Japanese Word · Intermediate
メンチを切る
to stare or glare in challenge
Pronunciation: [mẽ̞ɲ̟t͡ɕi o̞ kʲiɾɯ̟]
Meaning
to stare or glare in challenge; by extension, to pick a fight
Example
いつものように渋谷センター街を夜回りしていると、若い娘が出会い頭にぶつかってきた。「なにメンチ切ってんだよ、オッさん！」 […] 自分でぶつかっておきながら、男のような言葉で因縁を吹っかけてくる。
While I was doing the night rounds through Shibuya Center Street as always, a young girl bumped into me as we passed. “What the hell are you staring at
Practice tips
- Practice メンチを切る out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this Japanese word is for intermediate-level learners.