寄生虫
Meanings
1
Refers to a biological parasite that lives on or inside a host organism. Also used figuratively for a person who lives off others.
Cats can sometimes have parasites.
He lives off his parents like a parasite.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉に寄生虫がいるsomeone has parasites (in their body)
The test revealed that he had parasites in his stomach.
- 寄生虫に感染するto become infected with parasites
You can become infected with parasites from eating raw fish.
- 寄生虫を駆除するto get rid of / exterminate parasites
We removed the parasites from the dog's body.
- 〈人〉の寄生虫になるto become a parasite on someone (figurative, living off them)
He's living as a parasite off his parents without working.