Korean word

어른

Pronunciation

Romanizationeoreun

Meaning

  • nounadult

Example

저는 어른이에요.cheo neun eo reu ni e yo

I am an adult.

Illustration for 어른 (adult)

More examples

그는 어른의 책임을 다했다.keu neun eo reu nui chae gi meul ta haet tta

He fulfilled his responsibilities as an adult.

Core concept

Someone who has grown beyond childhood and handles life or decisions independently.

Common phrases

  • 어른답게eo reun dap kke

    like an adult

  • 어른의 책임eo reu nui chae gim

    adult responsibility

Similar words

성인seongin: A person who has reached legal adulthood and has adult rights and duties.
어르신eoreusin: An older person who is spoken of or addressed with respect.
노인noin: An older person described in general terms.

Definition in Korean

어린이가 아닌, 생활이나 결정에서 독립해 있는 사람.eo ri ni ga a nin saeng hwa ri na kyeol jeong e seo tong ni pae in neun sa ram

Word origin

어른 (eoreun, "adult") is a native Korean word with an uncertain deeper origin, so linking the whole word directly to a grown-up makes it easier to remember.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Korean, the word often carries a sense of maturity and responsibility, not only the legal idea of being old enough to be an adult.

Other meanings

  • older personnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 어르신eoreusineldernoun
  • 어른스럽다eoreunseureopttamatureadjective
  • 어른스러움eoreunseureoummaturitynoun

Word lists with this word