Korean Dictionary
How to say "Only child" in Korean
“Only child” in Korean is 외동이 (pronounced "Oedong-i").
외동이
Oedong-i
Usage & Context
A child with no siblings. Due to Korea's low birth rate, many children are only children.
Example Sentence
그는 외동이입니다.
He is an only child.
How to use 외동이 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Only child” is 외동이, romanized as Oedong-i.
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 외동이.
Pronunciation Guide
외 (oe) sounds like 'weh' as in 'way' or 'weigh'. 동 (dong) is pronounced like 'dong' as in 'dongle'. 이 (i) sounds like 'ee' as in 'see'. The syllables are pronounced clearly and evenly.
More Example Sentences
Someone introducing themselves and their family structure.
저는 외동이라서 형제자매가 없어요.
I'm an only child, so I don't have siblings.
A discussion about the pros of being an only child.
외동이는 부모님의 사랑을 독차지할 수 있습니다.
An only child can monopolize their parents' love.
A news report or social commentary on demographics.
요즘은 외동이가 점점 늘어나는 추세입니다.
These days, the number of only children is increasing.
Cultural Context
Due to Korea's extremely low birth rate, the number of '외동이' (only children) is rapidly increasing. This demographic shift has led to discussions about the '외동이 특성' (oedong-i teukseong, only child characteristics), sometimes implying they might be more self-centered or less socially adept, though these are often stereotypes. Parents of only children often put immense focus and resources into their single child's education and well-being.
Editorial note
We review entries like 외동이 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
외동이로 자라다
to grow up as an only child
외동이의 장점
advantages of an only child
외동이의 단점
disadvantages of an only child
Related Expressions
독자
dokja
only son
독녀
dongnyeo
only daughter
다자녀
dajanyeo
large family (lit. many children)
형제자매
hyeongjejamae
siblings
More Parenting & Family Life Words
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