Dictionary
English - Japanese
Lick
lɪk
Very common
~ 1600
~ 1600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
舐める (なめる, nameru), 打ち負かす (うちまかす, uchimakasu), なめる (nameru) [figurative meaning], なめ回す (なめまわす, name mawasu), 舐める (なめる, nameru) [to taste]
Lick meanings in Japanese
舐める (なめる, nameru)
Example:
The cat licked its paw.
猫は自分の足を舐めた。
He licked the ice cream cone.
彼はアイスクリームコーンを舐めた。
Usage: InformalContext: Used in everyday situations involving tasting or wetting something with the tongue.
Note: This is the most direct translation and is commonly used for both animals and humans.
打ち負かす (うちまかす, uchimakasu)
Example:
They licked the competition.
彼らは競争相手を打ち負かした。
We need to lick our rivals in this game.
このゲームでライバルを打ち負かす必要がある。
Usage: InformalContext: Used in competitive contexts, often in sports or games.
Note: This meaning relates to overcoming or defeating someone or something.
なめる (nameru) [figurative meaning]
Example:
He licked his wounds after the loss.
彼は敗北後に自分の傷をなめた。
After the argument, she licked her wounds alone.
論争の後、彼女は一人で傷をなめた。
Usage: InformalContext: Used figuratively to describe someone recovering from emotional distress or defeat.
Note: This expression is commonly used to describe someone who is reflecting on their misfortunes.
なめ回す (なめまわす, name mawasu)
Example:
The dog licked my face all over.
犬が私の顔をなめ回した。
The child licked the candy all over.
子供がそのキャンディをなめ回した。
Usage: InformalContext: Used when something is licked extensively or thoroughly.
Note: This term emphasizes a more thorough action compared to just 'licking'.
舐める (なめる, nameru) [to taste]
Example:
She licked the soup to check the taste.
彼女は味を確認するためにスープを舐めた。
You should lick the salt to see if it's good.
その塩がいいかどうか舐めてみるべきだ。
Usage: InformalContext: Used when tasting something with the tongue.
Note: This meaning is often used in cooking or food tasting contexts.
Lick's synonyms
taste
To taste implies experiencing the flavor of something by putting it in one's mouth.
Example: She licked the ice cream to taste its flavor.
Note: Taste focuses more on the sensory experience of flavor, while lick specifically refers to the action of passing the tongue over something.
lap
To lap means to take in (a liquid) with the tongue in small amounts.
Example: The dog licked up the spilled milk from the floor.
Note: Lap is often used in the context of animals drinking or eating liquids, while lick is more general and can refer to humans or animals.
nibble
To nibble is to take small bites or gentle bites of something.
Example: She licked and nibbled at the chocolate bar.
Note: Nibble involves biting or chewing gently, while lick involves the action of passing the tongue over something.
Lick expressions, common phrases
Lick one's wounds
To recover from a defeat or setback; to take time to heal emotionally or physically.
Example: After losing the competition, he needed some time to lick his wounds and recover.
Note: The phrase 'lick one's wounds' uses 'lick' metaphorically to mean to clean or take care of injuries or emotional distress.
Lickety-split
Very quickly; at a fast pace.
Example: She finished the project lickety-split, much faster than anyone expected.
Note: In this phrase, 'lickety-split' is used as an adverb to convey speed and efficiency.
Lick into shape
To improve or organize something thoroughly and quickly.
Example: The project was a mess until Susan came in and licked it into shape.
Note: Here, 'lick' is used in the sense of control or manage, implying bringing something into a proper form or order.
Not have a dog's chance in hell
To have no chance whatsoever; to be very unlikely to succeed.
Example: He didn't have a dog's chance in hell of winning the argument.
Note: This idiom does not directly relate to the action of licking but uses it to emphasize the impossibility of a situation.
Lick and a promise
To do something hurriedly and superficially, with the promise of doing it properly later.
Example: She quickly gave the kitchen a lick and a promise before guests arrived.
Note: This phrase uses 'lick' in a figurative sense, suggesting a quick and temporary action that will be improved later.
Lick someone's boots
To behave obsequiously towards someone in authority; to flatter or be overly subservient.
Example: He always tries to lick the boss's boots to get ahead in the company.
Note: In this phrase, 'lick' is used in a derogatory way to imply excessive flattery or submission to gain favor.
Lick one's chops
To anticipate eagerly or with great pleasure.
Example: The chef was licking his chops in anticipation of the food tasting competition.
Note: This idiom uses 'lick' in a figurative way to convey the idea of eagerly awaiting or salivating over something.
Lick everyday (slang) expressions
Hit the lick
To commit a robbery or theft, usually involving a quick and easy score.
Example: We're gonna hit the lick tonight at the party.
Note: The original word 'lick' refers to a quick and light stroke with the tongue, while 'hit the lick' has a criminal connotation.
Lickety-boo
To be in good order, satisfactory or without any problems.
Example: Everything is going smoothly at work, it's all lickety-boo.
Note: The original word 'lick' implies touching with the tongue, while 'lickety-boo' signifies smooth progress or success.
Get the short end of the stick
To be at a disadvantage or to receive the less favorable outcome in a situation.
Example: I always feel like I get the short end of the stick in group projects.
Note: In this phrase, the term 'stick' is used metaphorically to represent an unequal distribution or unfair treatment.
Lickspittle
A person who behaves obsequiously to those in authority in order to gain an advantage.
Example: I can't stand those lickspittle employees who always brown-nose the boss.
Note: The original word 'lick' refers to touching with the tongue, whereas 'lickspittle' describes someone overly submissive or flatteringly compliant.
Lick shots
To fire a gun or engage in shooting, particularly in a threatening manner.
Example: He threatened to lick shots if anyone messed with him again.
Note: While 'lick' is associated with touching with the tongue, 'lick shots' is about shooting or displaying aggression through firearms.
Be on one's case
To be continuously monitoring, criticizing, or pressuring someone about something.
Example: I can't believe my boss is on my case about being late today.
Note: The slang phrase 'on one's case' implies being closely observed or scrutinized, whereas 'lick' refers to touching with the tongue.
Lick - Examples
He gave his ice cream a lick before handing it to his little sister.
The dog gave me a friendly lick on the hand.
She was accused of being a lickspittle by her colleagues.
Lick grammar
Lick - Proper noun (Proper noun) / Proper noun, singular (Proper noun, singular)
Lemma: lick
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): licks
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): lick
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): licked
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): licking
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): licks
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): lick
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): lick
Syllables, Separation and Stress
lick Contains 1 syllables: lick
Phonetic transcription: ˈlik
lick , ˈlik (The red syllable is stressed)
Lick - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
lick: ~ 1600 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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