외동
oedong[we̞do̞ŋ]
The English phrase 'only child' is translated into Korean as 외동 (oedong).
외동 refers to a person who has no siblings. While it can function as a noun, it is very commonly used as a noun modifier in sentences to describe someone's status as an only child.
Which one should you use?
To specify the gender of the only child, you can add specific words to the base term. Adding 딸 (daughter) results in 외동딸 (only daughter), and adding 아들 (son) results in 외동아들 (only son).
How do you pronounce it?
oedong
Did you know?
- The prefix 외 in 외동 also appears in the word for 'maternal' relatives, as they are seen as 'outside' the primary paternal line of the traditional family tree.
- While 'only child' is a neutral descriptor in English, calling someone an 외동 in a traditional Korean setting can sometimes imply a sense of being 'spoiled' or 'lonely' due to the lack of sibling interaction.
- Historically, the term 외동 carried a heavy weight regarding the 'sole successor' of a family name, creating a different kind of pressure than the 'spoiled' stereotype found in the West.
Examples in context
- 내가 외동이었으면 좋았을 텐데.I wish I were an only child.This sentence is useful for expressing a wish regarding the status of being an 외동.Tatoeba #4751779 by kimhkng, translation #3054089 by WestofEden
- 저는 외동이에요.jeoneun oedong-ieyo.I am an only child.
- 그는 외동이라서 혼자 놀았대요.geuneun oedong-iraseo honja noratdaeyo.They say he played alone because he is an only child.
Example conversation
Jihoon and Subin are talking about their families.
- 지훈 Ji-hun수빈 씨는 형제나 자매가 있어요?subin ssineun hyeongjena jamaega isseoyo?Subin, do you have any brothers or sisters?
- 수빈 Su-bin아니요, 저는 외동이에요.aniyo, jeoneun oedong-ieyo.No, I'm an only child.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말요? 좋겠어요.jeongmallyo? jokesseoyo.Really? That must be nice.
- 수빈 Su-bin그렇지 않아도 가끔 외로워요.geureoji anado gakkeum oerowoyo.Actually, I feel lonely sometimes.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 외동, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
