Pick on Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɪk/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
PIK-on
pˈɪk/ /ˈɒn
PIK-on
Definition
To repeatedly treat someone unfairly, criticize, or bother them, often in a way that's meant to upset them.
Usage & Nuances
Informal phrasal verb, mainly negative. Commonly describes bullying among children or being unfairly singled out. Usually followed by a person: 'pick on someone.' Not the same as 'pick up' or 'pick out.' Used for both mild teasing and serious harassment.
Spanish: molestar - meterse conPortuguese (BR): implicar-se com - implicar - mexer comPortuguese (PT): implicar-se com - implicar - pegar no péChinese (Simplified): 欺负 - 找茬儿Chinese (Traditional): 欺負 - 找碴Hindi: चिढ़ाना - तंग करनाArabic: يتنمر على - يضايقBengali: বিরক্ত করা - জ্বালাতন করা - খোঁচা মারাRussian: дразнить - придираться - задиратьJapanese: いじめる - からかうVietnamese: bắt nạt - chọc ghẹo - gây khó dễKorean: 괴롭히다 - 집요하게 달라붙다Turkish: sataşmak - takılmak - üstüne gitmekUrdu: تنگ کرنا - مذاق اڑاناIndonesian: mengusili - mengganggu - membully
Example Sentences
The older kids always pick on him at school.
basic
Don't pick on your little brother.
basic
Why do they always pick on me?
basic
My boss tends to pick on me when he's stressed out.
natural
He likes to pick on people just to get attention.
natural
If you don't stand up for yourself, people will continue to pick on you.
natural