ichidan verb, transitive verb
Physical action of drawing the tongue across something; also used for animals lapping up liquids.
猫がミルクを舐めている。
The cat is lapping up milk.
切手を舐めて封筒に貼
I licked the stamp and stuck it on the envelope.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
taste; try a small amount
To taste something by licking or taking a tiny amount into the mouth; often used when sampling food or drink.
ちょっとだけ舐めてみて、味を確かめた。
I tasted just a little to check the flavor.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
experience hardship; go through a bitter experience
Metaphorical use: to 'taste' a difficult or painful experience. Often used with words like 辛酸 (hardships) or 苦労 (toil).
彼は若い頃に辛酸を舐めてきた。
He went through many hardships when he was young.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
underestimate; make light of; look down on
Colloquial; implies treating someone or something with contempt or not taking them seriously. Often used in the negative imperative 舐めるな (Don't underestimate me/it). Usually written in kana.
あいつは俺を舐めてるな。
That guy is looking down on me.
舐めるなよ、まだ終わってない。
Don't underestimate me; it's not over yet.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
lick at (flames); burn
Describes flames or fire touching and consuming something; personification of fire 'licking' an object.
炎が建物を舐めるように燃え広がった。
The flames spread, licking at the building.