負う
おう
ou
JLPT N3verbVocabularyLevel 30 - JLPT N3
Quick answer
負う (おう (ou)) means "to carry on one's back". It is read おう (ou). This page covers its usage with example sentences.
Meaning
to carry on one's back
Also : to bear · to shoulder · to owe
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Example Sentences
借金を負うことになってしまった。
しゃっきんをおうことになってしまった。
I ended up taking on a debt.
彼は家族を養う責任を負っている。
かれはかぞくをやしなうせきにんをおっている。
He bears the responsibility of supporting his family.
Kanji in this word
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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