How to say 'Bear' in Japanese | 負う

Wondering how to say 'Bear' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Bear is 'Ou', written as 負う in Japanese.'Bear' in hiragana is おう.

word

負う

Meaning

Bear

Reading

おう

Kanji

負Defeat

Explanation

The Japanese verb '負う (おう)' primarily means 'to bear' or 'to carry', often in the sense of responsibility, burden, or obligation. It can also imply taking on a duty or being responsible for something. For example: He bears the responsibility「彼は責任を負う」(かれはせきにんをおう). The company bears the cost「会社が費用を負う」(かいしゃがひようをおう). Additionally, '負う' can sometimes mean 'to owe', as in owing a debt or gratitude. For example: I owe him a favor「彼に恩を負う」(かれにおんをおう). This verb is often used in formal or serious contexts, emphasizing the weight or significance of what is being borne.

Part Of Speech

verb

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

2484

Composition

kanji-hiragana

Handwriting

This word is a godan verb. To learn how it transforms in different tenses and forms, explore all its conjugations.

Kanji in the Word 負う

This word contains 1 kanji character:

kanji

負

Meaning

Defeat

Hiragana in the Word 負う

This word contains 1 Hiragana character :

hiragana

う

Reading

Words Related to 負う Through the Kanji 負

These 8 Words contain the Kanji 負 as well.

word

負ける

Meaning

Lose

word

勝負

Meaning

Match, Contest

word

背負う

Meaning

Carry

word

御負け

Meaning

Bonus

word

負け

Meaning

Loss

word

負担

Meaning

Burden

word

負債

Meaning

Debt

word

負傷

Meaning

Injury

Learn the Word 負う

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What does 'Ou' (負う) mean?

'Ou' means 'Bear' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.