February 22, 2006

甘える (Amaeru)

甘える (Amaeru)

Japanese verb that does not translate to English.

The dictionary definition is "to presume on the love or kindness of someone." There's an entire book about amaeru, The Anatomy of Dependence by Takeo Doi, which was published in Japan in 1966. According to the author, amaeru is the framework on which family relationships are draped. You can always count on your closest relations and friends to give in to any selfish and childish demands - babying you, indulging you.

Kristen McQuillin
http://www.mediatinker.com/

Posted by dwaber at February 22, 2006 02:16 PM