- Basic Definition and Usage
- Dongsaeng means younger sibling in Korean, regardless of gender
- Directly calling someone dongsaeng is not common in daily life
- Age in Korea is calculated based on birth and New Year's Day
- Different Types of Dongsaeng
- Biological siblings use "chin" or "nae" before "dongsaeng"
- Younger relatives and cousins are referred to as "sa-chon dongsaeng"
- Younger friends and acquaintances are called "아는 동생"
- School juniors are called "hoobae" and can become dongsaeng
- Relationship Dynamics
- Older people typically speak casually to younger ones
- Dongsaeng receive more affection from parents
- Dongsaeng often have more freedom than firstborn siblings
- Relationships with dongsaeng can be both positive and challenging
- Cultural Aspects
- Older people often pay for gifts and meals to dongsaeng
- Dongsaeng can be protective or demanding
- Family relationships involve reciprocity between generations
- Age determines honorifics and social norms in Korea