Japanese word

罵る

Pronunciation

Romajinonoshiru

Meaning

  • verbcurse at

Example

彼は怒ると人を罵ります。kare wa oko ru to hito o nonoshi ri ma su

When he gets angry, he curses at people.

Illustration for 罵る (curse at)

More examples

議論では、意見を批判しても相手を罵らないことが大切です。gi ron de wa i ken o hi han shi te mo ai te o nonoshi ra na i ko to ga tai setsu de su

In a discussion, it is important not to curse at the other person even when criticizing their opinion.

Core concept

It centers on using hostile words to attack, condemn, or humiliate another person.

Common phrases

  • 人を罵るhito o nonoshi ru

    curse at someone

  • 口汚く罵るkuchi gitana ku nonoshi ru

    curse viciously

  • 相手を罵るai te o nonoshi ru

    curse at one's opponent

Similar words

罵倒するbatōsuru: To attack someone with extremely harsh and abusive words.
侮辱するbujokusuru: To treat someone as unworthy of respect through words or actions.
なじるnajiru: To blame someone harshly for a fault or wrongdoing.

Definition in Japanese

相手を強い調子で非難し、乱暴な言葉を浴びせる。ai te o tsuyo i chō shi de hi nan shi ran bō na koto ba o a bi se ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 罵る (nonoshiru, "to revile") is traditionally connected with an older sense of making a loud uproar, which developed into verbal abuse.

Usage tips

  • The English phrase curse at often suggests swearing, but 罵る (nonoshiru) can also describe harsh berating or insulting without a fixed set of swear words.

Other meanings

  • berateverb
  • insultverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 罵りnonoshiriverbal abusenoun

Word lists with this word