Dictionary — Entry No. 0956
형제
hyeongje · noun
형제
hyeongje
[HYUNG-je]
nounbeginner
Meaning
Siblings or brothers — traditionally male-focused but modern usage includes all sibling relationships. Also used metaphorically for ‘brotherhood’ in K-Pop group contexts. Central to Korean family bonds.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
K-Dramas extensively explore sibling relationships as central plots — love, rivalry, sacrifice, and support. BTS explicitly emphasizes ‘hyeongje’ (brotherhood) as foundational to their group identity. K-Pop groups often refer to each other as hyeongje regardless of gender, showing familial bonds.
Example Sentences
우리 형제는 정말 친해요.
Uri hyeongjeeneun jeongmal chinhaeyo.
My siblings are really close — expressing familial bond strength
형제처럼 싸워요.
Hyeongjecheoreom ssawayo.
We fight like siblings — humorous observation of sibling rivalry
형제가 내 옆에 있어.
Hyeongje ga nae yeoppe isseo.
My brother/sibling is next to me — statement of protective presence in K-Drama scenes
⚠️ Don’t use hyeongje when…
‘Hyeongje’ traditionally refers to brothers specifically; ‘hyeongje-maen’ (형제자매) is more inclusive of all siblings. Modern usage sometimes uses ‘hyeongje’ for all siblings, but formal contexts may require inclusive form. Gender affects proper addressing.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: True Beauty features complex sibling dynamics where the protagonist navigates family relationships and brother-sister support through high school challenges
- K-Pop: BTS – The group consistently emphasizes their ‘hyeongje’ (brotherhood) as the core of their identity and longevity, with members treating each other as true brothers
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.