How to say "sponge" in Japanese

• スポンジCommon
  nounA loanword from English, this is the noun for the object itself: a soft, porous sponge used for washing or cleaning. It does not cover the verb sense of sponging off someone.
  スポンジは水みずを吸い込すいこむ。↗

  A sponge absorbs water.
• たかるCommon
  godan verb, intransitive verbThe verb sense: to sponge off someone, scrounging or pestering them for money or favors. Usually written in kana alone; think of someone who sponges off relatives or friends.
  彼かれは働はたらかないで親類しんるいにたかることばかり考かんがえている。↗

  He doesn't work, but only thinks of sponging off his relatives.

Use 「スポンジ」 for the physical object — the soft, porous sponge — and 「たかる」 for the verb sense, sponging off someone by scrounging or pestering them for money or favors.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• スポンジsponge
• 海綿かいめんsponge
• スポンジ状スポンジじょうsponge
• たかるto sponge (off someone)