악동
akdong
The English word 'brat' can be translated into Korean as 악동 (akdong).
The term refers to a selfish, spoiled or unruly child. However, it is often used more playfully to describe a mischievous or naughty child who is full of energy.
Meaning: a selfish, spoiled, or unruly child (noun)
Which one should you use?
Unlike the English 'brat', which often carries a heavy connotation of being spoiled or ill-mannered, 악동 can sometimes have a slightly more neutral or even endearing nuance of being a 'troublemaker' in a spirited way.
How do you pronounce it?
akdong
Did you know?
- While 악동 describes a spirited brat, Koreans often use the term 금쪽이 for a child with behavioral issues. This comes from a popular TV show and literally means 'my precious one'.
- The character 악 in 악동 is the same character used in 악마, meaning 'devil'. This links the idea of a 'brat' directly to the concept of a small demon.
- In Korean pop culture, the term 악동 is frequently used as a title for energetic and rebellious idols to describe their charismatic stage presence.
Examples in context
- 그는 어린 시절에 아주 유명한 악동이었어요.geuneun eorin sijeore ajoo yumyeonghan akdongieosseoyo.He was a very famous brat in his childhood.
- 그 아이는 정말 통제 불가능한 악동이네요.geu aineun jeongmal tongje bulganeunghan akdongineyo.That child is truly an uncontrollable brat.
- 옆집 악동 때문에 밤에 잠을 못 잤어요.yeopjim akdong ttaemune bame jameul mot jasseoyo.I couldn't sleep at night because of the brat next door.
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about a neighbor's child.
- 민준 Min-jun옆집 아이가 너무 제멋대로예요.yeop-jip a-i-ga neo-mu je-meot-dae-ro-ye-yo.The child next door is too spoiled.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아요, 완전 작은 악동 같아요.ma-ja-yo, wan-jeon ja-geun ak-dong gat-a-yo.Right, he's like a little brat.
- 민준 Min-jun어제는 제 장난감을 망가뜨렸어요.eo-je-neun je jang-nan-gam-eul mang-ga-tteu-ryeot-eo-yo.Yesterday, he broke my toy.
- 수빈 Su-bin정말 말썽꾸러기네요.jeong-mal mal-sseong-kku-reo-gi-ne-yo.He really is a troublemaker.
