サボる
Meaning in Englishto cut (skip) classes; to loaf on the job; to idle away one's time
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Word context
What it means
サボる means to skip or shirk tasks by not showing up or by not applying oneself, typically in casual settings, rather than a formal absence or inability. It describes deliberate idleness rather than an involuntary omission.
Main meanings
- Skipping classes or work by not showing up — casual, everyday use
- Being lazy or idle, procrastinating rather than actively doing tasks
- Shirking responsibilities or duties in general
- Feigning illness to avoid tasks (less common)
How to use it
Primarily used in casual speech to describe skipping classes or work; not suitable for formal writing; commonly occurs with を marking the object (学校をサボる), and conjugates into サボる, サボって, サボろう, etc.
Variants and close terms
- 怠ける (namakeru) — to be lazy
- 手を抜く (te o nuku) — to cut corners
- 欠勤する (kekkin suru) — to be absent from work
Etymology
From saboter (French, to sabotage) via the concept of sabotage, borrowed into Japanese as サボる; the verb form was created by attaching る to the stem and using the shorter, clipped form of the loanword.
Origin
Early 20th century Meiji–Taishō period introduction from French saboter/sabotage, with rapid adoption into modern Japanese; the term grew in everyday speech, especially among students and workers.
Word class
Verb (五段動詞)