical bickering dynamic.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"남매가 있으세요?"

"남매끼리 사이가 어때요?"

"남매가 닮았다는 소리 자주 들어요?"

"현실 남매처럼 자주 싸우나요?"

"남매라서 좋은 점이 뭐예요?"

Sujets d'écriture

우리 남매의 어린 시절에 대해 써보세요.

남매가 있어서 좋은 점과 나쁜 점.

내가 아는 가장 사이좋은 남매 이야기.

남매가 닮았는지 아닌지에 대해 설명하세요.

미래에 남매를 키우고 싶은가요?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you must use 형제 for two brothers. 남매 requires at least one male and one female.

It is a standard noun used in both casual and formal contexts. It is neutral.

You say '우리는 3남매예요'.

It means 'realistic siblings,' referring to siblings who bicker and act naturally rather than being overly sweet.

Yes, if they are a boy and a girl, they are '쌍둥이 남매'.

Yes, but '오누이' is more traditional and poetic. '남매' is more common in daily life.

No, it only implies gender. It doesn't tell you who is older.

Usually no, it refers to immediate siblings. For cousins, you use '사촌'.

You can say '남매 지간' or '남매 사이'.

Yes, it is a standard Korean word used across the peninsula.

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