WORDROW Korean Idioms 헛나이를 먹다
- Form listed in the dictionary: 헛나이를 먹다
- 헛나이를 먹다
English rendering grow older without maturing Literal translation: “eat empty years”
Meaning 1
하는 짓이나 됨됨이가 나이에 비하여 유치하여 나잇값을 못 하다.
To behave or have a character so childish for one’s age that one fails to act one’s age.
Dictionary example 1
아이들보다 생각이 짧았으니 헛나이를 먹었나 보다.
I was less thoughtful than the children; I must have grown older without maturing.
Meaning 2
해 놓은 일은 별로 없이 나이만 많이 먹다.
To grow old without having accomplished much.
No example sentences are available for this meaning.