Translation guide
Describes acting in a self-centered, demanding, or immature way, often expecting special treatment. Japanese expressions range from specific verbs for whining or throwing tantrums to broader terms for selfish behavior.
To express dissatisfaction or demand something in a whiny, immature manner, like a spoiled child.
Literally 'to knead a tantrum'. This is the most common and natural way to say a child (or childish adult) is throwing a tantrum or whining to get their way.
子供がお菓子を買ってほしくて駄々をこねている。
The child is whining to get some candy.
To be fussy, grumble, or whine, often used for babies or young children who are tired or uncomfortable. Can also describe an adult dragging their feet or complaining.
眠くて赤ちゃんがぐずっている。
The baby is fussing because they're sleepy.
To act spoiled or seek affection/indulgence, often by being clingy or demanding attention. It implies relying on someone's kindness, not necessarily whining.
彼は母親に甘えて、宿題を手伝ってもらった。
He acted spoiled and got his mother to help with his homework.
To behave in a self-centered way, expecting others to cater to one's needs or desires, like a spoiled person.
To say selfish things or make unreasonable demands. 'わがまま' means selfishness or willfulness. This is the most direct way to describe acting spoiled in a selfish sense.
彼女はいつもわがままを言って、周りを困らせる。
She always acts spoiled and causes trouble for those around her.
To act selfishly or self-centeredly. More formal and descriptive than わがままを言う. Focuses on behavior rather than just words.
彼の自分勝手な行動にはもう我慢できない。
I can't stand his selfish behavior anymore.
To be raised spoiled. Describes the upbringing that leads to spoiled behavior, not the behavior itself. Useful for explaining why someone acts that way.
彼は甘やかされて育ったので、我慢することを知らない。
He was raised spoiled, so he doesn't know how to be patient.
To have an emotional outburst, often with crying or anger, like a child who doesn't get their way.
To throw a tantrum or have a fit of anger. Stronger than 駄々をこねる, implying a loss of control. Used for both children and adults.
息子がゲームを買ってもらえなくて癇癪を起こした。
My son threw a tantrum because he couldn't get the game.
To cry and scream loudly. Describes the noisy, tearful aspect of a tantrum. Often used for children.
欲しいおもちゃが買ってもらえず、子供は泣きわめいた。
The child cried and screamed because they couldn't get the toy they wanted.
駄々をこねる is whining or pestering to get something, often with a manipulative edge. 癇癪を起こす is a full-blown emotional outburst, often with anger and loss of control. A child might 駄々をこねる first, then 癇癪を起こす if ignored.
最初は駄々をこねていたが、だんだん癇癪を起こし始めた。
At first he was just whining, but gradually he started throwing a tantrum.
Avoid directly translating 'spoiled child' as 甘やかされた子供 in most contexts. It's grammatically correct but sounds like a clinical description. Use わがままな人 or describe the behavior instead.