How to say "suck" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- ichidan verb, transitive verbCovers licking and lapping, and the kind of 'suck' in which the tongue works on something held in the mouth; sucking on a candy is the typical case, not drawing in liquid.
- 吸うすうgodan verb, transitive verbThe word for sucking as drawing in: use it when liquid or air is pulled into the mouth, as in sipping a drink, slurping noodles, or drawing liquid up through a straw.
Use 「吸う」 when something is drawn into the mouth, as in sipping or slurping; use 「なめる」 when the tongue does the work, licking a surface or sucking on something like a candy.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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