居留守(いるす)

いるす
noun
pretending to be out; feigning absence
action
1. pretending to be out; feigning absence
The act of being at home but pretending not to be, typically to avoid answering the door or dealing with a visitor.
居留守(いるす)を使(つか)った。
I pretended to be out.
知(し)らない人(ひと)が来(き)たので居留守(いるす)を使(つか)った。
A stranger came, so I pretended not to be home.
セールスマンが来(く)るたびに居留守(いるす)を使(つか)っているので、最近(さいきん)は来(こ)なくなった。
Since I pretend to be out every time a salesperson comes, they've stopped coming lately.

A uniquely expressive Japanese word with no direct English equivalent. Composed of 居(い)る (to be present) + 留守(るす) (being away from home) — a paradoxical compound meaning "to be present but absent." Almost exclusively used in the set phrase 居留守(いるす)を使(つか)う.

Common collocations

Usage

Most commonly used when avoiding door-to-door salespeople, unwanted visitors, or debt collectors. The act is considered slightly dishonest but widely understood and practiced. Modern intercom systems with cameras have made 居留守(いるす) easier — you can check who is at the door before deciding whether to answer.

Similar words

  • 留守(るす): absence from home — genuinely being away, not pretending
  • 留守番(るすばん): house-sitting; staying home to watch the house — actively staying home while others are out

Related Words

Compare: 留守番(るすばん) (house-sitting)
general
Added 2026.5.8 1:16 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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