Meaning and Usage
The verb 粘る (ねばる) primarily means "to be sticky" or "to adhere," often used to describe physical stickiness like glue or food textures. It also figuratively means "to persist" or "to stick to" something, such as continuing an effort or refusing to give up.
Common Contexts
- Physical stickiness: describing substances like glue, dough, or sticky foods.
- Persistence: showing determination or stubbornness in actions, such as studying hard or negotiating.
- Insistence: when someone keeps asking or pushing for something.
Collocations and Patterns
- 粘るのり (ねばるのり): sticky glue, emphasizing strong adhesion.
- 粘り強く勉強する (ねばりづよくべんきょうする): to study persistently, highlighting endurance.
- 粘って頼む (ねばってたのむ): to persistently ask or plead, often used when someone won’t give up on a request.
Register and Nuance
粘る is neutral in formality and can be used in both casual and formal contexts. When used figuratively, it often conveys a positive sense of perseverance but can also imply stubbornness depending on tone.
Common Learner Mistake
Avoid confusing 粘る with simple "to stick" verbs like くっつく. 粘る emphasizes the sticky or persistent quality, not just the state of being attached. For persistence in effort, 粘る often pairs with adverbs like 粘り強く to clarify the meaning.