JLPT · Level 58
45 words
Japanese word
冷やかす
Pronunciation
Romajihiyakasu
Meaning
- verbmake fun of
Example
弟を冷やかします。otōto o hi ya ka shi ma su
I make fun of my younger brother.
More examples
彼は失敗した同僚を冷やかしませんでした。kare wa ship pai shi ta dō ryō o hi ya ka shi ma se n de shi ta
He did not make fun of his coworker who had failed.
Core concept
It places another person in the role of a target for playful teasing or open ridicule.
Common phrases
人を冷やかすhito o hi ya ka su
make fun of someone
友達を冷やかすtomo dachi o hi ya ka su
tease a friend
Similar words
からかうkarakau: To tease someone playfully or provoke a reaction from them.
茶化すchakasu: To treat a serious matter lightly by making jokes about it.
嘲るazakeru: To ridicule someone with contempt or scorn.
Definition in Japanese
人をからかったり、あざけったりする。hito o ka ra ka tta ri a za ke tta ri su ru
Word origin
冷やかす (hiyakasu) is a native Japanese verb whose recorded meanings include cooling and teasing, but the connection between these meanings remains uncertain.
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, 冷やかす (hiyakasu) can describe both playful teasing and sharper ridicule, so the relationship and tone determine whether it sounds friendly or hurtful.