Translation guide
The English phrase "be spoiled" has two main meanings: (1) to be ruined or go bad (e.g., food, plans), and (2) to be treated too indulgently (e.g., a child, oneself). This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
Expressing that something (especially food) has decayed or that a plan/experience has been ruined.
The most common word for food going bad or rotting. Also used metaphorically for things like a bad mood or a spoiled plan.
Describing a person (often a child) who is given too much, overprotected, or pampered, or oneself indulging in luxury.
The standard passive form of 甘やかす (to pamper/spoil). Used for children or people who are overly indulged.
While 腐る can metaphorically mean 'to be depressed' or 'to rot' in slang, it is not used to mean a person is spoiled by indulgence. Use 甘やかされる instead.
腐る implies decay/rottenness, often with a bad smell. 傷む is milder and can mean 'to be damaged' or 'to go off' without necessarily being rotten. For food, 腐る is stronger.
牛乳が腐った。
The milk has gone bad.
Food spoils quickly in the heat.
Often used for food that has started to go bad, especially due to physical damage or time. Slightly softer than 腐る.
This fish spoils easily.
A casual, general expression meaning 'to become no good' or 'to be ruined'. Used for food, plans, or situations.
If you don't put it in the fridge, it'll go bad right away.
The picnic was spoiled by the rain.
Means 'to be completely ruined' or 'to be spoiled beyond repair'. Used for plans, events, or experiences, not typically for food.
The trip was spoiled by the rain.
He was spoiled as a child.
That child is spoiled by their grandparents.
A common phrase meaning 'to be raised spoiled'. Often used to describe someone's upbringing.
People who were spoiled as children can't endure hardship.
Means 'to become selfish/willful'. Often the result of being spoiled. Describes the behavior rather than the treatment.
If you spoil a child, they become selfish.
Literally 'to pamper oneself'. Used when someone indulges in treats or avoids hard work.
It's okay to spoil yourself once in a while.
Loanword from English 'spoil'. Used in the sense of being spoiled (as a child), but less common and slightly formal.
He is completely spoiled.