Translation guide
An onomatopoeic expression for the sound of loud crying, often used sarcastically or to mock someone's complaints.
To imitate the sound of someone crying loudly, often in a childish or exaggerated way.
The most common onomatopoeia for a baby or child crying loudly. It is often used in manga, anime, and casual speech.
赤ちゃんがエーンエーンと泣いている。
The baby is crying 'waah waah'.
Another common crying sound, often used for loud, persistent crying. Can be used for both babies and adults in a complaining tone.
子供がワーワー泣き叫んでいる。
The child is crying loudly 'waa waa'.
Describes sniffling or whimpering, not as loud as 'boohoo'. It implies a weaker, more pitiful crying.
To sarcastically imitate someone's whining or complaining, often to dismiss their feelings.
Used sarcastically to mimic someone's complaint. Often said with a mocking tone.
「また残業だって。エーンエーン」と彼はからかった。
'Oh, I have to work overtime again. Boohoo,' he mocked.
English 'boohoo' is often used as an interjection to mock someone. In Japanese, you typically use onomatopoeia like エーンエーン or ワーワー, but they are not exact equivalents. The mocking nuance comes from context and tone.
彼はいつもメソメソしている。
He's always sniveling.
Literally 'to say waa waa', meaning to complain loudly or whine. Often used for adults.
彼はいつもワーワー文句を言っている。
He's always whining and complaining.
You can simply say '泣く' (to cry) in a sarcastic way, but it's less direct than onomatopoeia. Often combined with a mocking particle like '～だって'.
「お腹すいた～」って泣いてるの？
Are you crying 'I'm hungry'? (sarcastic)