Japanese word

怠る

Pronunciation

Romajiokotaru

Meaning

  • verbneglect

Example

私は健康管理を怠ります。watashi wa ken kō kan ri o okota ri ma su

I neglect my health.

Illustration for 怠る (neglect)

More examples

忙しさを理由に、記録の更新を怠ってはいけません。isoga shi sa o ri yū ni ki roku no kō shin o okota tte wa i ke ma se n

You must not neglect updating the records just because you are busy.

Core concept

Presents neglect as leaving an expected duty or necessary action unattended.

Common phrases

  • 注意を怠るchū i o okota ru

    fail to pay attention

  • 準備を怠るjun bi o okota ru

    neglect preparation

  • 努力を怠るdo ryoku o okota ru

    fail to make an effort

Similar words

おろそかにするorosokanisuru: To fail to give an important matter the attention or care it requires.
サボるsaboru: To skip a duty or activity, often in a casual or deliberate way.
怠けるnamakeru: To avoid work or effort because of a lack of diligence.

Definition in Japanese

すべき仕事や義務などをしなかったり、必要な注意を払わなかったりする。su be ki shi goto ya gi mu na do o shi na ka tta ri hitsu yō na chū i o hara wa na ka tta ri su ru

Word origin

The native verb 怠る (okotaru) is written with 怠 (tai, "neglect"), while the word's deeper etymology remains uncertain; this kanji preserves its central meaning in writing.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, this verb often sounds more formal than casual expressions for slacking and frames the omission as a lapse in responsibility.

Other meanings

  • fail to ___verb
  • shirkverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 怠りokotarineglectnoun

Word lists with this word