Translation guide
The English word 'leech' can refer to the blood-sucking worm, or metaphorically to a person who exploits others. This guide covers both meanings and how to express them naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the aquatic or terrestrial annelid worm that sucks blood.
The standard Japanese word for a leech (the animal). Can be used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
川で蛭に血を吸われた。
A leech sucked my blood in the river.
Katakana form, often used in biological or scientific contexts, or for emphasis.
ヒルは環形動物の一種です。
Leeches are a type of annelid.
Describing a person who clings to others and takes advantage of them, like a parasite.
While 蛭 (hiru) can be used metaphorically, it is less common than 寄生虫 (kiseichuu) for describing a person. Using 蛭 might sound overly literal or dramatic.
Literally 'parasite'. Commonly used metaphorically for a person who lives off others without contributing.
彼は親に寄生虫のように頼っている。
He clings to his parents like a leech.
Katakana form used metaphorically, similar to English. Less common than 寄生虫 but understood.
あの男はヒルみたいに金をせびる。
That guy is like a leech, always begging for money.
Verb meaning to sponge off someone, to mooch. Often used for people who constantly ask for money or favors.
彼はいつも友達にたかってばかりいる。
He's always leeching off his friends.
Verb meaning to cling to someone emotionally or physically, often with a sense of desperation. Can imply a leech-like dependency.
彼女は別れた後も元彼にすがっている。
She's still clinging to her ex-boyfriend like a leech.