Korean Dictionary
How to say "Loneliness" in Korean
“Loneliness” in Korean is 외로움 (pronounced "Oeroum").
외로움
Oeroum
Usage & Context
The feeling of being alone. 외롭다 (to feel lonely). Urban loneliness is a growing concern in Korean society, particularly among the elderly and young adults living alone (1인 가구, single-person households). The popularity of 먹방 (mukbang, eating broadcasts) partly addresses the loneliness of eating alone.
Example Sentence
혼자 있으면 외로움을 많이 느껴요.
I feel a lot of loneliness when I'm alone.
How to use 외로움 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Loneliness” is 외로움, romanized as Oeroum.
Usage tip
Relationship words can sound too direct if the social context is wrong. Check the age, closeness, and formality before using it.
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 외로움.
Pronunciation Guide
'외' sounds like 'weh' in 'weigh' or 'way'. '로' sounds like 'roh' in 'road'. '움' sounds like 'oom' in 'boom'. The '외' sound can be a bit tricky for English speakers, as it's a diphthong.
More Example Sentences
Reflecting on the emotional aspects of urban living.
도시 생활은 때때로 외로움을 느끼게 해요.
City life sometimes makes one feel loneliness.
Describing coping mechanisms for feelings of isolation.
그는 외로움을 달래기 위해 강아지를 입양했어요.
He adopted a puppy to soothe his loneliness.
Discussing social issues and mental health awareness.
외로움은 현대 사회의 큰 문제 중 하나입니다.
Loneliness is one of the big problems in modern society.
Cultural Context
'외로움' is a significant topic in contemporary Korean society, especially with the rise of '1인 가구' (single-person households). The popularity of '먹방' (mukbang, eating broadcasts) is often attributed to people wanting to feel less lonely while eating alone, creating a sense of shared experience. There's a growing awareness and discussion about mental health, including loneliness, which was traditionally less openly discussed.
Editorial note
We check relationship words like 외로움 against age, closeness, and politeness rules, because a literal English match often misses the social meaning.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
외로움을 타다.
To feel lonely easily, to be prone to loneliness.
외로움을 느끼다.
To feel loneliness.
외로움을 극복하다.
To overcome loneliness.
Related Expressions
고독
Godok
Solitude, loneliness (more literary or profound, often implies a chosen state or deeper isolation)
쓸쓸함
Sseulsseulham
Emptiness, bleakness, forlornness (often associated with a melancholic atmosphere or feeling)
외롭다
Oeropda
To be lonely (adjective form)
혼자
Honja
Alone (adverb/noun)
More Relationships Words
Master Korean with AI-Powered Learning
Practice Loneliness and 10,000+ words with native pronunciation and AI conversation.
