Korean Dictionary
How to say "Boomerang Kids" in Korean
“Boomerang Kids” in Korean is 캥거루족 (pronounced "kaenggaru jok").
캥거루족
kaenggaru jok
Usage & Context
Young adults who live with their parents and depend on them financially. Used to describe people who cannot become independent.
Example Sentence
그 사람 캥거루족이야.
That person is a boomerang kid.
How to use 캥거루족 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Boomerang Kids” is 캥거루족, romanized as kaenggaru jok.
Usage tip
Use slang only with friends or people who already speak casually with you. It can sound rude in formal Korean.
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 캥거루족.
Pronunciation Guide
캥 (kaeng) sounds like 'kang' in 'kangaroo' but with the 'ae' as in 'cat'. 거 (geo) is like 'guh' in 'gull'. 루 (ru) is like 'roo' in 'kangaroo'. 족 (jok) rhymes with 'joke'. The stress is fairly even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Discussing social trends and demographics.
요즘 젊은 세대 중에 캥거루족이 많아지고 있대.
I heard there are more and more boomerang kids among the younger generation these days.
Gossiping about a friend's lack of independence.
걔는 아직도 부모님 집에 살면서 용돈 받더라. 완전 캥거루족이야.
He still lives at his parents' house and gets pocket money. He's totally a boomerang kid.
Reflecting on societal issues and economic impact.
경제 불황 때문에 캥거루족이 늘어나는 건 어쩔 수 없는 현상인가?
Is the increase in boomerang kids an unavoidable phenomenon due to the economic recession?
Cultural Context
캥거루족 (kaenggaru jok) is a widely recognized term in South Korea, reflecting a significant social phenomenon. It's often used with a slightly critical connotation, implying a lack of independence, but also with a sense of understanding given the economic difficulties many young people face. The term directly translates to 'kangaroo tribe/family,' likening young adults who stay at home to a baby kangaroo in its mother's pouch. This concept is frequently discussed in news, dramas, and social commentaries, highlighting the challenges of housing costs, job security, and delayed marriage among the younger generation.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 캥거루족 for register and audience, since Korean slang can shift quickly and may sound rude outside close friendships.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
캥거루족이 늘고 있다.
Boomerang kids are increasing.
나는 캥거루족이 되고 싶지 않아.
I don't want to be a boomerang kid.
우리 오빠는 완전 캥거루족이야.
My older brother is totally a boomerang kid.
Related Expressions
니트족
niteu jok
NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)
프리터족
peuriteo jok
Freeter (part-time worker, often by choice or necessity)
독립하다
dongnipada
To become independent
부모님 등골 빼먹다
bumonim deunggol ppaemeokda
To leech off one's parents (literally, 'eat off parents' spine')
More Slang Words
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