負(ま)けず嫌(ぎら)い

まけずぎらい
noun, na-adjective
competitive; hating to lose; determined not to be beaten
1. competitive; hating to lose; strong-willed
A personality trait characterized by refusing to give up and striving to win or succeed. Generally seen as a positive quality in Japanese culture.
彼女(かのじょ)は負(ま)けず嫌(ぎら)いな性格(せいかく)だ。
She has a competitive personality.
負(ま)けず嫌(ぎら)いだから絶対(ぜったい)に諦(あきら)めない。
Because I hate losing, I never give up.
子供(こども)の頃(ころ)から負(ま)けず嫌(ぎら)いだった。
I've been competitive since I was a child.

FORMATION:
負(ま)けず (not losing, from 負(ま)ける) + 嫌(ぎら)い (dislike)

Literally 'disliking not winning' → 'hating to lose.'

ADJECTIVE USAGE:

負(ま)けず嫌(ぎら)いな + noun

  • 負(ま)けず嫌(ぎら)いな人(ひと) - competitive person
  • 負(ま)けず嫌(ぎら)いな性格(せいかく) - competitive personality

CULTURAL NOTE:
This is generally viewed positively in Japanese culture, suggesting determination and perseverance. It's often used to describe successful athletes, businesspeople, and students.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 勝(か)ち気(き) - competitive spirit
  • 負(まけ)ん気(き) - fighting spirit (dialect/casual)

Related Words

Related: 勝(か)ち気(き) (competitive spirit)
general
Added 2026.1.18 22:35 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
07000/07025_makezugirai