Meaning and Usage
The verb 怠る (おこたる) means "to neglect" or "to fail to do something properly." It often implies a careless or lazy attitude toward duties or responsibilities. This word is commonly used in formal or written contexts but can appear in spoken Japanese as well.
Common Contexts
怠る is frequently used when talking about neglecting work, health, studies, or duties. It carries a negative nuance, suggesting that the neglect leads to undesirable consequences such as loss of trust, poor results, or health problems.
Collocations and Patterns
- 仕事を怠る: to neglect work
- 健康管理を怠る: to neglect health management
- 勉強を怠る: to neglect studying
These phrases emphasize the specific area being neglected.
Register and Politeness
怠る is a somewhat formal verb and is often found in written warnings, advice, or formal speech. It is less casual than verbs like サボる (to skip/neglect) and is appropriate in professional or serious contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 怠る with 怠ける (なまける), which means "to be lazy." While related, 怠る focuses on neglecting a duty or task, whereas 怠ける emphasizes laziness as a character trait or behavior. Use 怠る when you want to highlight neglect or failure to perform an expected action.