Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun 10 min de lectura

외아들

oeadeul

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 외아들 en 30 segundos

Explicación 외아들 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '외아들' (oe-adeul) is a simple vocabulary word used to describe family members. It means 'only son.' You use it when you want to tell someone about your family or ask about theirs. For example, '저는 외아들입니다' (I am an only son). The word is made of '외' (only) and '아들' (son). It is a noun, so you can use it with the verb '이다' (to be). It is helpful for basic introductions. You might also learn '외딸' (only daughter) at the same time. Remember that '외아들' means you have no brothers and no sisters. It is a very useful word because Korean people often ask about your family when they first meet you. You can practice by saying '제 친구는 외아들이에요' (My friend is an only son).

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the A2 level, you can use '외아들' in more complex sentences with conjunctions. You might explain why someone is lonely or why they receive a lot of presents. For example, '그는 외아들이라서 형제가 없어요' (Because he is an only son, he has no siblings). You can also use it with adjectives like '귀하다' (precious). Many people say '귀한 외아들' to mean a son who is very loved. You should also notice the difference between '외아들' and '외동아들.' Both mean 'only son,' but '외동아들' is very common in daily conversation. You can start using this word to describe people's personalities or lifestyles, such as '외아들은 보통 혼자 노는 것을 좋아해요' (Only sons usually like playing alone). It is a key word for describing family backgrounds in more detail.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social implications of being an '외아들' in Korean culture. It is not just a biological fact but often involves expectations. You can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being an only son. For instance, '외아들로 자라면 부모님의 지원을 많이 받을 수 있지만, 혼자서 부모님을 모셔야 한다는 부담감도 있어요' (Growing up as an only son means receiving a lot of support from parents, but there is also the burden of having to support them alone). You will also encounter the Hanja synonym '독자' (dok-ja) in more formal texts. You should be able to use '외아들' in various grammatical structures, such as '외아들치고는' (for an only son...) or '외아들이라 그런지' (maybe because he is an only son...). This level requires you to use the word in discussions about family dynamics and social roles.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the B2 level, '외아들' is used in the context of cultural traditions and changing societal norms. You might read articles about the 'low birth rate' (저출산) and how the number of '외아들' and '외딸' is increasing in Korea. You can analyze the '3대 독자' (only son for three generations) phenomenon and its historical significance regarding military service or family inheritance. You should be comfortable using the word in debates about whether being an only child affects social development. For example, '외아들이 사회성이 부족하다는 것은 편견에 불과하다' (It is a mere prejudice that only sons lack social skills). At this level, you can also use more advanced idioms or related terms like '무녀독남' (only son with no sisters) in formal writing or when reading classic Korean literature. You understand that the word carries a weight of 'responsibility' (책임감) in the Korean consciousness.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C1 level, you can use '외아들' to discuss complex sociological issues. You might explore how the traditional preference for an '외아들' led to gender imbalances in the past and how those attitudes have shifted in contemporary Korea. You can use the word in academic or professional settings to describe demographic trends. For example, '외아들 중심의 가족 구조가 붕괴되면서 새로운 형태의 부양 체계가 필요해지고 있다' (As the family structure centered on only sons collapses, a new type of support system is becoming necessary). You should be able to nuance your speech by using '외아들' versus '외동아들' to strike the right tone of formality. You can also interpret literary works where the '외아들' character represents the struggle between traditional duty and individual desire. Your vocabulary should include various honorifics and technical terms related to family law and inheritance involving the only son.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

At the C2 level, you possess a deep, intuitive understanding of '외아들' and its myriad cultural connotations. You can discuss the word's role in the evolution of the Korean family unit from a patriarchal, patrilineal system to a modern, egalitarian one. You can use the term in high-level discourse about the psychological impact of being a 'sole heir' in a hyper-competitive society. For example, '전통적인 가부장제 하에서 외아들이 지녔던 상징적 지위는 현대의 핵가족화와 저출산 기조 속에서 새로운 사회적 담론을 형성하고 있다' (The symbolic status held by an only son under the traditional patriarchy is forming a new social discourse amid the trend of nuclear families and low birth rates). You are capable of using the word in poetry, legal analysis, or philosophical reflection, understanding that '외아들' is a word that encapsulates centuries of Korean history, family values, and social change.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

외아들 en 30 segundos

외아들 means 'only son' and refers to a male child who has no brothers or sisters. It is a specific kinship term in Korean culture.
The word is formed by the prefix '외-' (single/only) and '아들' (son). It highlights the child's unique position within the family structure.
Culturally, being an only son often implies receiving concentrated parental love but also bearing the sole responsibility for family duties and ancestral rites.
It is commonly used in introductions, social demographic discussions, and when describing personality traits associated with growing up without siblings in Korea.

The Korean word 외아들 (oe-adeul) is a specific kinship term used to describe a male child who has no siblings. In the Korean language, family relationships are articulated with high precision, and '외아들' is the primary way to identify an 'only son.' The word is composed of the prefix '외-' (oe-), which signifies 'single,' 'only,' or 'alone,' and the noun '아들' (adeul), meaning 'son.' Understanding this word is crucial because Korean culture historically placed immense importance on the male lineage and the continuation of the family name, making the status of an only son particularly significant in both traditional and modern social contexts.

Etymological Breakdown: The prefix '외' is derived from a root meaning 'single' or 'solitary.' When attached to family members, it creates terms like '외딸' (only daughter) or '외동' (only child). It is distinct from the '외' used in '외할머니' (maternal grandmother), which means 'outside.'

우리 집은 제가 외아들이라서 부모님의 사랑을 독차지했어요. (Since I am the only son in our house, I monopolized my parents' love.)

In conversation, you will hear this word when people discuss family size, inheritance, or personality traits often stereotypically associated with only children. In Korea, being an only son often carries a dual weight: the privilege of receiving all parental resources and the heavy burden of being the sole person responsible for caring for aging parents and performing ancestral rites (제사). While modern urban families often have only one child regardless of gender, the specific term '외아들' still carries a slightly more formal or traditional nuance than the more general '외동아들'.

Cultural Nuance: Traditionally, the '외아들' was the 'hope' of the family. If a family had several daughters but only one son, that son was technically not an '외아들' (because he has siblings), but he might be treated with the same level of preciousness. A true '외아들' has no brothers and no sisters.

그는 집안의 외아들로서 가업을 이어받아야 한다는 압박감을 느꼈다. (As the only son of the family, he felt the pressure to take over the family business.)

Socially, the term is used in introductions. When meeting someone's parents, they might say, "이쪽은 제 외아들이에요" (This is my only son). It establishes the family structure immediately. In the past, being an only son could sometimes even lead to exemptions or shorter terms in military service under very specific historical conditions (like being the only grandson over three generations), though these rules have largely changed. Today, it mostly serves as a descriptor of one's upbringing and family responsibilities.

Usage in Media: In K-Dramas, the 'rich only son' (재벌가 외아들) is a common trope, often portrayed as someone who is either spoiled or struggling under the immense expectations of a powerful father.

혼자 자란 외아들이라서 그런지 성격이 아주 독립적이에요. (Maybe because he grew up as an only son, his personality is very independent.)

Using 외아들 correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun. It can function as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Because it describes a person, it is often followed by the copula '이다' (to be) or used with possessive markers like '의'. When you want to specify that someone is an only son, the most common structure is '[Person]은/는 [Family]의 외아들이다'.

Basic Sentence Pattern: Subject + (Possessive) + 외아들 + Copula. Example: '민수는 김 선생님의 외아들입니다.' (Minsu is Mr. Kim's only son.)

그는 3대 독자이자 외아들로 태어났다. (He was born as an only son and the only male in the third generation.)

When describing the experience of being an only son, you might use verbs like '자라다' (to grow up) or '키우다' (to raise). For example, '외아들로 자랐어요' means 'I grew up as an only son.' This phrasing is very natural when people are getting to know each other and discussing their backgrounds. It's also common to use it with adjectives that describe the perceived traits of only children, such as '외롭다' (to be lonely) or '귀하다' (to be precious/dear).

Descriptive Usage: '귀한 외아들' (A precious only son) is a common set phrase used to emphasize how much the parents value their son, often implying he might be a bit pampered.

부모님은 외아들인 그에게 모든 기대를 걸고 계신다. (His parents are putting all their expectations on him, their only son.)

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter the Hanja-based synonym '독자' (dok-ja). However, '외아들' remains the standard native Korean choice for everyday speech. If you are writing a biography or a formal report, '외아들' is perfectly acceptable, but you might see '무녀독남' (mu-nyeo-dong-nam), which literally means 'only son with no sisters,' used in very traditional family registers or older literature.

Comparative Usage: '외아들이에요?' (Are you an only son?) vs '형제 있어요?' (Do you have siblings?). The former is more specific if the speaker already suspects the person has no siblings.

제 친구는 외아들이라서 명절마다 혼자 부모님을 뵈러 가요. (My friend is an only son, so he goes to see his parents alone every holiday.)

You will encounter the word 외아들 in various real-life scenarios in Korea, ranging from casual small talk to serious family discussions. One of the most common places is during 'Sogating' (blind dates) or when elders meet young men. Questions about family structure are standard in Korea to understand a person's background. An elder might ask, "형제는 어떻게 되나?" (What is your sibling situation?), and the reply would be, "외아들입니다" (I am an only son).

In the Doctor's Office or Official Forms: When filling out family medical history or social welfare forms, you might see categories for '외동' or '외아들/외딸' to determine family support systems.

드라마에서 부잣집 외아들은 보통 버릇없게 그려지곤 해요. (In dramas, the only son of a rich family is usually portrayed as spoiled.)

In the workplace, colleagues might use the term when discussing vacation plans or family emergencies. If an employee is an '외아들', coworkers might express more sympathy when he has to care for a sick parent, as there are no siblings to share the duty. You'll hear phrases like "외아들이라 고생이 많겠네요" (Since you're an only son, you must be going through a lot of hardship). This reflects the societal understanding of the responsibilities tied to the position.

News and Statistics: With South Korea's declining birth rate, news reports frequently use '외아들' and '외딸' when discussing the 'single-child generation' and its impact on the future economy and elderly care.

저희 아버지는 외아들이라서 할머니를 모시고 사셨어요. (My father was an only son, so he lived with and supported my grandmother.)

Finally, you will hear it in schools. Teachers might note a student's status as an '외아들' to better understand their social interactions. Some might believe only sons are more prone to loneliness or, conversely, more mature because they spend more time with adults. Whether these stereotypes are true or not, the word '외아들' is the linguistic hook for these cultural conversations.

Neighborhood Gossip: "그 집 외아들이 이번에 고시에 합격했대!" (I heard that family's only son passed the civil service exam!) – Here, '외아들' adds a sense of collective family pride.

요즘은 외아들인 가정이 아주 흔해졌습니다. (These days, households with an only son have become very common.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 외아들 is using it to describe a boy who has sisters but no brothers. In English, we might say "he is the only son," meaning he has no brothers. However, in Korean, '외아들' strictly means he is the only child and that child is male. If a boy has a sister, he is no longer an '외아들'; he is just an '아들' (son) or '남동생/오빠' (younger/older brother).

Mistake: Siblings present: Wrong: 누나가 한 명 있는 외아들이에요. (I am an only son with one older sister.) -> Correct: 누나가 한 명 있는 외동아들이 아니에요. (I am not an only child; I have an older sister.)

저는 형제가 없어서 외아들입니다. (I have no siblings, so I am an only son.)

Another common error is confusing '외아들' with '외동'. While '외동' is a general term for an only child, '외아들' is gender-specific. If you are talking about a girl, you must use '외딸'. Using '외아들' for a girl is a major grammatical and semantic error. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse the '외' (oe) prefix with '오' (o). Be careful with the pronunciation; '외' is a dipthong (though often pronounced as 'we' or 'e'), while '오' is a simple 'o' sound.

Mistake: Wrong Gender: Wrong: 제 딸은 외아들이에요. (My daughter is an only son.) -> Correct: 제 딸은 외딸이에요. (My daughter is an only daughter.)

그는 외아들이라서 형제 있는 친구들을 부러워해요. (Since he is an only son, he envies friends who have siblings.)

A subtle mistake involves the use of '외아들' in honorific contexts. While '외아들' itself is neutral, when talking about someone else's only son in a very formal setting, you might use '외아드님' (oe-adeunim) to show respect to the parents. Forgetting the '-님' suffix when talking to a superior about their son can sound slightly blunt or impolite.

Honorific Usage: Neutral: 그 집 외아들 (That house's only son). Polite: 사장님의 외아드님 (The CEO's only son).

김 대리님은 외아들이라서 부모님 효도가 남달라요. (Assistant Manager Kim is an only son, so his filial piety is exceptional.)

While 외아들 is the most common term, there are several related words that you should know to sound more like a native speaker or to understand formal documents. The most frequent alternative is 외동아들 (oe-dong-adeul). The addition of '동' (child) doesn't change the meaning but makes the word feel slightly more affectionate or common in spoken language.

외아들 vs. 외동아들: '외아들' is slightly more formal and descriptive. '외동아들' is the version most people use in daily life when talking about their kids or themselves.

그는 집안의 귀한 독자입니다. (He is the precious only son of the family.)

Another important synonym is 독자 (dok-ja). This is the Hanja (Sino-Korean) version (獨子). It is very common in formal settings, literature, or when discussing genealogy. You will often hear the term '3대 독자' (sam-dae dok-ja), referring to a male who is the only son for three consecutive generations. This status was traditionally considered extremely important and even carried legal or military implications in the past.

외아들 vs. 독자: '외아들' is native Korean and used in speech. '독자' is Hanja-based and used in writing, formal introductions, or when emphasizing family lineage.

그녀는 외딸이고, 그는 외아들이에요. (She is an only daughter, and he is an only son.)

If you want to describe the state of having only one child, you can use '외동으로 키우다' (to raise as an only child). In modern slang or very casual contexts, you might hear people talk about '외동 확정' (confirmed only child), meaning the parents have decided not to have any more children. Understanding these variations allows you to navigate different levels of formality and nuance in Korean society.

Other Related Terms: '장남' (jang-nam) means the eldest son. He might have brothers, but he is the first. '외아들' is both the first and the last.

그는 집안의 유일한 외아들로서 책임감이 막중하다. (As the family's only only son, his responsibility is heavy.)

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The prefix '외' is also used in '외톨이' (loner) and '외골수' (a single-minded person), showing its connection to the concept of being alone or focused on one thing.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /weɪˈɑːdʌl/

US /weɪˈɑːdəl/

The stress is slightly on the first syllable '외' (oe), but Korean syllables generally have even stress.

Rima con

맏아들 (mad-adeul - eldest son) 큰아들 (keun-adeul - big son/eldest) 친아들 (chin-adeul - biological son) 양아들 (yang-adeul - adopted son) 효아들 (hyo-adeul - filial son - rare) 작은아들 (jageun-adeul - younger son) 둘째아들 (duljjae-adeul - second son) 늦둥이아들 (neutdung-i-adeul - late-born son)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing '외' as 'oi' like in 'oil'.
Pronouncing '아들' as 'adult'.
Confusing '외' (oe) with '오' (o).
Failing to pronounce the final 'l' (ㄹ) sound correctly in '아들'.
Separating the syllables too much; it should flow as 'oe-a-deul'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The word is easy to read if you know '외' and '아들'.

Escritura 2/5

Simple spelling with no complex patches (batchim) in the first syllable.

Expresión oral 3/5

The 'oe' (외) sound can be tricky for beginners to pronounce naturally.

Escucha 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

아들 (son) 딸 (daughter) 가족 (family) 혼자 (alone) 없다 (to not have)

Aprende después

외딸 (only daughter) 외동 (only child) 형제 (siblings) 독자 (only son - formal) 친척 (relatives)

Avanzado

무녀독남 (only son/no sisters) 종가 (head family) 제사 (ancestral rites) 상속권 (inheritance rights) 가부장제 (patriarchy)

Gramática que debes saber

Noun + (이)라서 (Because it is...)

외아들이라서 사랑을 많이 받았어요.

Noun + 치고는 (For a... / Considering it is a...)

외아들치고는 아주 사교적이네요.

Noun + 로서 (As a... / In the capacity of...)

외아들로서 부모님을 잘 모셔야 합니다.

Noun + (이)나 (Or / As much as...)

외아들이나 외딸은 부모님의 기대를 많이 받아요.

Noun + (이)다 (To be)

그는 그 집의 외아들이다.

Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

저는 외아들입니다.

I am an only son.

외아들 (noun) + 입니다 (formal copula).

그는 외아들이에요.

He is an only son.

외아들 (noun) + 이에요 (polite copula).

우리 아들은 외아들입니다.

Our son is an only son.

우리 (our) + 아들 (son) + 외아들 (only son).

외아들이 있어요?

Do you have an only son?

외아들 (noun) + 이 (subject particle) + 있어요 (to have/exist).

제 친구는 외아들입니다.

My friend is an only son.

제 (my) + 친구 (friend) + 외아들 (only son).

외아들은 형제가 없어요.

An only son has no siblings.

형제 (siblings) + 가 (subject particle) + 없어요 (to not have).

이 아이는 외아들이에요.

This child is an only son.

이 (this) + 아이 (child) + 외아들 (only son).

외아들이라서 혼자 놀아요.

Since he is an only son, he plays alone.

-(이)라서 (because/since).

외아들이라서 부모님 사랑을 많이 받아요.

Since he is an only son, he receives a lot of parental love.

사랑을 받다 (to receive love).

그 집은 외아들이 한 명 있어요.

That house has one only son.

한 명 (one person/counter).

외아들은 가끔 외로울 수 있어요.

An only son can sometimes be lonely.

외로울 수 있다 (can be lonely).

저는 외아들이지만 친구가 많아요.

I am an only son, but I have many friends.

-지만 (but/although).

그는 부잣집 외아들입니다.

He is the only son of a rich family.

부잣집 (rich house/family).

외아들이라 그런지 조금 버릇이 없어요.

Maybe because he's an only son, he's a bit spoiled.

-라 그런지 (maybe because of...).

제 사촌 동생은 외아들이에요.

My younger cousin is an only son.

사촌 동생 (younger cousin).

외아들이 공부를 아주 잘해요.

The only son studies very well.

공부를 잘하다 (to study well).

외아들로서 부모님을 모시는 것은 당연한 일이에요.

As an only son, it is natural to take care of one's parents.

-로서 (as a/in the capacity of).

그는 외아들이라 집안의 기대를 한 몸에 받고 있다.

Being an only son, he is receiving all the family's expectations.

한 몸에 받다 (to receive all at once/on oneself).

외아들이라고 해서 모두 성격이 이기적인 것은 아니다.

Just because someone is an only son doesn't mean they are all selfish.

-다고 해서 (just because... doesn't mean...).

그는 늦게 얻은 외아들이라 부모님이 아주 아끼신다.

Since he is an only son born late in their lives, his parents cherish him dearly.

아끼다 (to cherish/prize).

외아들은 명절에 혼자서 차례를 지내야 합니다.

An only son has to perform ancestral rites alone during holidays.

차례를 지내다 (to perform ancestral rites).

형제가 없는 외아들은 사회성이 부족하다는 편견이 있다.

There is a prejudice that only sons without siblings lack social skills.

편견 (prejudice/bias).

외아들로 자란 그는 독립심이 매우 강하다.

Having grown up as an only son, he has a very strong sense of independence.

독립심 (independence/spirit of independence).

부모님은 외아들인 그에게 가업을 물려주려 하신다.

The parents intend to hand over the family business to him, their only son.

물려주다 (to hand down/bequeath).

전통적으로 한국 사회에서 외아들은 가문의 대를 잇는 중요한 존재였다.

Traditionally, in Korean society, the only son was an important figure who continued the family line.

대를 잇다 (to continue the family line).

그는 집안의 유일한 외아들이라 군 면제 혜택을 받던 시절도 있었다.

There was a time when he could receive military exemption benefits for being the only son.

군 면제 (military exemption).

외아들이 겪는 심리적 부담감에 대해 심도 있게 논의해 봅시다.

Let's discuss in depth the psychological burden that only sons experience.

심도 있게 (in depth/deeply).

최근 저출산 현상으로 인해 외아들 가정이 급격히 증가하고 있다.

Due to the recent low birth rate phenomenon, households with only sons are rapidly increasing.

급격히 (rapidly/drastically).

그는 외아들이지만 형제 많은 집안의 분위기를 동경한다.

Although he is an only son, he yearns for the atmosphere of a family with many siblings.

동경하다 (to yearn for/long for).

외아들은 부모님의 노후를 전적으로 책임져야 하는 상황에 놓이곤 한다.

Only sons often find themselves in a situation where they must take full responsibility for their parents' old age.

전적으로 (entirely/wholly).

외아들로 자라면서 얻은 장점과 단점은 무엇이라고 생각하십니까?

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages gained from growing up as an only son?

장단점 (pros and cons).

그는 3대 독자이자 외아들로서 가문의 전통을 지키려 노력한다.

As a third-generation only male and an only son, he strives to preserve family traditions.

3대 독자 (only son for three generations).

가부장적 이데올로기 속에서 외아들은 특권과 억압을 동시에 경험하는 모순적 위치에 있다.

Within patriarchal ideology, the only son occupies a paradoxical position, experiencing both privilege and oppression simultaneously.

모순적 (paradoxical/contradictory).

외아들의 성격 형성에 부모의 과잉보호가 미치는 영향에 대한 연구가 활발하다.

There is active research on the influence of parental overprotection on the personality formation of only sons.

과잉보호 (overprotection).

그는 종가집의 외아들로서 제사와 문중 행사를 도맡아 처리해야 했다.

As the only son of the head family (Jongga), he had to take full charge of ancestral rites and clan events.

도맡아 (taking full responsibility/solely).

현대 사회에서 외아들이라는 지위는 과거만큼의 사회적 가중치를 지니지 않는다.

In modern society, the status of being an only son does not carry as much social weight as it did in the past.

가중치 (weight/importance).

외아들이 부모의 기대를 충족시키지 못했을 때 느끼는 자괴감은 상당할 수 있다.

The sense of self-shame an only son feels when he cannot meet his parents' expectations can be substantial.

자괴감 (self-shame/sense of shame).

핵가족화가 심화됨에 따라 외아들의 정서적 고립을 방지하기 위한 사회적 네트워킹이 중요해졌다.

As nuclearization intensifies, social networking to prevent the emotional isolation of only sons has become important.

정서적 고립 (emotional isolation).

그 소설은 외아들이 겪는 내면의 갈등을 섬세한 필치로 묘사하고 있다.

The novel depicts the internal conflicts experienced by an only son with delicate brushwork (writing style).

섬세한 필치 (delicate writing style).

외아들의 상속권 문제는 종종 가족 간의 법적 분쟁으로 비화되기도 한다.

The issue of an only son's inheritance rights sometimes escalates into legal disputes among family members.

비화되다 (to escalate into/lead to).

전통적 효 사상의 궤적 안에서 외아들이라는 존재는 가문의 영속성을 담보하는 유일한 보루였다.

Within the trajectory of traditional filial piety, the only son was the sole bastion guaranteeing the family's permanence.

영속성을 담보하다 (to guarantee permanence).

외아들에게 투사된 부모의 나르시시즘적 욕망은 때로 자녀의 자아 실현을 저해하는 요소로 작용한다.

The narcissistic desires of parents projected onto an only son sometimes act as a factor that hinders the child's self-actualization.

자아 실현 (self-actualization).

인구 통계학적 관점에서 외아들의 증가는 부양비 부담의 불균형이라는 거시적 사회 문제를 야기한다.

From a demographic perspective, the increase in only sons causes a macro-social problem: an imbalance in the burden of support costs.

거시적 (macro/large-scale).

그 철학자는 외아들의 고독을 실존주의적 소외의 한 단면으로 해석하였다.

The philosopher interpreted the loneliness of the only son as one aspect of existential alienation.

실존주의적 소외 (existential alienation).

외아들이라는 정체성은 집단주의 문화와 개인주의 가치가 충돌하는 지점에서 재정의되고 있다.

The identity of being an only son is being redefined at the intersection where collectivist culture and individualist values collide.

재정의되다 (to be redefined).

과거의 외아들이 가문의 대리인이었다면, 오늘날의 외아들은 개별화된 주체로서의 삶을 모색한다.

If the only son of the past was an agent of the family, the only son of today seeks a life as an individualized subject.

개별화된 주체 (individualized subject).

외아들의 부양 의무에 관한 법적 판례는 변화하는 가족 윤리의 단면을 여실히 보여준다.

Legal precedents regarding the support obligations of only sons clearly show an aspect of changing family ethics.

여실히 (clearly/plainly).

문학 속 외아들 모티프는 종종 전통의 굴레와 자유에 대한 갈망 사이의 긴장을 형상화한다.

The only son motif in literature often gives shape to the tension between the shackles of tradition and the longing for freedom.

형상화하다 (to give shape to/embody).

Colocaciones comunes

귀한 외아들

외아들로 자라다

외아들을 두다

부잣집 외아들

외아들인 탓에

유일한 외아들

외아들 노릇

외아들 콤플렉스

외아들 하나

외아들 교육

Frases Comunes

외아들이라면서요?

— I heard you are an only son, is that right? Used to confirm family status.

외아들이라면서요? 형제가 없어서 심심했겠어요.

외아들 티가 나다

— To 'act' like an only son. Often implies being a bit selfish or being used to getting one's way.

그는 가끔 이기적인 행동을 할 때 외아들 티가 난다.

금지옥엽 외아들

— A very precious only son, like gold or jade. Describes a child raised with extreme care.

그는 집안에서 금지옥엽 외아들로 귀하게 컸다.

외아들이 무슨 죄인가

— What sin is being an only son? Used when someone is unfairly pressured just because they are an only child.

모든 일을 혼자 다 해야 하니, 외아들이 무슨 죄인가 싶다.

외아들 하나 믿고

— Relying solely on one's only son. Often said by parents about their future.

부모님은 외아들 하나 믿고 평생을 고생하셨다.

외아들이 효자다

— The only son is a devoted son. A common sentiment when an only child takes good care of parents.

사람들 말이 역시 외아들이 효자라고 하더라.

외아들 장가보내다

— To marry off an only son. A significant event for Korean parents.

어머니는 외아들 장가보낼 생각에 잠을 못 이루신다.

외아들로 태어나다

— To be born as an only son. Used in biographies or personal stories.

그는 가난한 집안의 외아들로 태어났다.

외아들뿐이다

— To have only an only son. Used when describing a small family.

우리 집은 자식이라고는 외아들뿐이다.

외아들 키우기

— Raising an only son. Often refers to the unique challenges of parenting a single male child.

외아들 키우기가 쉽지 않다고들 한다.

Se confunde a menudo con

외아들 vs 맏아들

Means 'eldest son.' A 맏아들 has younger siblings, whereas an 외아들 has none.

외아들 vs 외동

A general term for 'only child.' 외아들 is specifically male.

외아들 vs 장남

Also 'eldest son' (Hanja). Similar to 맏아들, it implies the existence of other siblings.

Modismos y expresiones

"독불장군 외아들"

— An only son who acts like a 'lone general' (stubborn and independent).

그는 독불장군 외아들처럼 남의 말을 듣지 않는다.

Informal/Negative

"귀한 자식 매 한 대 더 때린다"

— Spare the rod, spoil the child. Often applied to 'precious' only sons.

외아들이라고 너무 오냐오냐하지 말고, 귀한 자식 매 한 대 더 때려라.

Proverb

"대들보 같은 외아들"

— An only son who is like the main pillar of the house. Essential support.

그는 우리 집안의 대들보 같은 외아들이다.

Metaphorical

"금지옥엽"

— Extremely precious child. Often used for only sons/daughters.

그는 부모님께 금지옥엽 같은 외아들이다.

Idiomatic

"눈에 넣어도 아프지 않다"

— To love someone so much it wouldn't hurt to put them in your eye. Commonly said of only children.

그 외아들은 부모님께 눈에 넣어도 아프지 않은 존재다.

Idiomatic

"손이 귀한 집안"

— A family where children (especially sons) are rare/hard to come by. Often results in an 외아들.

그 집은 원래 손이 귀해서 외아들이 더 소중하다.

Cultural

"대를 잇다"

— To continue the family line. The primary duty of an 외아들.

외아들로서 가문의 대를 잇는 것이 그의 목표다.

Formal

"독차지하다"

— To monopolize. Often used regarding an only son monopolizing parents' love.

외아들은 부모님의 관심을 독차지하며 자란다.

Neutral

"오냐오냐 키우다"

— To pamper or spoil a child by agreeing to everything. Common stereotype for 외아들.

외아들이라고 너무 오냐오냐 키우면 안 된다.

Informal

"기둥이 뽑히다"

— To lose the pillar (the son). Used when tragedy strikes an only son.

외아들을 잃고 나니 집안의 기둥이 뽑힌 기분이다.

Metaphorical

Fácil de confundir

외아들 vs 외딸

Both start with '외' and refer to only children.

외아들 is male; 외딸 is female. You must use the correct one based on gender.

제 친구는 딸만 하나라서 외딸이에요.

외아들 vs 친아들

Both describe a specific type of son.

친아들 means 'biological son' (not adopted). An 외아들 can be a 친아들, but they describe different things.

그는 양아들이 아니라 친아들이고, 심지어 외아들이다.

외아들 vs 하나뿐인

Often used together with 외아들.

하나뿐인 is an adjective phrase meaning 'one and only.' 외아들 is the noun for only son.

하나뿐인 아들 (The only son I have - might have daughters) vs 외아들 (The only child, who is a son).

외아들 vs 독자

Exactly the same meaning.

독자 is Hanja-based and formal; 외아들 is native Korean and common in speech.

서류에는 '독자'라고 적혀 있었다.

외아들 vs 외동아들

Almost identical.

외동아들 sounds slightly more casual and 'cutesy' than 외아들.

엄마는 나를 '우리 외동아들'이라고 부르신다.

Patrones de oraciones

S + 외아들 + 이에요/입니다

저는 외아들이에요.

외아들 + 이라서 + Clause

외아들이라서 형제가 없어요.

외아들 + 로서 + Clause

외아들로서 부모님을 모셔요.

외아들 + 인 + Noun

외아들인 그는 책임감이 강하다.

외아들 + 이라는 + 지위/위치

외아들이라는 지위가 부담스러울 때가 있다.

외아들 + 에 + 투사된 + Clause

외아들에게 투사된 부모의 욕망이 크다.

Any

귀한 + 외아들

그는 귀한 외아들로 컸다.

Any

하나뿐인 + 외아들

하나뿐인 외아들이 최고예요.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

아들 (son)

외딸 (only daughter)

외동 (only child)

외동아들 (only son - informal)

외동딸 (only daughter - informal)

Adjetivos

외롭다 (to be lonely - often associated)

귀하다 (to be precious - often associated)

Relacionado

형제 (siblings)

자매 (sisters)

남매 (brother and sister)

독자 (only son - Hanja)

장남 (eldest son)

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in discussions about family, inheritance, and social trends.

Errores comunes

Using '외아들' when the person has a sister. → 아들 (son) / 외동아들이 아님 (not an only child).
In Korean, '외아들' means NO other siblings at all. If there is a sister, the boy is just a son.
Using '외아들' for a girl. → 외딸 (only daughter).
'아들' specifically means 'son.' For a girl, you must use '딸'.
Confusing '외' (oe) with '오' (o). → 외아들 (oe-adeul).
Pronouncing it as '오아들' (o-adeul) is incorrect and might not be understood.
Talking about your own son as '외아드님'. → 외아들 (my only son).
'-님' is an honorific for others. You should not use it for your own family members when speaking to others.
Using '외아들' to mean 'eldest son'. → 맏아들 / 장남.
An only son is the only child. An eldest son is the first of several children.

Consejos

Learn the Prefix

If you remember that '외-' means 'only' in family terms, you can easily understand '외딸' (only daughter) and '외동' (only child) as well.

The Weight of the Name

In Korea, being an '외아들' means you are the only one to carry the family name. This is why parents might be more protective or demanding of an only son.

Natural Introductions

When asked about siblings, saying '저는 외아들이에요' is more natural than saying '저는 형제가 없어요' if you want to sound like a native.

Particle Choice

Use '외아들이' when it's the subject of a specific action, and '외아들은' when making a general statement about only sons.

Drama Clues

In K-Dramas, if a character is introduced as an '외아들', it's often a hint that their parents will be very involved in their marriage decisions.

Formal vs Informal

Use '외아들' in essays and '외동아들' in text messages or casual emails to friends.

Hanja Connection

Knowing that '독자' is the Hanja equivalent helps when reading news articles about inheritance or demographics.

Polite Responses

If someone tells you they are an only son, a common polite response is to say they must have been very loved by their parents.

Visualizing

Visualize a '1' (외) next to a boy (아들) to remember the word's meaning instantly.

Don't Over-translate

Remember that English 'only son' is broader than Korean '외아들'. Always check for the existence of sisters!

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Way' (외) + 'A-Dull' (아들). The 'Way' is 'one way' or 'single way' because he is the only son. It's not 'dull' to be an only son, but the sound helps!

Asociación visual

Imagine a single tree (the son) in a large field (the family) with two older trees (the parents) protecting it. There are no other small trees nearby.

Word Web

아들 (Son) 외딸 (Only Daughter) 가족 (Family) 혼자 (Alone) 부모님 (Parents) 상속 (Inheritance) 형제 없음 (No siblings) 독자 (Only son - formal)

Desafío

Try to introduce yourself or a celebrity using the word '외아들' in a sentence that explains their family background.

Origen de la palabra

The word is a compound of the native Korean prefix '외' and the noun '아들'. '외' comes from a root meaning 'single' or 'outside/separate'. '아들' is the native Korean word for a male child.

Significado original: A single male child.

Koreanic (Native Korean components).

Contexto cultural

Be careful not to assume that an '외아들' is spoiled; many find the label burdensome due to the high expectations of their parents.

In English, 'only son' can mean he has sisters. In Korean, '외아들' means NO sisters either. This is a key cultural/linguistic difference.

Many K-Drama male leads are 'Chaebol' (rich) 외아들. In the movie 'Parasite', the son is not an 외아들 because he has a sister. Historical figures who were only sons often have stories about their parents praying at temples to conceive them.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Introducing your family

저는 외아들입니다.
형제는 없고 외아들이에요.
우리 집은 저 하나뿐인 외아들 집안이에요.
외아들이라 부모님과 같이 살아요.

Discussing personality traits

외아들이라 그런지 독립심이 강해요.
외아들 티가 안 나네요.
외아들이라서 혼자 있는 걸 좋아해요.
외아들인데도 사교적이에요.

Family responsibilities

외아들이라 부모님을 모셔야 해요.
제가 외아들이라 어깨가 무거워요.
외아들이 가업을 이어야죠.
외아들로서 책임감을 느껴요.

In K-Dramas/Stories

그는 재벌가의 외아들이다.
귀하게 자란 외아들이 주인공이에요.
외아들을 잃은 슬픔이 커요.
외아들이라 결혼 반대가 심해요.

Demographics/Society

요즘은 외아들 가정이 많아요.
외아들 세대의 특징이 뭘까요?
저출산으로 외아들이 흔해졌어요.
외아들의 군 복무 문제.

Inicios de conversación

"형제 관계가 어떻게 되세요? 혹시 외아들이신가요?"

"외아들로 자라면 가장 좋은 점이 뭐라고 생각하세요?"

"제 친구는 외아들인데, 부모님 잔소리가 너무 심하대요."

"외아들이면 나중에 부모님 모시는 게 걱정되지 않으세요?"

"요즘은 외아들이 많아서 예전처럼 '귀한 자식' 느낌은 덜한 것 같아요."

Temas para diario

내가 만약 외아들이라면 (혹은 외아들이 아니라면), 내 삶은 어떻게 달라졌을까?

한국 사회에서 외아들이 가지는 사회적 책임에 대해 자신의 생각을 써 보세요.

외아들에 대한 고정관념(이기적이다, 외롭다 등)에 대해 동의하는지 서술해 보세요.

부모님이 외아들인 나에게 거는 기대가 부담스러웠던 적이 있나요?

형제가 있는 것과 외아들인 것 중 어느 쪽이 더 좋다고 생각하는지 이유를 들어 써 보세요.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you cannot. In Korean, '외아들' means you are the only child in the family. If you have a sister, you are just an '아들' (son) or the '외아들' of the male children, but linguistically, it's incorrect. You should say '저는 누나가 한 명 있어요' (I have one older sister).

There is no difference in meaning. '외동아들' is simply a more common, slightly more informal way to say 'only son' in daily life. '외아들' is a bit more standard and used in formal descriptions.

It's a mix. Historically, it was seen as very good and 'precious' (귀하다). However, today people recognize that only sons face a lot of pressure to support their parents alone, so it's seen as a position with many responsibilities.

The female equivalent is '외딸' or '외동딸'.

Yes, even a 50-year-old man can be referred to as an '외아들' when discussing his family structure or his duties toward his elderly parents.

Yes, '독자' (獨子) is the Hanja version. It is used in formal writing, genealogy, or when emphasizing family lineage (e.g., '3대 독자').

Because in the past, having a son was essential for the family line. If a family had only one son, he was treated with extreme care and importance, hence '귀한' (precious).

No. While '외' (外) can mean 'outside,' the '외' in '외아들' is a prefix meaning 'single' or 'only.' It's a different concept.

Not directly, but stereotypes about only sons being 'spoiled' or 'selfish' exist. Saying someone 'acts like an 외아들' (외아들 티가 난다) can be a mild criticism.

When referring to someone else's only son, you should use '외아드님' to be polite.

Regístrate gratis para ver consejos y notas