Entry
おめおめ
omeome
Describes the attitude of acting shamelessly or brazenly, especially when one ought to feel ashamed or responsible.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
A mimetic word that expresses a state of acting without shame in a situation where one should normally feel disgraced, humiliated, or responsible for a failure. It is often used with verbs of returning, surviving, or backing down, showing criticism or self-deprecation.
- returning in defeat
- accepting humiliation shamelessly
Sense Map
Shameless Return or Survival
Returning or surviving shamelessly without taking responsibility for a failure or defeat.
おめおめと帰る
Meekly Accepting Humiliation
Backing down or accepting a disgraceful situation without putting up a proper fight.
おめおめと引き下がる
Usage Note
How to Use
おめおめと + verb
Used to describe an action done shamelessly or without a sense of honor, most commonly with verbs like return (帰る), withdraw (引き下がる), or survive (生き残る).
おめおめ + verb
The same usage as the particle to version, but slightly more casual with exactly the same meaning.
How to Use
Common Phrases
おめおめと帰る
to return shamelessly in defeat
おめおめと引き下がる
to back down shamelessly
おめおめと顔を出す
to shamelessly show one's face
おめおめと生き残る
to survive shamelessly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Returning after a failure | Harshly critical | Used to criticize someone for returning safely without having accomplished the goal or taken responsibility. |
| Backing down from a fight | Negative | Often used in the negative to show determination not to give up pathetically. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
のこのこ のこのこ / nearby | When someone shows up to a place nonchalantly or unconcernedly, completely unaware or uncaring that they should not be there. | Nokonoko focuses on nonchalant or clueless movement or appearance, whereas omeome focuses on the lack of shame after a failure or disgrace. | のこのこ現れる |
いけしゃあしゃあ いけしゃあしゃあ / nearby | When someone acts or speaks incredibly brazenly and unashamedly, often telling obvious lies or making excuses without any guilt. | Ikeshaashaa is more active and often involves speaking boldly without shame, while omeome is often about a pathetic lack of pride or cowardice. | いけしゃあしゃあと嘘をつく |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe someone who is brave or confident.
Omeome is strictly negative. It means shameless in a pathetic or cowardly way, not fearless or bold.
Using it for everyday shamelessness like cutting in line.
For general rude shamelessness, words like zuuzuushii are better. Omeome implies a deeper loss of face or honor.
Examples
Examples
試合に負けて、おめおめと帰ってきた。
しあいに まけて、おめおめと かえってきた。
I lost the match and returned shamelessly.
FigurativeShows returning without feeling appropriately bad about failing.
あんなひどいことを言われて、おめおめと引き下がるわけにはいかない。
あんな ひどいことを いわれて、おめおめと ひきさがるわけにはいかない。
After being told such awful things, I can't just shamelessly back down.
FigurativeOften used in the negative to show determination not to give up pathetically.
失敗したのに、おめおめと顔を出した。
しっぱいしたのに、おめおめと かおを だした。
Even though he failed, he shamelessly showed his face.
FigurativeHighlights the lack of shame in appearing publicly when one should feel guilty.
敵から逃げておめおめ生き延びるつもりか。
てきから にげて おめおめ いきのびる つもりか。
Do you intend to run from the enemy and survive shamelessly?
FigurativeSounds dramatic, criticizing survival without honor.
仲間を見捨てておめおめ逃げ帰るとは情けない。
なかまを みすてて おめおめ にげかえるとは なさけない。
It's pathetic to abandon your friends and shamelessly flee back home.
FigurativeDemonstrates a strong sense of cowardice.
Similar Words
のこのこ
nokonoko
Nokonoko describes someone showing up or acting in a shameless, unconcerned manner when they should feel embarrassed or hesitant. Nokonoko describes someone showing up completely unbothered when they shouldn't be there.
いけしゃあしゃあ
ikeshaashaa
Acting shamelessly or brazenly without any sense of guilt. Ikeshaashaa is more active and often involves speaking boldly without shame.
Questions
Can I use omeome to describe someone who is confident?
No, omeome is heavily negative and implies a pathetic lack of shame or honor after a failure.
What is the difference between omeome and nokonoko?
Nokonoko describes someone showing up completely unbothered when they should not be there. Omeome implies someone who has failed or been disgraced but still acts without the appropriate shame.
Is omeome common in daily conversation?
It sounds a bit dramatic or literary, so it is more common in anime, dramas, novels, or serious situations involving pride and failure.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2068340
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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