Meaning and Usage
The verb 怠ける (なまける) means "to be lazy" or "to neglect" duties or responsibilities. It often implies a negative judgment about someone's lack of effort or diligence.
Common Contexts
怠ける is frequently used in everyday conversation to describe laziness in work, study, or chores. It can be used both for oneself and others, but it carries a somewhat critical tone.
Collocations and Patterns
- 怠ける + ばかりいる: emphasizes continuous laziness (e.g., 仕事を怠けてばかりいる).
- 勉強を怠ける: neglect studying.
- 怠けることなく: without being lazy, continuously.
Register and Nuance
This verb is casual to neutral in formality and is common in spoken Japanese. It is not polite, so avoid using it in formal or respectful contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 怠ける with simply "resting" or "taking a break," but 怠ける implies neglect or laziness rather than necessary rest. Use it carefully to avoid unintended offense.