Japanese Conversation · Level 58
75 words
Japanese word
溺れる
Pronunciation
Romajioboreru
Meaning
- verbdrown
Example
子どもが海で溺れています。ko do mo ga umi de obo re te i ma su
A child is drowning in the sea.
More examples
弟はプールで足がつかず、溺れました。otōto wa pū ru de ashi ga tsu ka zu obo re ma shi ta
My younger brother was unable to touch the bottom of the pool and drowned.
Core concept
溺れる (oboreru) describes losing the ability to stay above water and breathe normally.
Common phrases
水に溺れるmizu ni obo re ru
drown in water
海で溺れるumi de obo re ru
drown in the sea
Similar words
沈むshizumu: To move below the surface of water or another liquid.
Definition in Japanese
水中で息ができず、浮かんでいられなくなる。sui chū de iki ga de ki zu u ka n de i ra re na ku na ru
Word origin
溺れる (oboreru) is a native Japanese word whose older form 溺る (oboru, "to drown") is recorded in classical Japanese.
Usage tips
- In Japanese, 溺れる (oboreru) also appears in expressions for being overwhelmed by feelings or absorbed in something, extending the idea of being unable to escape.