자식 literally means “child” or “offspring.”
It refers to one’s own children (sons and daughters).
Depending on tone/context, it can be affectionate, neutral, or even slightly derogatory.
Affectionate: my beloved child
Neutral: offspring / children
Derogatory: that brat / that kid (when used in anger)
Example Sentences
그는 두 자식이 있어요. → He has two children.
자식을 위해서라면 뭐든 할 수 있다. → I can do anything for my children.
저 자식 때문에 일이 망쳤어. → Because of that brat, things got ruined. (Here, 자식 is used negatively)
부모는 자식을 끝까지 사랑한다. → Parents love their children until the end.
Idioms & Figurative Uses with 자식
자식 걱정은 끝이 없다. → Worrying about children never ends. (Common saying among parents)
자식 이기는 부모 없다. → No parent can win against their child. (Meaning: parents always give in to their children’s wishes)
자식은 부모의 거울이다. → Children are the mirror of their parents. (Children reflect their parents’ behavior/values)
자식은 빚이다. → Children are like a debt. (Figurative: raising children requires endless sacrifice and responsibility)
Nuance
When parents talk about their kids, 자식 is warm and affectionate.
When used in anger (like “저 자식”), it can mean “that guy / that brat” — not necessarily about one’s own child.
So context is everything: 자식 can shift from tender to scolding depending on tone.