Japanese

ける

そむける
Meaning: to turn away (one's eyes, face, etc.); to look away
Part of Speech: Verb

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 背ける 背けない
Polite 背けます 背けません
Past 背けた 背けなかった
Polite + Past 背けました 背けませんでした
Te-form 背けて 背けなくて
Potential 背けられる 背けられない
Passive 背けられる 背けられない
Causative 背けさせる 背けさせない
Imperative 背けろ 背けるな

Handwriting

背
け
る

Example sentences

In my awkwardness, I instinctively turned my face away.
そのおぞましい光景に、私は目を背けた。
I turned my eyes away from that disgusting sight.

Usage Notes

Commonly used with eyes (目) or face (顔) when someone is avoiding looking at something due to guilt, embarrassment, or unpleasantness.

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