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VocabJLPT N3

to bully

Ichidan VerbTransitive Verb

Also written as 苛める

Definitions

1. to ill-treat
2. to bully
3. to be tough on (e.g. one's body)

This verb means "to bully," "to tease cruelly," or "to torment someone," and describes repeatedly causing physical or emotional harm to a person or animal. It is a serious word often used in discussions about bullying in schools or workplaces.

Example sentences

Sentence 1

Doesn't that manager pick on the same person every single day?

Sentence 2

During recess, that group was bullying someone!

Sentence 3

She broke down crying, pleading, "please stop bullying me!"

Sentence 4

Right then, someone spoke up: "let's stop picking on him."

Sentence 5

The way you said that — it sounds like you're targeting them.