負けず嫌い
Meanings
1
hates losing; competitive; sore loser
Describes a person who strongly dislikes losing and will go to great lengths to win or avoid admitting defeat. Can be used positively (determined, competitive) or negatively (stubborn, ungracious).
He hates losing, so he seriously tries to win any game.
Her competitive nature helped her grow.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は負けず嫌いだsomeone is a sore loser / hates to lose
My little brother hates to lose, and he gets angry as soon as he loses at a game.
- 負けず嫌いな性格a competitive/sore-loser personality
She has a competitive personality and always wants to be number one at everything.