Meaning

Primary

Freeloader

Alternative

Lodger Who Pays Nothing

Word Type

noun, verbal noun

Explanation

To stay alive in some climates, some have no choice but to be a freeloader. That is, a lodger who pays nothing. If you live somewhere with an inhospitable climate but you can't afford to pay rent, your only option is to live with someone for free.

Reading

いそうろう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a slightly unusual case because both kanji use the kun'yomi. You haven't learned that reading for yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

What? You've become a freeloader? I can't believe you've gone so low (そうろう)!

Context

Context Sentences

居候をするなら、せめて料理くらいは覚えた方がいい。

If you're going to be a freeloader, you should at least learn to cook.

居候の身だから、あんまり強くは言うことはできないんだよね。

I can't say anything too strongly because I'm staying here for free.

それで、仕事を失って、居候生活を始めたんです。

So I lost my job and started living as a freeloader.

Kanji Composition