Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
あごで人を使う (あごでひとをつかう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-u)
boss someone around arrogantly ; push someone around
idiomatic expression
Describes a superior attitude where one gives orders with a jerk of the chin, treating others as underlings. Often implies a lack of respect or consideration.
See also: あごで使う
You should stop that attitude of pushing people around.
Written forms あごで 人ひと を 使つか う
Common kana spelling for this idiomatic expression; the kanji 頤 is rare and may not be recognized by many readers.
頤あご で 人ひと を 使つか う
Kanji spelling using the uncommon character 頤 (chin); rarely used in modern writing.
Kanji 使 use, send on a mission, order Similar words あごで 使つか う A shorter form with the same meaning; あごで人を使う explicitly includes the object 人 (person).
顎あご で 使つか う Same meaning, using the more common kanji 顎 for chin; あごで人を使う is the full phrase with 人.
Etymology Literally 'to use a person with one's chin', from the image of giving orders by jerking the chin instead of speaking politely. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a well-established idiomatic expression.
