Korean Dictionary
How to say "Empty nest" in Korean
“Empty nest” in Korean is 빈 둥지 (pronounced "Bin dungji").
빈 둥지
Bin dungji
Usage & Context
The period when adult children have left home. Korean parents may experience mixed emotions during this transition.
Example Sentence
빈 둥지 증후군은 부모에게 어렵습니다.
Empty nest syndrome is difficult for parents.
How to use 빈 둥지 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Empty nest” is 빈 둥지, romanized as Bin dungji.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 빈 둥지.
Pronunciation Guide
For '빈' (Bin), it sounds exactly like 'bin' in 'garbage bin'. For '둥지' (dungji), 'dung' sounds like 'doong' in 'doong-doong' (a drum sound) with a soft 'd' and 'oo' like in 'moon', and 'ji' sounds like 'jee' in 'jeep'. Put it together: 'Bin doong-jee'.
More Example Sentences
A parent reflecting on their children having moved out.
아이들이 모두 떠나고 빈 둥지가 되었어요.
All the children left, and it became an empty nest.
Discussing a common emotional phenomenon among parents.
빈 둥지 증후군을 겪는 부모들이 많아요.
Many parents experience empty nest syndrome.
A parent feeling a sense of loss or uncertainty after children leave.
이제 빈 둥지인데, 뭘 하면서 지내야 할지 모르겠어요.
Now it's an empty nest, and I don't know what to do with my time.
Cultural Context
The 'empty nest' phenomenon (빈 둥지 증후군 - bin dungji jeunghugun) is increasingly recognized in Korea. Traditionally, the expectation of children living with parents until marriage, especially sons, meant this stage was less pronounced. However, with changing family structures and smaller families, parents, particularly mothers who dedicated their lives to childcare, can experience significant emotional challenges, including loneliness or a loss of purpose. It often leads to parents rediscovering hobbies or focusing on their own lives.
Editorial note
We review entries like 빈 둥지 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
빈 둥지 증후군
Empty nest syndrome
빈 둥지가 되다
To become an empty nest
빈 둥지를 채우다
To fill the empty nest (e.g., with new hobbies)
Related Expressions
독립
dokrip
independence (related to children leaving)
자녀 출가
janyeo chulga
children getting married and leaving home (traditional term)
홀로 남다
hollo namda
to be left alone
외로움
oeroum
loneliness
More Parenting & Family Life Words
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