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劣る
otoru
to be inferior
この製品は性能で劣る
This product is inferior in performance.
general
to be inferior or worse in quality, ability, or performance compared to something else
彼はスピードで劣るが、技術力は優れている
He may be slower, but he excels in technical skill.
この車は燃費で劣る
This car is inferior in fuel efficiency.
Often used to compare two things where one is clearly worse than the other. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Comparative Usage
This verb is often used with a comparative phrase (e.g., '性能で劣る') to specify in what aspect something is inferior.
Gold Rule
Avoid Direct Comparisons
When comparing people, it's often more polite to use softer expressions like '優れない' (not excellent) instead of '劣る' (inferior).
Word Origin
From Middle Chinese '劣' (lyet) meaning 'inferior' or 'lowly', combined with the verb ending 'る' (ru) to form a verb.
Usage Notes
This verb is often used in comparative contexts where one thing is clearly worse than another. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, though it may sound harsh if used to describe people directly.
Word Breakdown
劣
inferior
rootる
verb ending
suffix和英辞典