1.
to lick
To pass the tongue over something.
犬が顔を舐めた。
The dog licked my face.
飴を舐めている。
I'm sucking on a candy.
猫が傷口を舐めている。
The cat is licking its wound.
2.
to underestimate, to look down on
Colloquially, to not take someone or something seriously.
俺を舐めるな！
Don't underestimate me!
試験を舐めていたら落ちた。
I failed the exam because I didn't take it seriously.
相手を舐めてかかると痛い目にあう。
If you underestimate your opponent, you'll pay for it.
TRANSITIVITY: 他動詞 (transitive). Pattern: Xを舐める (to lick X).
ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing action. 舐めている = 'is licking.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- Xを舐める (to lick X)
- 飴を舐める (to suck on candy)
- 傷を舐める (to lick a wound)
- 人を舐める (to look down on someone)
COLLOQUIAL USAGE (Sense 2):
- 舐めるな！ (Don't underestimate me!)
- 舐めてる (underestimating, not taking seriously)
- 舐められている (being looked down on)
NOTE: The 'underestimate' meaning is very colloquial and often used in confrontational contexts.