Translation guide
This entry covers how to express the idea of 'making a fuss' in Japanese, including complaining loudly, overreacting, creating a scene, and fussing over small details. It focuses on natural expressions for an English-speaking learner.
He's making a fuss about nothing.
She's always making a fuss.
To express that someone is complaining loudly, making a scene, or kicking up a fuss about something.
A general verb meaning to make noise, create a commotion, or kick up a fuss. Often used when people are loudly complaining or causing a disturbance.
He was making a fuss about the high price.
Literally 'to say complaints'. This is the most common way to say someone is complaining or griping. It can range from mild grumbling to making a fuss.
Means 'to make a big fuss' or 'to raise a huge commotion'. Stronger than 騒ぐ, implying a major uproar or scene.
The kids made a huge fuss when they got their presents.
To express that someone is overreacting, exaggerating a problem, or making a mountain out of a molehill.
Means 'to make an exaggerated fuss'. Combines 大げさ (exaggeration) with 騒ぐ (to make a fuss).
To express that someone is fussing over small details, being overly particular, or making a fuss in a caring but annoying way.
Means 'to be particular about small details'. Often used when someone is fussing over minor points.
To express that someone is causing a public disturbance, making a scene, or throwing a tantrum.
Means 'to cause a disturbance' or 'to create a scene'. Often used for public fuss.
The English phrase 'making a fuss' doesn't have a single direct equivalent. Avoid trying to translate it word-for-word. Instead, choose the Japanese expression that matches the specific type of fuss: complaining, overreacting, fussing over details, or causing a scene.
騒ぐ emphasizes the noise and commotion, while 文句を言う focuses on the act of complaining. If someone is loudly complaining, 騒ぐ is better. If they are just grumbling, use 文句を言う.
She's always making a fuss about the food.
To make a noisy fuss, to clamor. More intense and often implies persistent, loud complaining or agitation.
The passengers made a fuss about the delay.
He made a big fuss over a small mistake.
A set phrase meaning 'it's not something to make a big fuss about'. Useful for telling someone they're overreacting.
It's not worth making such a fuss over.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to exaggerate a small thing into a big one', literally 'to say a needle is a pole'. Formal/literary.
He always makes a fuss over nothing.
He fusses too much over details.
Literally 'noisy', but often used to mean 'fussy' or 'picky' when describing a person who complains or nags about small things.
My mom makes a fuss about cleaning.
Means 'to fuss over someone', 'to make a fuss over someone's needs'. Implies caring but possibly meddlesome attention.
My grandmother makes a fuss over me.
A drunk guy made a fuss in the store.
Means 'to act violently' or 'to rampage'. Used when someone is making a physical, aggressive fuss.
The kid made a huge fuss in the store, it was awful.
Specifically means 'to throw a tantrum' (like a child). Used for childish fussing or stubborn demands.
My son made a fuss, begging for a toy.
He complained about the price but didn't make a fuss.