Translation and Meaning of: 劣る - otoru

The Japanese word 劣る (おとる, otoru) is a verb that carries an interesting and useful meaning for those studying the language. If you've ever wondered how to express the idea of "being inferior" or "falling behind" in Japanese, this article will help you understand the usage, origin, and cultural details of this expression. Here on Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary provides clear explanations for you to learn practically.

Let's explore from the basic meaning to curiosities about how the Japanese perceive this word in their daily lives. If you want to memorize 劣る efficiently or discover in what contexts it appears, keep reading!

Meaning and usage of 劣る

劣る means "to be inferior," "to fall behind," or "to not reach a certain standard." It is a verb that indicates comparison, often used to highlight a disadvantage in relation to something or someone. For example, if a product has lower quality than another, it can be said that it 劣る in performance.

Unlike words like 負ける (to lose), 劣る has a more objective tone, without necessarily involving competition. In Japan, it appears in discussions about technology, education, and even in constructive criticism. Being a direct term, it is less common in casual conversations and more present in formal texts or analyses.

Origin and writing of the kanji 劣

The kanji 劣 is composed of the radicals 力 (strength) and 少 (few), which already suggests the idea of "reduced strength" or "diminished capability." This combination aptly reflects the meaning of the word, since something that 劣る is at a disadvantage for not having the same power or quality.

According to the Kangorin dictionary, this kanji originated in ancient China and was incorporated into Japanese with the same meaning. The reading おとる (otoru) is one of the most common, but it can also be read as レツ (retsu) in compounds like 劣等感 (sense of inferiority).

How to memorize and use 劣る in everyday life

A tip for memorizing this word is to associate it with situations of comparison. Think of phrases like "this phone is inferior to the other" (この携帯はあれに劣る) or "I don't want to fall behind" (劣りたくない). Repeating real examples helps to remember not only the meaning but also the grammatical structure.

In Japan, 劣る is used more in written contexts or serious discussions, so it is not as common in informal dialogues. If you are learning, it's worth practicing with journalistic texts or comparative articles, where this word appears more naturally.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 劣る

劣る - Polished Form: 劣ります otsurimasu
劣る - Passive Form: 劣られる otsurareru
劣る - Potential Form: 劣ることができる otsuru koto ga dekiru

Synonyms and similar words

劣る (otoru) - To be inferior; to have a quality or condition below another.
劣にる (otoru ni ru) - To be or become inferior; similar to 劣る, but with a focus on the process of becoming inferior.
劣等する (rettō suru) - Feel inferior; associate with a state of inferiority, usually in contexts of comparison.
劣悪する (retsuaku suru) - It is of much lower quality; implies a ruinous or unacceptable condition.
劣化する (rekka suru) - To degrade; referring to the deterioration of quality over time.