Translation guide
The English word "neglect" covers a range of meanings from failing to care for someone to simply overlooking a task. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you are talking about neglecting duties, neglecting a person's needs, or simply forgetting to do something.
Failing to do something you are supposed to do, such as work, studies, or obligations.
The most direct and common verb for neglecting duties, responsibilities, or tasks. Often used in formal or written contexts.
He neglected his work.
Neglecting caution can lead to accidents.
Casual/slang term for skipping or slacking off on duties, school, or work. Implies intentional neglect.
I was neglecting class and playing games.
To treat something as unimportant and neglect it; to leave something half-done or pay insufficient attention.
You must not neglect safety measures.
To be lazy or idle; often implies neglecting work due to laziness. More about the person's character than the act of neglect itself.
He's always neglecting his studies (out of laziness).
Failing to provide proper care, attention, or support to someone, such as a child, elderly person, or patient.
To leave someone or something unattended, often with a nuance of abandonment or neglect of care. Used for both people and things.
Cases of neglecting the elderly are increasing.
You must not leave a child unattended in a car.
Loanword from English, used specifically for neglect in caregiving contexts, especially child or elder neglect. Common in news and social work.
Literally 'to neglect care'. A straightforward phrase for failing to look after someone.
Failing to notice or remember to do something, often unintentionally.
Pattern for doing something carelessly or forgetting to do it. Often used for minor, unintentional neglect.
I carelessly forgot the appointment. (I neglected the appointment.)
I accidentally overlooked the email.
To overlook, miss seeing something. Implies neglect through inattention.
Simply 'to forget'. Can be used when neglect is due to forgetting.
Failing to maintain something properly, such as a building, garden, or machine.
To neglect maintenance or care for something. Common for gardens, houses, equipment.
If you neglect garden maintenance, it quickly becomes overgrown.
Also used for leaving things unattended or neglected, like a vacant house or a problem.
The vacant house is being neglected.
Very casual; to leave something completely neglected or abandoned.
I neglected my bicycle and it got all rusty.
怠る (okotaru) is for neglecting duties or responsibilities, often formal. 放置する (houchi suru) is for leaving something/someone unattended, implying abandonment. サボる (saboru) is casual for skipping or slacking off intentionally.
ネグレクト is a technical term for caregiving neglect (child/elder abuse). Using it for neglecting homework or chores would sound unnatural.
He was accused of neglecting his duties.
職務怠慢 is a formal compound for 'neglect of duty'.
Don't neglect your health.
Child neglect is a form of child abuse.
An investigation was launched on suspicion of neglect.
You must not neglect the care of your pet.
重要な点を見落としていた。
I overlooked an important point.
宿題を忘れた。
I forgot my homework. (I neglected to do it.)