It's similar to "sister" but carries a more respectful and affectionate tone.
Here's a breakdown of its usage:
* Age: Noona is used when the speaker is younger than the person they are addressing. It doesn't matter if they are actually related or not.
* Respect: It's a respectful term, acknowledging the older woman's seniority.
* Affection: Noona can also convey warmth and closeness, similar to how "sister" is used in some cultures.
Example:
A younger brother might call his older sister "Noona". A younger male friend might refer to an older female friend as "Noona".
Note: "Noona" is only used by males. Females use "Unnie" (언니) to address an older female.