Translation guide
The act of passing the tongue over something. In Japanese, the most common verb is 舐める (なめる), but there are also more specific or nuanced terms. This guide covers how to express licking in various contexts, from literal to figurative.
To pass the tongue over a surface, such as food, lips, or an object.
The standard verb for 'to lick'. Used for licking food, lips, stamps, etc. Transitive verb.
The dog licked my hand.
I lick an ice cream.
Alternative kanji for 舐める, but rarely used in modern Japanese. 舐める is preferred.
He licked the wound.
To moisten the lips with the tongue, often in anticipation or after eating.
To consume something by licking, such as a lollipop or sauce.
To moisten adhesive with the tongue.
The standard verb for licking a stamp or envelope.
I lick a stamp and put it on the envelope.
To undergo a bitter experience, often used in set phrases.
To treat someone with contempt, as if licking them (derogatory).
Slang meaning 'to underestimate' or 'to look down on'. Often used in the phrase 舐めてかかる or 舐めた態度.
This usage is very informal and can be offensive. It implies contempt.
That guy is looking down on me.
Describing flames that touch or spread over a surface.
Used metaphorically for flames 'licking' something.
The flames spread, licking the building.
When an animal licks itself or others for cleaning.
In English, 'licking' can be used in many idiomatic expressions (e.g., 'licking one's wounds'). These often do not translate directly to 舐める. For example, 'licking one's wounds' is better expressed as 傷を癒やす (きずをいやす) or 心の傷を癒やす (こころのきずをいやす).
舐める (なめる) means to lick with the tongue, while しゃぶる means to suck or hold in the mouth and lick, like sucking on a candy or thumb. Do not confuse them.
I lick a candy.
I suck on a candy.
He licked his lips in anticipation of the feast.
Similar to 苦汁を舐める, meaning to go through hardships. Literally 'to lick hardships and bitterness'.
He went through hardships when he was young.
If you mess with me, you'll regret it.