Japanese

びる

こびる
Meaning: to flatter; to fawn; to curry favor; to be coquettish
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 媚びる 媚びない
Polite 媚びます 媚びません
Past 媚びた 媚びなかった
Polite + Past 媚びました 媚びませんでした
Te-form 媚びて 媚びなくて
Potential 媚びられる 媚びられない
Passive 媚びられる 媚びられない
Causative 媚びさせる 媚びさせない
Imperative 媚びろ 媚びるな

Handwriting

媚
び
る

Example sentences

He flatters his boss to get a promotion.
彼は権力に媚びない気骨稜稜とした政治家だ。
He is a staunch politician who does not flatter authority.
彼は上司に媚びることなく、狷介不羈な生涯を閉じた。
He lived an uncompromising and independent life, never flattering his superiors.
彼は出世のために上司に媚び、まさに舐痔得車と言えるやり方で地位を築いた。
He flattered his boss for a promotion, building his position in a way that could truly be described as sycophancy for gain.

Usage Notes

Used when someone behaves in a way to win favor from someone else, often with an ulterior motive. Can also describe a woman behaving in a seductive manner toward a man.

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