借宿 means 'to stay overnight as a guest' — literally 'borrow lodging'. The character 借 (jiè) means 'to borrow' or 'to use temporarily', and 宿 (sù) means 'to lodge' or 'to spend the night'. Together, they convey the idea of temporarily using someone else's home or accommodation for one night (or occasionally several), usually with permission and often out of necessity or convenience. It implies a personal, informal arrangement rather than a commercial one like staying at a hotel.

This verb is commonly used in contexts involving travel, emergencies, hospitality, or close relationships — for example, when visiting relatives in another city, hiking in remote areas, or during unexpected weather disruptions. It carries a polite, slightly humble tone, reflecting gratitude toward the host. Unlike formal lodging terms, 借宿 emphasizes the interpersonal aspect: the guest relies on the host’s kindness, and the host offers temporary shelter without charge.