Translation guide
The English verb 'lick' refers to passing the tongue over a surface. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 舐める (なめる), but the appropriate expression depends on what is being licked and the context. This guide covers literal licking, idiomatic uses, and related expressions.
To pass the tongue over something, such as food, lips, or an object.
The standard verb for 'lick'. Can be used for licking food, lips, stamps, etc.
猫が手を舐めている。
The cat is licking its paw.
アイスクリームを舐める。
Lick an ice cream.
A less common, somewhat literary or dialectal verb for licking, often implying a more thorough or savoring lick.
犬が骨を舐っている。
The dog is licking the bone.
To moisten the lips with the tongue, often in anticipation of food or nervously.
The literal phrase for licking one's lips.
彼は緊張して唇を舐めた。
He licked his lips nervously.
To use the tongue to remove food residue from a surface.
Describes licking something until it's clean.
子供はお皿を舐めてきれいにした。
The child licked the plate clean.
To lick off or lick up, emphasizing removal.
こぼれたソースを舐め取った。
I licked up the spilled sauce.
Figurative use where flames or water touch something lightly and repeatedly.
To underestimate or not take seriously. Often used in the phrase 舐めてかかる or 舐めるな.
To approach something with an attitude of underestimation. Often used as a warning.
あの相手を舐めてかかると痛い目にあうぞ。
If you underestimate that opponent, you'll get hurt.
A strong, informal warning: 'Don't underestimate me/it!' or 'Don't mess with me!'
Can sound aggressive or confrontational. Use only in very informal situations.
舐めるなよ！
Don't underestimate me!
Same as 舐める but using a different kanji, sometimes used in the idiomatic sense of 'to taste' hardship or to make light of.
To go through a difficult experience, often phrased as 'licking bitterness' or similar.
To have a bitter experience; to suffer a setback.
彼は人生で何度も苦汁を舐めてきた。
He has licked the bitter cup of life many times.
To endure hardships; literally 'to lick hardships and acids'.
彼は若い頃に辛酸を舐めた。
He went through hardships when he was young.
To moisten adhesive with the tongue.
Specifically for licking a stamp.
封筒に切手を貼る前に舐めた。
I licked the stamp before putting it on the envelope.
When an animal licks itself, another animal, or a person.
General verb for animals licking.
犬が飼い主の顔を舐めた。
The dog licked its owner's face.
Specifically for grooming fur by licking (cats, etc.).
猫が毛繕いしている。
The cat is grooming itself (licking its fur).
English idioms like 'lick one's wounds' or 'lick into shape' do not translate directly using 舐める. Instead, use equivalent Japanese expressions or rephrase.
傷を癒やす
To lick one's wounds (figuratively)
舐める (nameru) means to lick, while しゃぶる (shaburu) means to suck or suck on. Do not confuse them. For example, licking a lollipop is 舐める, but sucking on it is しゃぶる.
To experience hardship (literally 'to taste hardship').