恨み

うらみ

resentment

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"恨み" (うらみ) means resentment or a grudge held against someone or something. It often implies a deep emotional hurt or bitterness that can last a long time.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used when talking about personal grudges, feelings of revenge, or emotional pain caused by past wrongs. It is a noun and often appears in expressions related to revenge or emotional suffering.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 恨みを持つ: to hold a grudge or resentment
  • 恨みを晴らす: to clear or avenge a grudge
  • 恨みを買う: to incur someone's resentment

These collocations show how "恨み" is used to describe ongoing feelings or actions related to resentment.

Register and Nuance

"恨み" is a somewhat formal or literary word and is often found in written language, novels, or serious conversations about emotional pain. It is less common in casual daily talk but still understood.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "恨み" with "怒り" (anger). While "怒り" is a more immediate feeling of anger, "恨み" implies a longer-lasting grudge or resentment. Use "恨み" when referring to deep, enduring bitterness rather than momentary anger.

Example Sentences

かれはむかしのうらみをずっとわすれられないでいる。

He has never been able to forget the resentment from the past.

うらみをはらすために、かれはふくしゅうをけいかくした。

To clear his resentment, he planned revenge.

うらみをもちつづけると、じぶんもくるしくなるだけだ。

Holding onto resentment only makes yourself suffer.