about 형님
As I understand,
literally it means older brother, and I was told it's a sort of gangster slang.
However watching a program (Goddess of marriage) I saw a girl addressing her old sister in law as hyeong-nim as well.

Can someone please explain the various uses and situations for this title.

감사합니다, :)

Andrew.

Question

about 형님
As I understand,
literally it means older brother, and I was told it's a sort of gangster slang.
However watching a program (Goddess of marriage) I saw a girl addressing her old sister in law as hyeong-nim as well.

Can someone please explain the various uses and situations for this title.

감사합니다, :)

Andrew.

Answer

안녕하세요. 
형님이란 호칭은 아시는대로 주로 남자들 사이에서 나이를 기준으로 쓰이는데
예외적으로 동생의 아내가 형의 아내한테 형님이라고 부릅니다. 
이 경우에는 본인들의 나이가 기준이 아니라 남편의 나이가 호칭의 기준이 되는 거죠. 
가족관계를 보면 가끔씩 동생의 아내가 형의 아내보다 나이가 많은 경우가 종종 있어요.
이런때는 동생의 나이가 더 많더라고 남편의 가족관계를 기준으로 형님이라고 부릅니다.

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