劣る

• Reading: おとる
• Romaji: otoru
• Kanji breakdown: 劣 (oto/retsu) — inferior, be inferior to
• Pronunciation: /o.to.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be inferior to; to fall behind; to be less than. Being lower in quality, ability, or rank compared to something else.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugating with the r-row (劣る → 劣らない → 劣って). Often used in comparative expressions with に: AはBに劣る (A is inferior to B). The negative form 劣らない (not inferior) is a compliment meaning 'just as good as.' Related noun 劣等 (rettou, inferiority) appears in 劣等感 (inferiority complex).

Examples

1. この製品は品質で他社に劣る。 This product is inferior to other companies in quality.
2. 経験では劣るが、やる気は負けない。 I may lack experience, but my motivation is second to none.
3. 彼女の実力はプロにも劣らない。 Her skills are on par with a professional's.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, business, evaluation

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

The kanji 劣 combines 少 (shō, few/little) and 力 (ryoku, power), literally meaning 'little power' — a direct visual representation of being weaker or less capable.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal