Japanese Words & Expressions

+ Loser +

Japanese people use the expression "make-inu" in a similar way Americans use the word "loser."

make-inu (or makeinu)
まけいぬ
負け犬

Meaning:

"Make-inu" literally means "a dog that gets the worst of it in a dog fight." Therefore, it means "a loser" or "an underdog."

Words:

make
まけ
負け
(a loss; (a) defeat; a lost game)

inu
いぬ
犬
(a dog [dogs])

Pronunciation:

Don't pronounce the first part "make" like the English word make. Try to pronounce "ma" as in mother, and "ke" as in ken.

Think the word "inu" like "i-nu." Note that "i" sound should be like that of leave, and "nu" should sound similar to the "nu" in nude; make the vowel sounds much shorter here. Remember, it's important to pronounce each vowel clearly.

Tips:

This expression can be very offensive and rude.

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Japanese Words & Expressions

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