How to say "lick" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- ichidan verb, transitive verbThe basic verb for licking something with the tongue, and also for lapping or sucking. This is the word you want in most everyday contexts, such as licking an ice cream or a wound.
- godan verb, transitive verbA verb meaning to lick, usually written in kana alone. It overlaps with なめる but is encountered less often, so learners will normally be fine using なめる instead.
- noun, suru verbA noun glossed simply as 'lick', borrowed from English. It is less common and covers only the noun, so it is seldom the word you want for the action of licking.
- nounA noun form glossed as 'lick'. As a standalone noun it is less common, and for the verb sense learners should reach for なめる rather than this form.
- godan verb, transitive verbA verb whose primary sense is to suck, with licking as a secondary gloss. It is less common, and when the meaning is clearly sucking rather than licking it may be the closer choice.
For the actual act of licking, 「なめる」 is the everyday verb; 「ねぶる」 and 「しゃぶる」 are less common alternatives with related senses, while 「リック」 and 「なめ」 are nouns and rarely what you need for the verb.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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