1.
social withdrawal, being a shut-in
The state of withdrawing from society and staying confined at home, avoiding social contact. Also refers to a person in this state.
息子が引きこもりになった。
My son became a shut-in.
引きこもりの人を支援する団体がある。
There are organizations that support people with social withdrawal.
日本では引きこもりが社会問題になっており、中高年にも広がっている。
In Japan, social withdrawal has become a social issue and is spreading to middle-aged and older people.
引きこもり comes from the verb 引きこもる (to shut oneself in). It can refer to both the condition and the person.
CULTURAL NOTE:
Recognized as a significant social phenomenon in Japan. The Japanese government defines it as staying at home and not participating in society for six months or more. It affects people of all ages, including the "8050 problem" where 80-year-old parents support 50-year-old children who are shut-ins.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 引きこもりになる: to become a shut-in
- 引きこもり状態: state of social withdrawal
- 引きこもり支援: support for shut-ins