In Taekwondo, a senior student is called 선배 sonbae in Korean.
선배 sonbae is pronounced ‘sonn-bay’ and not ‘sun-bay’ or ‘sonn-bai’ or ‘sonn-bee’.
The term can be used to refer to anyone who is a senior grade to you – i.e., if you’re a green belt, sonbae can be used to refer to a red belt. It can also be used to refer to anyone who is a high colour belt grade – generally blue belt and above. It can also be used to refer to the most senior student in the class.
When speaking to the senior student directly, add the suffix 님 nim (pronounced ‘neem’). For example: ‘Sonbae-nim, can you teach me the form Dosan?’ 님 nim is an honorific suffix added to titles.
What should you not say?
Do not call a senior student senpai. This is a Japanese term that’s used in Karate, but not in Taekwondo.
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Want to learn more?
If you'd like to learn more about the Korean terminology used in Taekwondo, consider buying this book: Taekwondo Terminology. It contains an extensive dictionary of terms used in Taekwondo, as well as explanations on how to pronounce Korean words, and aspects of Korean grammar.
