サボる
Meaning in Englishto cut (skip) classes; to loaf on the job; to idle away one's time
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)