旅居 literally combines 旅 (lǚ), meaning 'travel' or 'journey', and 居 (jū), meaning 'to reside' or 'to live'. Together, they form a formal verb meaning 'to live temporarily abroad' — emphasizing both the physical relocation and the non-permanent, often purpose-driven nature of the stay, such as for work, study, or retirement. Unlike 移民 (to immigrate) or 留学 (to study abroad), 旅居 highlights residence without intent to settle permanently.

This term is commonly used in written Chinese, news reports, and official documents, especially when describing professionals, retirees, or artists living overseas for extended but finite periods. It carries a neutral-to-positive connotation, suggesting cultural openness and personal initiative rather than displacement or hardship. While it can appear in speech, it’s less frequent in casual conversation, where phrases like '在国外住一阵子' are more common.