Translation guide
How to express 'brat' in Japanese, from spoiled child to playful troublemaker.
A child who is spoiled, demanding, or throws tantrums when they don't get their way.
Literally 'selfish child'. A common, neutral way to describe a spoiled or demanding child.
あの子は本当にわがままな子だね。
That kid is such a brat, isn't he?
A child who throws a tantrum or whines to get what they want. Emphasizes the tantrum behavior.
駄々っ子みたいに泣かないで。
Don't cry like a brat.
A child who has been spoiled or overindulged. Focuses on the upbringing rather than the behavior itself.
彼は甘やかされた子だから、我慢ができない。
He's a spoiled brat, so he can't be patient.
A child who is rude, disruptive, or badly behaved in public.
A 'bad kid' or 'brat' who misbehaves, often used for boys. Casual and slightly old-fashioned but still common.
近所の悪ガキがまた窓を割った。
The neighborhood brat broke another window.
Vulgar and strong term for a brat, literally 'shit kid'. Used in anger or among close friends, not polite.
あのクソガキ、ぶっ飛ばしてやる。
That little brat, I'm gonna knock him out.
Literally 'restive horse', used for a wild, uncontrollable child, especially a girl. Somewhat dated.
A child who is naughty in a cute or endearing way, like a little rascal.
A mischievous child, often used affectionately. Similar to 'little rascal'.
うちのいたずらっ子がまた隠れちゃった。
My little brat has hidden again.
A naughty boy, full of energy and mischief. 'Bōzu' is an affectionate term for a boy.
An adult who acts like a spoiled brat, entitled and demanding.
A selfish person. Can be used for adults who act like brats.
彼はわがままな人で、いつも自分の意見を押し通す。
He's such a brat, always pushing his own opinions.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'brat'. Choose based on whether the child is spoiled, ill-mannered, or mischievous. Using the wrong term can sound too harsh or too soft.
わがままな子 emphasizes selfishness and being spoiled. 悪ガキ emphasizes bad behavior and mischief. A child can be both, but the focus differs.
彼女は小さい頃、じゃじゃ馬だった。
She was a real brat when she was little.
やんちゃ坊主だけど、憎めないよ。
He's a brat, but I can't hate him.
A person who acts spoiled and dependent, like a child. Can be used for adults in a critical or teasing way.
あの甘えん坊、また上司に泣きついたよ。
That brat went crying to the boss again.