What does 님 (nim) mean?
- 님nim
Honorific suffix (respect)
Polite: safe with most people
님 (nim) is an honorific suffix that shows respect. Koreans attach it to titles and names, as in 선생님 (teacher), 사장님 (boss) and 고객님 (customer).
Where it comes from
님 is a native Korean word that has long expressed respect. In old poems and songs, 님 alone can also mean a dear, beloved person.
How to use 님
Most often 님 is stuck onto a job title or role: 선생님, 사장님, 의사 선생님, 부모님 (parents). It turns a plain title into a respectful way of addressing someone.
Online and at work, people put 님 after a name or username to be polite to someone they do not know well, like 민지 님. It is more respectful than 씨.
Never put 님 after your own name or title. You use it only for other people.
Examples
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Replying to a coworker's message
A store clerk asking a customer to wait
Meeting a favorite webtoon artist
Other ways to say it
| Korean | Meaning | When |
|---|---|---|
| 고객님 | dear customer | How staff politely address customers. |
| 부모님 | parents | Respectful word for parents. |
| 작가님 | writer / artist | Used by fans for authors and webtoon artists. |
| 님들 | you all (online) | Casual online way to address readers. |
Questions learners ask
What does nim mean after a name?
It adds respect, a bit like a very polite "Mr." or "Ms." Koreans use it for people they do not know well, especially at work or online.
What is the difference between nim and ssi?
Both are polite, but 님 is more respectful. 씨 goes after names of equals or juniors, while 님 can be used for anyone you want to honor.
Can I add nim to my own name?
No. Using 님 for yourself sounds like you are praising yourself.