Translation guide
To withdraw from society or public life, often to a private or remote place. In Japanese, this is expressed through verbs that emphasize isolation, retreat, or shutting oneself away.
To voluntarily remove oneself from social interaction or public life, often for an extended period.
The most common modern term for shutting oneself away at home, often associated with social withdrawal (hikikomori).
He has been secluding himself in his room for years.
To retire from the world and live in seclusion, often with a nuance of seeking a hermit-like life.
He left the city and is living a secluded life in the countryside.
To shut oneself in a room or house, emphasizing the physical act of closing oneself off.
I secluded myself in my room all day reading books.
Literally 'to abandon the world', implying renunciation of worldly affairs and living in seclusion, often for religious reasons.
He decided to seclude himself from the world and live deep in the mountains.
To stay away from others for a short period, often for focus, rest, or privacy.
To go away from human habitation, often to a remote natural setting for solitude.
I spent the weekend in a secluded mountain cabin.
To be alone, often used when someone wants privacy or time to themselves.
I want to seclude myself for a bit.
To stay inside a place without going out, often used for working or concentrating.
To withdraw from everyday life for meditation, prayer, or asceticism.
引きこもる (hikikomoru) implies a long-term withdrawal from society, often with psychological connotations. 閉じこもる (tojikomoru) is more about physically shutting oneself in a space, and can be temporary.
He withdrew from society.
She shut herself in her room.
The English phrase 'seclude oneself' can sound formal or literary. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends heavily on context. Avoid directly translating word-for-word; instead, choose the verb that matches the duration, purpose, and setting of the seclusion.
彼は書斎に籠って論文を書いている。
He is secluding himself in his study to write his thesis.
He secluded himself in the temple to offer prayers.