しゃぶる

しゃ

ぶ

る

JLPTN2Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

しゃぶる · godan verb (-ru)

Meanings

godan verb (-ru), transitive verb

Casual word for sucking or licking something, often with the mouth or tongue. Used for candy, fingers, bones, etc. Can sound childish or informal.

〈物もの〉をしゃぶるto suck/lick something (e.g. candy, a bone, a finger)
子こ供どもが飴あめをしゃぶっている。
The child is sucking on a piece of candy.
指ゆびをしゃぶるto suck one's thumb/finger
赤あかちゃんが指ゆびをしゃぶっている。
The baby is sucking its thumb.
骨ほねまでしゃぶるto exploit someone or something to the fullest, to squeeze every last bit of value out of
その会かい社しゃは取とり引ひき先さきを骨ほねまでしゃぶり尽つくした。
The company squeezed its business partner for every last bit of value.

吸すうN5
吸う is the general, neutral verb for sucking or inhaling, while しゃぶる specifically means to suck or lick with the tongue in the mouth and has a casual, childish tone.
舐なめるN2
舐める means to lick a surface once or repeatedly, whereas しゃぶる implies holding the thing in the mouth and sucking or licking it continuously.

くわえるN2
咥える means to hold something in the mouth (often between the teeth or lips) without sucking, while しゃぶる specifically involves sucking or licking it with the tongue.

The origin is uncertain. It may be related to the mimetic word しゃぶしゃぶ, suggesting a sucking or slurping sound, but this is not confirmed.