Translation guide
To hold onto resentment or ill will toward someone over time. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with verbs like 恨む, 根に持つ, or phrases like 遺恨を抱く, depending on intensity and context.
To hold a lasting feeling of resentment or bitterness toward someone for a past wrong.
To emphasize that the grudge is held for a long time and not easily forgotten.
Means 'to bear a grudge forever' or 'to never stop resenting'. Adds the nuance of long duration.
彼は裏切られたことをいつまでも恨んでいる。
He bears a grudge forever about being betrayed.
To bear a grudge inwardly, without open expression.
Means 'to bear a grudge in one's heart'. Implies the resentment is kept inside.
彼は表向きは笑っているが、心の中で恨んでいる。
He smiles on the surface but bears a grudge inside.
恨む is a direct verb for bearing a grudge, while 根に持つ is a more colloquial phrase emphasizing that the person doesn't let go of the resentment. 根に持つ often implies pettiness or holding onto small things.
Do not translate 'bear a grudge' literally as 恨みを運ぶ or similar. Use the established expressions above.
The most direct and common verb for bearing a grudge. Can be used in both casual and serious contexts.
彼は昔のことをまだ恨んでいる。
He still bears a grudge about what happened long ago.
Literally 'hold at the root'; means to hold a grudge and not forget a past slight. Very common in spoken Japanese.
彼女は小さな失敗を根に持つタイプだ。
She's the type to bear a grudge over small mistakes.
A more formal or literary expression for harboring deep-seated resentment or a grudge, often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
両家の間には長年の遺恨が抱かれている。
A long-standing grudge is held between the two families.
A stronger, more literary or archaic version of 恨む, implying deep-seated resentment or a curse-like grudge. Rare in daily conversation.
彼は社会を怨んで生きている。
He lives bearing a grudge against society.
Literally 'not forget the grudge'. Emphasizes the memory of the offense.
彼は受けた仕打ちの恨みを忘れない。
He doesn't forget the grudge from the treatment he received.