呪う

• Reading: のろう
• Romaji: norau
• Kanji breakdown: 呪 (ju/noroi) — curse, spell, incantation
• Pronunciation: /no.ɾo.ɯ/

Meaning

To curse; to put a hex on; to damn someone or something. Expresses intense ill-will directed at another.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated according to the godan う-verb pattern. Carries a strong, almost supernatural nuance — invoking misfortune upon someone through words, rituals, or pure resentment. Used both in literal supernatural contexts (folk rituals, horror fiction) and figuratively to express deep hatred or resentment. Less formal than the Sino-Japanese 呪詛する (juso-suru).

Examples

1. 彼女は裏切った友人を心の中で呪った。 She silently cursed the friend who had betrayed her.
2. 古代の儀式では、敵を呪うために特別な言葉が唱えられた。 In ancient rituals, special words were chanted to put a curse on enemies.
3. あんなひどい目に遭わされたら、誰でも相手を呪いたくなるだろう。 After being treated so horribly, anyone would want to curse the person responsible.

Usage Guide

Context: supernatural, folklore, emotions, literature

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From Old Japanese のろふ. The kanji 呪 depicts a mouth over a kneeling person — literally speaking an incantation over someone. The word has been used since ancient times to describe placing supernatural ill-will upon another person or thing.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal