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いじめる Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N4 Freq. Frequency Top 20,000 Conjugation Meanings 1
ichidan verb, transitive verb
bully ; torment ; pick on
usually written using kana alone
Refers to persistent, often psychological or physical harassment, especially in school or workplace contexts. Covers a range from teasing to serious abuse.
おとうと
を
いじめる
の
は
やめ
なさい
。
Stop picking on your little brother.
2
ichidan verb, transitive verb
be tough on ; treat harshly
usually written using kana alone
Used when subjecting something (often one's own body or an object) to harsh conditions or rough treatment, not necessarily with malice.
Written forms いじめる Usage 81%
Usually written in kana; the kanji forms 苛める and 虐める are less common.
イジメる Usage 8%
苛いじ める Usage 7%
Kanji form; 苛 carries a nuance of torment or harshness.
虐いじ める Usage 4%
Alternate kanji form; 虐 emphasizes cruelty or oppression.
イジめる Usage <1%
Kanji 苛 torment, scold, chastise Similar words からかう Implies light teasing or making fun of someone, often playfully, whereas いじめる suggests more persistent or harmful bullying.
虐ぎゃく 待たい する A formal term for abuse or mistreatment, often used in legal or serious contexts (child abuse, animal cruelty). いじめる is more everyday.
Etymology Derived from the adjective 苛い (いじい, 'harsh, cruel') with the verbalizing suffix める, meaning 'to treat harshly'. The kanji 苛 and 虐 both convey cruelty or oppression.
