恨む

• Reading: うらむ
• Romaji: uramu
• Kanji breakdown: 恨 (kon/ura) — grudge, resentment, regret
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.ɾa.mɯ/

Meaning

To bear a grudge against; to resent; to blame. To harbour bitter feelings toward someone.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb expressing deep resentment or bitterness. Can range from mild regret to intense hatred. Often used in the pattern 〜を恨む (to resent someone or something). The noun form 恨み (grudge, resentment) is equally common. Appears frequently in drama, literature, and discussions of interpersonal conflict.

Examples

1. 彼を恨んでも何も変わらない。 Holding a grudge against him won't change anything.
2. 裏切られた恨みは簡単には消えない。 The bitterness of being betrayed doesn't fade easily.
3. 自分の運命を恨むより前に進むべきだ。 Rather than resenting your fate, you should move forward.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal conflict, drama, emotional expression

Tone: intense

Origin & History

The kanji 恨 combines 忄 (heart) and 艮 (stubborn, immovable), suggesting a stubborn emotion lodged in the heart that refuses to leave.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal