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.
Cats can get infected with parasites.
There are many types of parasites.
A more formal or scientific term for a parasitic organism. Often used in academic contexts.
I am researching the ecology of parasitic organisms.
Refers to the parasitic body or organism itself, often used in scientific or technical descriptions.
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.
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.
He is freeloading at his friend's house.
Literally 'eating guest'; a person who lives off another's hospitality, often with a historical or literary nuance.
He acts like a freeloader.
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.
Large corporations are parasitizing small and medium enterprises.
Adjectival form meaning 'parasitic'. Used to describe relationships, behaviors, or systems.
We need to break off this parasitic relationship.
Common specific parasites or parasitic conditions.
Roundworm, a common intestinal parasite.
Roundworm eggs are present in the soil.
Tapeworm, a parasitic flatworm.
Tapeworms live in the intestines.
Louse (plural: lice), a common external parasite.
My child brought home lice.
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.