Japanese word

舐める

Pronunciation

Romajinameru

Meaning

  • verblick

Example

猫が前足を舐めます。neko ga mae ashi o na me ma su

The cat licks its front paw.

Illustration for 舐める (lick)

More examples

犬が飼い主の手を舐めました。inu ga ka i nushi no te o na me ma shi ta

The dog licked its owner's hand.

Core concept

Expresses contact with the tongue or mouth that allows a person or animal to taste, draw in, or consume something.

Common phrases

  • 飴を舐めるame o na me ru

    lick candy

  • 傷口を舐めるkizu guchi o na me ru

    lick a wound

  • 皿を舐めるsara o na me ru

    lick a plate

Similar words

しゃぶるshaburu: To take something into the mouth by sucking it, often keeping it there for some time.
舐め回すnamemawasu: To cover a surface with repeated licking movements.

Definition in Japanese

舌や口を物に当てて動かし、味わうことや物を少しずつ取り込むこと。shita ya kuchi o mono ni a te te ugo ka shi aji wa u ko to ya mono o suko shi zu tsu to ri ko mu ko to

Word origin

舐める (nameru) is a native Japanese verb whose written form uses a kanji meaning "to lick" or "to taste"; its older development is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 舐めるように (nameru yō ni), literally "as if licking," can describe flames spreading over a surface without literal tongue contact.

Other meanings

  • lapverb
  • suckverb

Word lists with this word