Meaning

Primary

Ronin

Alternative

Masterless Samurai

Word Type

noun, verbal noun, の adjective

Explanation

A person who wanders because their lord was killed is known as a ronin, or a masterless samurai. Now they're just like the rest of us, but they can't stop wandering because they have nowhere they belong.

In modern Japan, 浪人 refers to students who failed their university entrance exams and are waiting for the next chance to try again.

Reading

ろうにん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You should be able to read this on your own.

Context

Context Sentences

受験に失敗し、浪人生活に突入しました。

I failed the exam and entered the life of a failed student.

お前みたいな浪人の要求には応じられないな。

We are unable to comply with the request of a masterless samurai like you.

その浪人は、諸国を遍歴することにした。

That ronin has decided to travel around various regions of the country.

Kanji Composition