Translation guide
A parasite is an organism that lives on or in another organism and benefits at its expense. In Japanese, the most common word is 寄生虫, but there are also terms for specific types, figurative uses, and related expressions.
An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.
The standard, general term for a parasite (organism). Used in biology, medicine, and everyday contexts.
猫は寄生虫に感染することがある。
Cats can get infected with parasites.
寄生虫の種類は非常に多い。
There are many types of parasites.
A more formal or scientific term for a parasitic organism. Often used in academic contexts.
寄生生物の生態を研究している。
I am researching the ecology of parasitic organisms.
Refers to the parasitic body or organism itself, often used in scientific or technical descriptions.
この寄生体は宿主の体内で増殖する。
This parasite multiplies inside the host's body.
A person who habitually relies on or exploits others and gives nothing in return.
Used figuratively to describe a person who lives off others, like a freeloader or leech. Can be insulting.
彼は親に寄生虫のように頼っている。
He depends on his parents like a parasite.
A person who lives in someone else's house without paying; a freeloader or sponger. Less harsh than 寄生虫, but still negative.
Literally 'eating guest'; a person who lives off another's hospitality, often with a historical or literary nuance.
Describing a relationship where one side benefits at the expense of the other, often in economics, politics, or social contexts.
The verb 'to parasitize' or 'to live off'. Used for both literal and figurative parasitic relationships.
大企業が中小企業に寄生している。
Large corporations are parasitizing small and medium enterprises.
Adjectival form meaning 'parasitic'. Used to describe relationships, behaviors, or systems.
寄生的な関係を断ち切る必要がある。
We need to break off this parasitic relationship.
Common specific parasites or parasitic conditions.
Roundworm, a common intestinal parasite.
回虫の卵が土壌に含まれている。
Roundworm eggs are present in the soil.
Tapeworm, a parasitic flatworm.
Louse (plural: lice), a common external parasite.
While 寄生虫 can be used figuratively for a person, it is quite strong and insulting. In many contexts, softer terms like 居候 (freeloader) or 無職 (unemployed person) may be more appropriate depending on the nuance.
彼は友達の家に居候している。
He is freeloading at his friend's house.
He acts like a freeloader.
Tapeworms live in the intestines.
My child brought home lice.