How to Say ‘Don't mess with me!’ in Japanese
なめるな
nameru na
[nah-MEH-roo nah]
💬 Usage Tip: なめる literally means "to lick". It's used here in the sense of "to look down on / underestimate".
Phrase Breakdown
なめる
nameru
[nah-MEH-roo]
to look down on; to underestimate
Literally 'to lick'; slang for treating someone with contempt.
俺をなめるなよ。
Don't underestimate me.
な
na
[nah]
don't (prohibition)
Particle after a verb forming a blunt negative command.
泣くな。
Don't cry.
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