(よす)(びと)

よすてびと
noun
hermit; recluse; person who has renounced the world
literaryperson
1. hermit; recluse; person who has renounced the world
A person who has withdrawn from society and worldly concerns. Can refer to historical hermits, monks, or modern people who live in isolation by choice.
(かれ)世捨(よす)(びと)のように()らしている
He lives like a hermit.
He leads a reclusive life deep in the mountains.
After retirement, I want to leave the city and live quietly in the countryside like a hermit.

Usage

Literally "person who has abandoned the world" (() = the world + ()てる = to abandon + (びと) = person). Has a literary, somewhat romantic nuance. Often used metaphorically rather than literally — describing someone who lives very simply or avoids social engagement.

Note: In Japanese literary tradition, there are famous 世捨(よす)(びと) such as the poet (かもの)長明(ちょうめい), author of 方丈記(ほうじょうき).

Similar words

  • 隠者(いんじゃ): hermit, recluse — more formal, literary
  • 仙人(せんにん): hermit, sage — mythical/supernatural connotation
  • ()きこもり: shut-in — modern term, negative connotation