Catch Phrase | 全职儿女(quánzhí érnǚ)

Writer: Li Dan  |  Editor: Zhang Chanwen  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2022-12-22

Meaning:

“全职” means “full-time,” and “儿女” means “sons and daughters.” Coined by Chinese netizens, this term refers to the young adults who, without a job, live with their parents. Similar to NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) but less negative, people described by this Chinese term are often college graduates, or even with a higher degree, and live with their parents temporarily as they continue to look for jobs or prepare for graduate program entrance exams. In exchange for economic support, they share housework and provide company and care for their parents.


Example:

A: 听说你姐辞职了?

Tīngshuō nǐ jiě cízhí le?

Did your elder sister really quit her job?

B: 是的,她在申请国外的硕士项目,现在是全职儿女。

Shì de, tā zài shēnqǐng guówài de shuòshì xiàngmù, xiànzài shì quánzhí érnǚ。

Yes, she did. She’s applying for a master’s degree program overseas, and living at home with my parents.