負う (Ou): to Have (Something) Behind One, to Be Backed by

Meaning

English

to have (something) behind one
to be backed by
to owe (a debt of gratitude to)
to be indebted to
to carry on one's back
to bear
to shoulder
to suffer (an injury)

Reading

Kana

おう

Romaji

ou

Stroke Sequence

2 Characters • 11 Total Strokes

Study Signals and Categories

JLPT N3 Jōyō Grade 3 Kanken 8級 Rank 4610 Priority A

Related Vocabulary

Max. 12

負け

まけ

failing to live up to (one's name, looks, etc.)

負ける

まける

to be inferior to

負い目

おいめ

(feeling of) indebtedness

負かす

まかす

to defeat

負け犬

まけいぬ

unmarried and childless older woman

負

ふ

negative

負け越し

まけこし

having more losses than wins

負けん気

まけんき

competitive spirit

背負う

せおう

to carry on one's back

気負う

きおう

to get worked up

負担

ふたん

bearing (a cost, responsibility, etc.)

負債

ふさい

debt

Example Sentences

1

親が子どもの責任を負うべきだ。

おやがこどものせきにんをおうべきだ。

Parents should bear responsibility for their children.