English edit

Etymology edit

Borrowed from Japanese 引きこもり (literally pulling inward, being confined) and is often translated as “acute social withdrawal” or shut-in.

Noun edit

hikikomori (countable and uncountable, plural hikikomori or hikikomoris)

  1. (uncountable) A Japanese phenomenon whereby an individual becomes a recluse from society, typically remaining isolated in a single room at home for a very long period.
  2. (countable) A reclusive person of this kind.
    • [2018 November 13, Kate Julian, “Why Are Young People Having So Little Sex?”, in The Atlantic[1]:
      The new taxonomy of Japanese sexlessness also includes terms for groups such as hikikomori (“shut-ins”), parasaito shinguru (“parasite singles,” people who live with their parents beyond their 20s), and otaku (“obsessive fans,” especially of anime and manga)—all of whom are said to contribute to sekkusu shinai shokogun (“celibacy syndrome”).]
    • 2019 June 6, Motoko Rich, “Japan’s Extreme Recluses Already Faced Stigma. Now, After Knifings, They’re Feared.”, in The New York Times[2], →ISSN:
      Many prefectural governments operate support centers for families of hikikomori, but they are staffed by nonspecialists. The priority is to help prise hikikomori out of their rooms and get them back to work, a solution that may leave psychological issues unaddressed.

Translations edit

See also edit

Further reading edit

Polish edit

Etymology edit

Borrowed from Japanese 引きこもり (hikikomori).

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /xi.ki.kɔˈmɔ.ri/
  • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ɔri
  • Syllabification: hi‧ki‧ko‧mo‧ri

Noun edit

hikikomori n (indeclinable)

  1. hikikomori

Further reading edit