Translation guide
The English phrase 'be spoilt' can refer to a person's character (overindulged, bratty) or to something being ruined or damaged. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, from describing a spoiled child to food going bad.
Describing a person, especially a child, who is used to getting whatever they want and behaves badly as a result.
Literally 'being spoiled/indulged'. This is the most direct and common way to say someone is spoilt. It focuses on the action of being pampered.
彼は小さい頃から甘やかされている。
He has been spoilt since he was little.
Means 'selfish' or 'willful'. Often used to describe the resulting behavior of a spoilt person. It is an adjective/noun.
あの子は本当にわがままだ。
That child is really spoilt.
'Grew up being spoilt'. Emphasizes the upbringing that led to the spoilt character.
彼女は甘やかされて育ったので、我慢ができない。
She was spoilt growing up, so she can't endure hardship.
A somewhat childish or informal term for a spoilt, pampered person, often used for children or in a teasing way.
甘ったれは嫌いだ。
I don't like spoilt brats.
Describing something that has been ruined, gone bad, or been made unusable.
Means 'to be ruined' or 'to be spoiled'. Used for plans, surprises, moods, etc.
雨でピクニックが台無しになった。
The picnic was spoilt by the rain.
Specifically means 'to rot' or 'to go bad' for food. This is the standard verb for food spoilage.
牛乳が腐っている。
The milk is spoilt.
Means 'to be damaged' or 'to go bad', often used for food that is starting to spoil but not necessarily rotten yet. Softer than 腐る.
Colloquial for 'to become no good' or 'to be ruined'. Can be used for food, plans, or things breaking down.
冷蔵庫に入れないと、すぐにダメになるよ。
If you don't put it in the fridge, it'll go bad quickly.
The idiom 'spoilt for choice' meaning having so many good options that it's hard to decide.
Literally 'troubled by too many choices'. This is a natural way to express the idea of being spoilt for choice.
レストランのメニューが多くて、選択肢が多すぎて困る。
The restaurant menu is so big, I'm spoilt for choice.
Means 'to be unable to decide because everything looks good', often used when shopping or looking at a menu.
どれも美味しそうで目移りする。
Everything looks so good, I'm spoilt for choice.
The verb 甘やかす (to pamper) is only for people or pets. Using it for food spoilage would be incorrect. Use 腐る or 傷む instead.
腐る implies complete rot and often a bad smell. 傷む is milder and can mean just starting to go bad, or physical damage like bruising on fruit.
This fish spoils easily.