noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
absence; being away from home
Refers to the state of not being at home or at one's usual place. Often used in set phrases like 留守にする (to be away) or 留守中 (while away).
母は今、買い物で留守にしています。
My mother is out shopping right now.
留守の間
A package arrived while I was out.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb, intransitive verb
house-sitting; looking after a house while someone is away
Can refer to the act of house-sitting or the person who does it. Often used in 留守番 (house-sitting) or 留守を頼む (to ask someone to house-sit).
旅行中、隣の人に留守を頼んだ。
I asked my neighbor to look after the house while I was traveling.
彼は私の留守の間、犬の世話をしてくれた。
He took care of my dog while I was away.
noun
neglecting; leaving unattended
Used in the pattern お留守になる to mean that something is being neglected or left unattended, often one's studies or duties. The お prefix adds a polite or softening tone.
最近、勉強がお留守になっている。
Lately, I've been neglecting my studies.
仕事が忙しくて、家事がお留守になりがちだ。
I'm so busy with work that I tend to leave the housework unattended.