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B1 verb #41 よく出る 11分で読める

lick

To touch or move the tongue across the surface of something. It can also mean to pass over or strike something lightly, often in a repetitive way.

At the A1 level, 'lick' is a simple action word. It is most often used to talk about animals and food. You might learn it when talking about your pets, like 'My dog licks me,' or when talking about eating something sweet, like 'I lick the ice cream.' It is a physical action that you can see. Think of it as using your tongue to touch something. It is a very basic verb that helps you describe what you do with your mouth when you are not just biting or chewing. You will see it in simple stories about cats and dogs. Remember, it is a regular verb, so you just add 's' for he/she/it (he licks) and 'ed' for the past (he licked). It is a fun word because it describes something we all do when we eat a lollipop or a cold treat on a hot day.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'lick' in more varied sentences. You might describe how a cat cleans itself: 'The cat licks its fur.' You also learn about 'licking' things to make them work, like 'You lick the stamp and put it on the letter.' This level introduces the idea that licking isn't just for eating; it can be for cleaning or for using tools (like stamps or envelopes). You might also hear it in common phrases like 'lick your fingers' after eating something messy like fried chicken or ribs. It's important to start noticing that 'lick' is a quick action. It's not like eating a whole meal; it's just a small touch with the tongue. You can also use it to describe a small amount of something, though that is more common at the B1 level.
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At the B1 level, 'lick' becomes more descriptive and metaphorical. You start to see it used for things that aren't alive. For example, 'The flames licked the wood' or 'The waves licked the sand.' Here, 'lick' describes a movement that looks like a tongue—fast, repetitive, and touching something lightly. You also encounter the B1 definition: 'To pass over or strike something lightly.' This is where the word gets interesting. It's not just about tongues anymore; it's about how things move. You might also learn the idiom 'to lick your lips,' which means you are excited about something good that is going to happen, usually food. You are expected to use 'lick' to make your descriptions more vivid and interesting in your writing and speaking.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the idiomatic and slang uses of 'lick.' You might hear someone say, 'We licked the problem,' meaning they solved a difficult issue. Or 'The team took a licking,' meaning they were badly defeated. You also understand the nuance of 'a lick of paint,' which means a very small, quick job. At this level, you can use 'lick' to create personification in your essays. Instead of saying 'the fire spread,' you might write 'the fire licked hungrily at the curtains,' which gives the fire a personality. You also understand the difference between 'lick' and its synonyms like 'lap' or 'graze' and can choose the best one for the situation. You are aware of the social rules around the word and when it might be considered informal or slightly impolite.
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At the C1 level, you use 'lick' with precision and stylistic flair. You recognize it in literature where it might be used to describe light, wind, or even emotions. You understand complex idioms like 'lick someone into shape' (to make someone or something reach a good standard through hard work) or 'lick your wounds' (to spend time recovering after a failure). You can use the word in a variety of registers, knowing that 'lick' can be quite visceral and physical. You might use it in a critique of a painting, noting that 'a lick of bright yellow' brings life to a dark corner. Your vocabulary is deep enough to know that 'lick' can also be a noun in music (a jazz lick), and you don't get confused between the verb and noun forms in complex sentences.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'lick' and its most obscure uses. You might encounter it in archaic texts or highly stylized modern prose. You understand its etymological roots and how it has evolved from a purely physical verb to a versatile tool for metaphor. You can use it to describe the most subtle movements—the way a shadow licks a wall or the way a thought licks at the edge of one's consciousness. You are also aware of regional variations in slang and how 'lick' might be used differently in various English-speaking countries. Your use of the word is always appropriate to the context, and you can play with its sounds and meanings to create sophisticated puns or double meanings in your creative writing.
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lick 30秒で

  • Lick is primarily a physical verb meaning to touch or move the tongue across a surface, common for eating sweets or animal grooming.
  • It is frequently used metaphorically to describe the flickering, repetitive motion of flames or waves touching a surface like a tongue.
  • In informal English, 'to lick' can mean to defeat an opponent or to solve a particularly difficult problem or challenge.
  • Common idioms include 'lick your lips' for anticipation and 'a lick of paint' for a quick, superficial decorative improvement.

The verb lick primarily describes the physical action of passing the tongue over a surface. While this might seem like a simple biological function, its usage in English spans a wide range of contexts, from the literal behavior of animals and humans to poetic descriptions of natural elements. At its core, licking is a sensory experience involving taste and touch. When a child licks an ice cream cone, they are engaging in a fundamental act of consumption and enjoyment. However, the word evolves significantly when applied to non-living things. For instance, when we say flames are licking the side of a building, we are using personification to describe the flickering, repetitive, and reaching motion of fire that mimics the movement of a tongue. This figurative use is common in descriptive writing to create a vivid, almost predatory image of fire or water.

Literal Action
The most common use involves the tongue. Animals lick themselves to stay clean, and humans lick their lips when they are dry or when they anticipate delicious food. It is a focused, repetitive motion.
Metaphorical Motion
In literature, 'lick' describes how waves touch the shore or how light hits a surface. It implies a gentle but persistent contact that covers a small area repeatedly.
Idiomatic Success
In informal contexts, to 'lick' something can mean to defeat it or solve it. If you 'lick a problem,' you have overcome a difficult challenge successfully.

The hungry puppy began to lick the crumbs off the kitchen floor with great enthusiasm.

Socially, the act of licking has different connotations. In many cultures, a dog licking a person is seen as a sign of affection or 'kisses.' Conversely, for humans, licking an object in public—other than food like an ice cream or a lollipop—is often considered unhygienic or socially inappropriate. The word also appears in technical contexts, such as 'lick-and-stick' stamps, which refers to the adhesive activated by moisture from the tongue. Understanding the nuance between a gentle lick and a more aggressive action is key to using the word correctly in descriptive English. It suggests a certain softness and fluidity of movement that words like 'rub' or 'touch' do not capture.

As the campfire grew, the orange flames started to lick at the dry logs stacked above.

Furthermore, the word 'lick' can be used to describe a very small amount of something, particularly in the phrase 'a lick of paint.' This implies a quick, superficial application rather than a deep or thorough one. This versatility makes 'lick' a vital verb for B1 learners who are moving from basic descriptions to more evocative and idiomatic language. Whether you are talking about a cat grooming its fur or a person finally 'licking' a bad habit, the word carries a sense of direct, intimate contact or decisive action.

He couldn't help but lick his lips as the waiter brought out the decadent chocolate cake.

The waves would lick the sand, pulling tiny shells back into the depths of the ocean.

Using the verb lick correctly requires understanding its transitivity and the prepositions that often follow it. Most commonly, 'lick' is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You lick something—an ice cream, a wound, a stamp. However, when used metaphorically, it often pairs with the preposition 'at'. For example, flames lick at the ceiling. This subtle shift changes the focus from the completion of an action to the persistent attempt or movement toward a target.

Direct Object Usage
'The toddler licked the lollipop until it disappeared.' Here, the action is direct and physical. The object is the thing being touched by the tongue.
Phrasal and Prepositional Usage
'Lick up' suggests cleaning or consuming something entirely. 'The cat licked up the spilled milk.' 'Lick away' suggests removing something. 'She licked away the salt from her lips.'

Before sealing the envelope, you must lick the adhesive strip to make it sticky.

In more advanced English, 'lick' is used in the passive voice or in complex sentence structures to describe the effects of nature. 'The house was licked by flames' sounds more dramatic and personified than 'the house was on fire.' It suggests the fire was an active participant, almost tasting the structure as it consumed it. When using 'lick' in a professional or formal setting, be cautious. It is a very physical word. Instead of saying 'the water licked the equipment,' a technical report might use 'the equipment was exposed to intermittent moisture.' Use 'lick' when you want to be descriptive, sensory, and engaging.

The mother cat will lick her kittens to keep them clean and stimulate their circulation.

When describing taste, 'lick' is often the precursor to 'taste.' You might lick a spoon to see if the soup needs more salt. In this sense, it implies a small, exploratory action. In the kitchen, 'licking the bowl' is a common phrase referring to eating the leftover batter from a cake or cookies. This is a culturally significant phrase in many English-speaking households, representing a small treat during the baking process.

Don't lick your fingers at the dinner table; use a napkin instead.

Describing Texture
'The rough tongue of the cow licked the salt block.' Using 'lick' allows you to introduce adjectives that describe the sensation of the tongue itself.

You will encounter the word lick in a variety of everyday situations. In a domestic setting, it is almost impossible to discuss pets without it. Dog owners frequently talk about their pets 'licking' them as a sign of love. In parenting, you'll hear it regarding children eating sweets or the warning not to 'lick' dirty objects. However, the word also has a strong presence in media and storytelling, particularly in descriptions of disasters or natural beauty.

News and Reporting
In news reports about wildfires, journalists often use the phrase 'flames licked the sky' or 'flames licked at the rooftops' to convey the height and intensity of the fire. It adds a dramatic flair to the reporting.
Literature and Poetry
Authors use 'lick' to describe the sea, the wind, or even light. 'The morning sun licked the dew from the grass' is a poetic way of saying the sun dried the grass.

The coach told the team, 'We finally licked our rivals after three years of losing!'

In the world of sports and competition, 'lick' is used as slang for defeating someone soundly. While 'beat' is more common, 'lick' implies a thorough and decisive victory. You might hear a commentator say a team 'took a licking,' meaning they were badly defeated. This usage is more common in American and British English dialects and carries a slightly old-fashioned but still very much alive energy. It connects back to the idea of 'striking' something, as the tongue strikes a surface.

The waves continued to lick the hull of the boat as we drifted in the calm bay.

In culinary shows, chefs might talk about 'licking the spoon' to check the seasoning of a sauce. This is a very common, relatable action that bridges the gap between professional cooking and home life. Additionally, in the context of DIY and home improvement, 'a lick of paint' is a very common British idiom you will hear on renovation shows. It means a quick, single coat of paint to make something look better without a full restoration.

If you lick your finger and hold it up, you can tell which way the wind is blowing.

For learners of English, the word lick can sometimes be confused with words that sound similar or have related meanings. One of the most frequent errors is confusing 'lick' with 'like.' While they sound different to a native speaker, in fast speech, the 'k' sound can be subtle. However, their meanings are entirely unrelated. Another common mistake is using 'lick' when 'taste' or 'eat' is more appropriate. 'Lick' is a very specific action; you don't 'lick' a steak, you eat it.

Lick vs. Like
Mistake: 'I lick ice cream.' (Meaning you enjoy it). Correct: 'I like ice cream.' Mistake: 'The dog likes my hand.' (Meaning the action). Correct: 'The dog licks my hand.'
Lick vs. Leak
These are often confused in spelling. A 'leak' is when liquid escapes from a container. 'Lick' is the tongue action. Mistake: 'The pipe is licking.' Correct: 'The pipe is leaking.'

Incorrect: He licked the soup from the bowl. (Unless he used his tongue directly). Correct: He drank the soup or ate the soup with a spoon.

Another mistake involves the idiom 'lick your wounds.' Some learners take this literally, but it actually means to retreat and recover after a defeat. Using it literally for a human injury might sound strange unless you are talking about a very specific, almost animalistic behavior. Furthermore, be careful with the word 'lick' in professional settings. As mentioned before, it is a very informal and physical word. Using it to describe a process (e.g., 'The machine licks the paper') might be technically incorrect unless the machine actually uses a tongue-like moistening device.

Incorrect: The fire licked up the whole forest. Correct: The fire consumed the whole forest. (Licked is better for the initial contact or the movement, not the total destruction).

Finally, avoid using 'lick' as a synonym for 'touch' in all cases. 'Lick' implies moisture and the specific use of a tongue or a tongue-like shape. You wouldn't say 'the car licked the curb' if it just hit it; you would say 'brushed' or 'clipped.' 'Lick' is reserved for things that are fluid, soft, or flickering.

While lick is a unique verb, there are several alternatives depending on the context. If you are talking about an animal drinking, 'lap' is often a better choice. If you are talking about fire or water, 'brush' or 'flicker' might work. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the most precise word for your sentence.

Lap
Specifically used for animals drinking liquid with their tongues. 'The dog lapped up the water.' It suggests a rhythmic, drinking motion rather than just touching a surface.
Taste
Focuses on the sensation rather than the physical action. 'She tasted the frosting' could mean she licked it, or she took a small bite.
Groom
When an animal licks itself to get clean. 'The cat spent the afternoon grooming its fur.'

Instead of saying the fire licked the walls, you could say it 'grazed' or 'scorched' them for a different effect.

In the context of defeating someone, synonyms include 'beat,' 'conquer,' 'vanquish,' or 'overcome.' 'Lick' is the most informal of these. In a business report, you would never say 'we licked the competition'; you would say 'we outperformed the competition.' However, in a locker room or a casual conversation with friends, 'we licked them' fits perfectly. Similarly, 'a lick of paint' can be replaced with 'a touch-up' or 'a fresh coat,' though the idiom 'lick' carries a specific connotation of speed and lack of depth.

The waves lap against the shore, creating a soothing sound that helps me sleep.

Finally, consider 'tongue' as a verb, though it is rare and usually technical (e.g., in music for wind instruments). In most cases, 'lick' is the most natural way to describe the physical action. By choosing the right synonym, you can control the tone of your writing—from the casual 'lick' to the more formal 'consume' or the poetic 'graze.'

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"The fire consumed the structure as flames contacted the upper eaves."

ニュートラル

"The cat licked its fur to clean itself."

カジュアル

"We really licked them in the game today!"

Child friendly

"The puppy gave me a big lick on my nose!"

スラング

"That guitar lick was totally sick!"

豆知識

The word has remained remarkably stable in meaning for over a thousand years, always relating to the tongue.

発音ガイド

UK /lɪk/
US /lɪk/
Single syllable; no primary stress needed.
韻が合う語
pick sick tick quick brick click trick stick
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing it like 'leak' (/liːk/) with a long 'e' sound.
  • Muffling the 'k' sound at the end.
  • Confusing the vowel with 'luck' (/lʌk/).
  • Confusing the vowel with 'lack' (/læk/).
  • Adding an extra syllable at the end.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in most contexts.

ライティング 3/5

Requires care with metaphorical and idiomatic uses.

スピーキング 2/5

Simple pronunciation but watch the short 'i'.

リスニング 2/5

Can be confused with 'like' in fast speech.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

tongue mouth touch eat taste

次に学ぶ

lap groom swallow chew flicker

上級

vanquish personification glossopharyngeal gustatory ephemeral

知っておくべき文法

Transitive Verbs

The dog licked (verb) the bowl (object).

Resultative Adjectives

He licked the plate clean (clean is the result).

Phrasal Verbs

She licked up the mess.

Personification

The waves licked the shore.

Idiomatic Expressions

Lick your wounds.

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レベル別の例文

1

The dog will lick your hand.

Le chien va te lécher la main.

Future tense with 'will'.

2

I lick my ice cream.

Je lèche ma glace.

Present simple tense.

3

Do not lick the plate!

Ne lèche pas l'assiette !

Imperative (command) form.

4

The cat licks its paws.

Le chat se lèche les pattes.

Third person singular 's'.

5

She licked the lollipop.

Elle a léché la sucette.

Past simple tense.

6

Can I lick the spoon?

Puis-je lécher la cuillère ?

Modal verb 'can' for permission.

7

The cow licked the salt.

La vache a léché le sel.

Past simple tense.

8

He licks his lips.

Il se lèche les lèvres.

Present simple for a habitual action.

1

You need to lick the envelope to close it.

Tu dois lécher l'enveloppe pour la fermer.

Infinitive after 'need to'.

2

The cat is licking its fur to stay clean.

Le chat lèche sa fourrure pour rester propre.

Present continuous for an ongoing action.

3

He licked his fingers after eating the chicken.

Il s'est léché les doigts après avoir mangé le poulet.

Past simple with a time clause.

4

Don't lick your wounds; use a bandage.

Ne lèche pas tes plaies ; utilise un pansement.

Negative imperative.

5

The puppy licked the baby's face.

Le chiot a léché le visage du bébé.

Past simple.

6

She licked the stamp and put it on the letter.

Elle a léché le timbre et l'a mis sur la lettre.

Compound sentence with 'and'.

7

The bear licked the honey from the jar.

L'ours a léché le miel du pot.

Past simple.

8

Why does the dog lick the floor?

Pourquoi le chien lèche-t-il le sol ?

Question form with 'does'.

1

The flames began to lick the ceiling of the kitchen.

Les flammes ont commencé à lécher le plafond de la cuisine.

Infinitive after 'began to'.

2

The waves licked the shore as the tide came in.

Les vagues léchaient le rivage alors que la marée montait.

Past simple describing a natural process.

3

He licked his lips in anticipation of the big news.

Il se lécha les lèvres en attendant la grande nouvelle.

Prepositional phrase 'in anticipation of'.

4

The cat licked up the last bit of cream from the saucer.

Le chat a lapé la dernière goutte de crème de la soucoupe.

Phrasal verb 'lick up'.

5

She licked the back of the sticker to make it stick.

Elle a léché le dos de l'autocollant pour le faire coller.

Purpose clause with 'to make'.

6

The paint was so old it was licking off the wall.

La peinture était si vieille qu'elle s'écaillait du mur.

Metaphorical use in continuous tense.

7

He licked the spoon and then put it back in the pot.

Il a léché la cuillère puis l'a remise dans la casserole.

Sequence of actions in the past.

8

The dog licked away her tears.

Le chien a léché ses larmes.

Phrasal verb 'lick away'.

1

The team finally licked their opponents in the final match.

L'équipe a finalement battu ses adversaires lors du match final.

Informal use meaning 'to defeat'.

2

The fire licked hungrily at the dry wooden beams.

Le feu léchait avidement les poutres en bois sèches.

Adverb 'hungrily' modifying the verb.

3

We just need a lick of paint to make this room look new.

Nous avons juste besoin d'un coup de peinture pour que cette pièce ait l'air neuve.

Noun phrase 'a lick of paint' (related to the verb action).

4

She was licking her wounds after the promotion went to someone else.

Elle pansait ses plaies après que la promotion a été attribuée à quelqu'un d'autre.

Idiomatic use in the continuous tense.

5

The puppy licked the ice cream right out of the child's hand.

Le chiot a léché la glace directement de la main de l'enfant.

Prepositional phrase 'right out of'.

6

He licked the problem by working through the night.

Il a résolu le problème en travaillant toute la nuit.

Informal use meaning 'to solve'.

7

The waves were licking the side of the boat all night.

Les vagues ont léché le flanc du bateau toute la nuit.

Past continuous for duration.

8

Don't let the dog lick your face; it's not hygienic.

Ne laisse pas le chien te lécher le visage ; ce n'est pas hygiénique.

Causative 'let' with bare infinitive.

1

The sergeant promised to lick the new recruits into shape.

Le sergent a promis de mettre les nouvelles recrues au pas.

Idiom 'lick into shape'.

2

A tongue of flame licked out from the dragon's mouth.

Une langue de feu a jailli de la bouche du dragon.

Descriptive phrasal verb 'lick out'.

3

The salty air licked at their skin as they walked along the pier.

L'air salin leur léchait la peau alors qu'ils marchaient sur la jetée.

Personification of 'air'.

4

He hasn't done a lick of work all afternoon.

Il n'a pas fait un brin de travail de tout l'après-midi.

Noun use 'a lick of' meaning 'any at all'.

5

The cat licked itself clean with methodical precision.

Le chat s'est nettoyé avec une précision méthodique.

Reflexive pronoun 'itself'.

6

The waves licked the base of the cliffs, slowly eroding the rock.

Les vagues léchaient la base des falaises, érodant lentement la roche.

Participle phrase 'slowly eroding'.

7

She licked the envelope shut with a look of determination.

Elle a léché l'enveloppe pour la fermer avec un regard déterminé.

Resultative adjective 'shut'.

8

The frost licked the windowpane in delicate patterns.

Le givre léchait la vitre en motifs délicats.

Metaphorical use for cold/ice.

1

The shadows licked the corners of the room as the candle flickered.

Les ombres léchaient les coins de la pièce alors que la bougie vacillait.

Atmospheric personification.

2

He was determined to lick the habit once and for all.

Il était déterminé à vaincre cette habitude une fois pour toutes.

Informal use for overcoming addiction.

3

The sea licked at the ruins of the ancient city.

La mer léchait les ruines de la cité antique.

Evocative literary description.

4

The politician took a licking in the latest polls.

Le politicien a subi une défaite cuisante dans les derniers sondages.

Noun use for a major defeat.

5

She licked the cream off her finger with a playful smile.

Elle a léché la crème de son doigt avec un sourire malicieux.

Phrasal verb 'lick off'.

6

The flames licked higher, reaching for the night sky.

Les flammes montaient plus haut, cherchant à atteindre le ciel nocturne.

Comparative adverb 'higher'.

7

The dog licked the plate clean, leaving no trace of the meal.

Le chien a nettoyé l'assiette en la léchant, ne laissant aucune trace du repas.

Resultative adjective 'clean'.

8

The wind licked through the cracks in the old cabin.

Le vent s'engouffrait par les fissures de la vieille cabane.

Metaphorical use for wind.

よく使う組み合わせ

lick an ice cream
lick your lips
lick a stamp
flames lick
waves lick
lick clean
lick your fingers
lick a wound
lick the spoon
lick the competition

よく使うフレーズ

a lick of paint

lick your chops

lick something up

lick into shape

lick your wounds

take a licking

lick and a promise

lick the dust

not a lick of

lick the boots of

よく混同される語

lick vs like

Sounds similar but means to enjoy or be similar to.

lick vs leak

Sounds similar but means liquid escaping a container.

lick vs lack

Sounds similar but means to not have enough of something.

慣用句と表現

"lick your lips"

To be eager or excited about something.

Investors are licking their lips at the new tech startup.

informal

"lick into shape"

To force someone or something to improve.

The new manager will lick the department into shape.

neutral

"lick your wounds"

To recover from a setback.

The team is licking its wounds after the 5-0 loss.

neutral

"a lick and a promise"

A hasty, superficial piece of work.

She gave the car a lick and a promise before the guests arrived.

informal

"take a licking"

To be defeated or punished.

The boxer took a licking but stayed on his feet.

informal

"lick the competition"

To win easily.

Our new product will lick the competition.

slang

"lick the dust"

To die or be defeated.

The villain finally licked the dust in the last scene.

literary

"lick the spoon"

To enjoy the leftovers of a treat.

Licking the spoon is the best part of baking.

neutral

"not a lick of sense"

No intelligence at all.

That boy hasn't got a lick of sense in his head.

informal

"lick the platter clean"

To eat everything on a plate.

The guests were so hungry they licked the platter clean.

neutral

間違えやすい

lick vs lap

Both involve the tongue and liquid.

Lap is specifically for drinking in a rhythmic way; lick is a general touch.

The dog licks my hand, but laps its water.

lick vs taste

Both involve the mouth and food.

Taste is the sense; lick is the physical action.

I licked the spoon to taste the sauce.

lick vs suck

Both involve the mouth and sweets.

Suck involves drawing in with the lips; lick involves the tongue moving over the surface.

You suck a hard candy, but you lick an ice cream.

lick vs brush

Both describe light contact.

Brush is dry; lick implies moisture or a tongue-like shape.

The leaves brushed the ground, but the waves licked the sand.

lick vs flicker

Both describe fire movement.

Flicker is about light/speed; lick is about contact/reaching.

The light flickered, and the flames licked the logs.

文型パターン

A1

Subject + lick + Object

The cat licks the milk.

A2

Subject + is licking + Object

He is licking a lollipop.

B1

Subject + licked + Object + Adjective

The dog licked the plate clean.

B1

Subject + lick + at + Object

The flames licked at the wood.

B2

Subject + lick + Phrasal Particle

The cat licked up the cream.

B2

Subject + take + a licking

The team took a licking.

C1

Idiomatic use: Lick + Object + into shape

We need to lick this project into shape.

C2

Metaphorical Subject + lick + Object

Shadows licked the walls.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

関連

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使い方

frequency

Common in daily life and descriptive literature.

よくある間違い
  • I leak my ice cream. → I lick my ice cream.

    Leak means liquid is escaping; lick is the tongue action.

  • The fire licked up the house. → The fire consumed the house.

    Lick is for the motion of flames, not the total destruction.

  • He licked his wounds literally. → He licked his wounds (metaphorically).

    Humans don't usually lick their own wounds; it's an idiom for recovery.

  • I like the stamp. → I lick the stamp.

    Don't confuse the sound of 'like' and 'lick'.

  • The dog lapped my hand. → The dog licked my hand.

    Lap is for drinking; lick is for touching a surface.

ヒント

Pet Talk

When talking about dogs, 'lick' is the standard word for their affection.

Describing Fire

Use 'lick' to make your descriptions of fire more poetic and active.

Clean Result

Pair 'lick' with 'clean' (licked the plate clean) to show a completed action.

Home Decor

Use 'a lick of paint' when you want to describe a small, easy improvement.

Short Vowel

Keep the 'i' short to avoid confusion with 'leak'.

Water Movement

Use 'lick' for gentle waves to create a peaceful, sensory image.

Winning

In casual settings, say 'we licked them' to show a big victory.

Old Roots

Remember that this word is very old and has always meant the same thing.

Social Rules

Be aware that licking things in public is usually considered rude.

Vivid Verbs

Replace 'touched' with 'licked' if there is moisture or a tongue-like motion involved.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'Lollipop' and the 'L' sound. You Lick a Lollipop.

視覚的連想

Imagine a dog's long tongue reaching out to touch a hand. The shape of the tongue is like a flame.

Word Web

tongue ice cream dog flames stamp clean taste lips

チャレンジ

Try to use 'lick' in three different ways today: one for an animal, one for food, and one for fire or water.

語源

Derived from the Old English word 'liccian', which has roots in Proto-Germanic.

元の意味： To pass the tongue over.

Germanic

文化的な背景

Be careful using 'lick' regarding people, as it can have sexual connotations in certain contexts.

Commonly used in idioms related to defeat and preparation.

The Rolling Stones' famous 'Tongue and Lips' logo. The phrase 'A lick and a promise' in classic literature. Gene Simmons of KISS is famous for his long tongue and licking his bass.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Eating Sweets

  • lick a lollipop
  • lick an ice cream
  • lick the spoon
  • lick your lips

Pet Care

  • dog licks hand
  • cat licks fur
  • lick the bowl clean
  • stop licking that

Describing Fire

  • flames licked the wall
  • tongues of fire
  • licked at the wood
  • licking the sky

Competition

  • lick the competition
  • take a licking
  • lick into shape
  • licked our rivals

Office/Mail

  • lick the envelope
  • lick the stamp
  • a lick of paint
  • lick the problem

会話のきっかけ

"Do you think it's gross when dogs lick people's faces?"

"When was the last time you licked an ice cream cone?"

"Have you ever had to lick a stamp for a letter recently?"

"What's a problem you finally licked after a long struggle?"

"Do you like to lick the spoon when you are baking a cake?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a time you felt like you 'took a licking' but learned something important from the defeat.

Write a poem about a campfire, using the word 'lick' to describe the flames.

How do you feel about the phrase 'a lick of paint'? Does it imply quality or laziness to you?

Describe the most delicious thing you've ever licked, like a specific dessert or treat.

Write about a pet you know and their habit of licking things or people.

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, but usually only for eating food like ice cream or lollipops. Licking other people or objects is often seen as strange or unhygienic in many cultures.

It can be. In sports, 'to lick' means to beat someone easily. In music, a 'lick' is a short musical phrase. In urban slang, it can refer to a robbery.

It's a common idiom meaning a quick, thin coat of paint to make something look better without much effort.

Because the shape and movement of a flame are thin, pointed, and flickering, which looks like a tongue moving quickly.

It is a regular verb. The forms are lick, licks, licked, licking.

Lick is the general action of the tongue touching a surface. Lap is specifically using the tongue to drink liquid, like a cat drinking milk.

Yes, informally. If you 'lick a problem,' it means you have overcome it or found a solution.

It is always spelled 'licked', though the 'ed' sounds like a 't' when spoken.

It means to go away and recover after being defeated or hurt, much like an animal licks its injuries to heal.

It's better to avoid it unless you are using a specific idiom like 'lick into shape,' and even then, it's quite informal.

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