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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To be raised spoiled. Describes the upbringing that leads to spoiled behavior, not the behavior itself. Useful for explaining why someone acts that way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I can't stand his selfish behavior anymore.
He was raised spoiled, so he doesn't know how to be patient.
The child cried and screamed because they couldn't get the toy they wanted.