Translation guide
A person who associates with another person or group, often for personal gain, without being a genuine member. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various nouns and descriptive phrases, depending on the relationship and nuance.
Describing someone who follows a more powerful or popular person around, seeking benefits or reflected status, often in a servile or annoying way.
Refers to a group of people who surround and flatter an influential person, like a celebrity or boss. Often used for sycophantic followers.
He is always with the president's hangers-on.
Literally 'waist pouch', this is a derogatory term for someone who sticks close to a superior, never leaving their side, like a lackey.
He's the department head's hanger-on.
Literally 'goldfish poop', a very colloquial and humorous/insulting term for someone who tags along persistently.
That kid always follows the popular one around like a hanger-on.
Describing someone who depends on another person financially or socially, often living in their house or relying on their resources without contributing.
A person who lives in someone else's house and is supported by them, often without paying rent or contributing. Can be used for a long-term guest or freeloader.
He is a hanger-on at his friend's house.
A somewhat old-fashioned term for a person who is fed and housed in return for services or companionship, like a retainer or dependent. Can imply a hanger-on in a historical or literary context.
Borrowed from English 'parasite', used colloquially for someone who lives off others, especially in the phrase 'parasite single' (adult living with parents).
Describing a devoted fan or follower who attaches themselves to a celebrity, band, or famous person, often following them around.
A fan who follows a celebrity around, like a groupie. Can be used for enthusiastic fans who attend many events.
She is a hanger-on of a famous singer.
Direct loanword for 'groupie', used for fans who follow bands or celebrities, often with a connotation of seeking intimate relationships.
取り巻き is a general term for a group of followers or sycophants, often used in business or celebrity contexts. 腰巾着 is more derogatory and emphasizes the person's constant, servile attachment to a single superior.
The president has many hangers-on.
He's the section chief's hanger-on and is always with him.
There is no direct single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'hanger-on'. Using a literal translation like 'ぶら下がる人' would be unnatural. Choose the term that best fits the specific relationship and context.
彼はその政治家の食客として暮らしていた。
He lived as a hanger-on of that politician.
He is a hanger-on living off his parents.
彼はロックスターのグルーピーに囲まれていた。
He was surrounded by rock star hangers-on.