怠る

• Reading: おこたる
• Romaji: okotaru
• Kanji breakdown: 怠 (tai/okota) — neglect, lazy, idle
• Pronunciation: /o.ko.ta.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To neglect; to be negligent; to fail to do. To shirk one's duties or responsibilities.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb meaning to neglect or fail to fulfil something that should be done. Often used for duties, maintenance, preparation, or effort. The related noun 怠り (negligence) shares the same kanji. Carries a tone of criticism, implying the neglect could have been avoided.

Examples

1. 健康管理を怠ると病気になりやすい。 If you neglect your health, you're more likely to get sick.
2. 点検を怠ったために事故が起きた。 The accident happened because the inspection was neglected.
3. 日々の努力を怠らないことが成功の秘訣だ。 Never neglecting your daily efforts is the key to success.

Usage Guide

Context: responsibility, health, work

Tone: admonishing

Origin & History

The kanji 怠 combines 台 (base, support) and 心 (heart/mind), suggesting a mind that has settled comfortably and lost its drive — the psychological state behind negligence and laziness.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal