Korean Dictionary
How to say "NEET" in Korean
“NEET” in Korean is 니트족 (pronounced "nit jok").
니트족
nit jok
Usage & Context
Not in Education, Employment, or Training. Used to describe young adults who are not studying or working.
Example Sentence
그 사람 니트족이야.
That person is a NEET.
How to use 니트족 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “NEET” is 니트족, romanized as nit 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 니트족.
Pronunciation Guide
"Nit" is pronounced exactly like the English word "neat." "Jok" sounds like "joke" but with a shorter 'o' sound, more like "jock" in "jockey." The word is pronounced "nit-jok," with a slight emphasis on "nit."
More Example Sentences
A discussion or news report about societal issues concerning youth.
점점 더 많은 젊은이들이 니트족이 되고 있어 사회 문제가 되고 있다.
More and more young people are becoming NEETs, which is becoming a social problem.
Describing someone's long-term disengagement from work or study.
그는 졸업 후 몇 년째 니트족으로 지내고 있다.
He's been living as a NEET for several years since graduation.
Suggesting solutions or policies to address the NEET phenomenon.
니트족을 위한 직업 훈련 프로그램이 필요해.
Vocational training programs are needed for NEETs.
Cultural Context
"니트족" is a direct transliteration of the English acronym NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and is widely used in South Korea to describe young adults who are disengaged from the traditional paths of schooling or work. This term highlights a growing concern about youth unemployment and social isolation. Unlike "백수" which can sometimes imply a temporary state, "니트족" often suggests a more prolonged and systemic detachment. It's a topic frequently covered in sociological studies, news analyses, and documentaries addressing the challenges faced by the younger generation in a highly competitive society.
Editorial note
We flag slang like 니트족 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
니트족 문제
NEET problem/issue
니트족 증가
Increase in NEETs
니트족 지원
Support for NEETs
Related Expressions
히키코모리
hikikomori
Hikikomori (Japanese term for social recluses, sometimes used similarly)
캥거루족
kaenggeorujok
Kangaroo tribe (adults living off parents)
무직
mujil
Unemployed (more formal)
실업자
silleopja
Unemployed person (official term)
More Slang Words
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