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.
彼は何でもないことに大騒ぎしている。
He's making a fuss about nothing.
彼女はいつも文句ばかり言っている。
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.
彼は値段が高いと騒いでいた。
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.
彼女はいつも食事に文句を言う。
She's always making a fuss about the food.
Means 'to make a big fuss' or 'to raise a huge commotion'. Stronger than 騒ぐ, implying a major uproar or scene.
子供たちがプレゼントをもらって大騒ぎした。
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).
彼は小さなミスに大げさに騒いだ。
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.
そんなに大騒ぎするほどのことではないよ。
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.
彼の話はいつも針小棒大だ。
He always makes a fuss over nothing.
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.
彼は細かいことにこだわりすぎる。
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.
うちの母は掃除にうるさい。
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.
祖母は私にあれこれ世話を焼く。
My grandmother makes a fuss over me.
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.
酔っ払いが店で騒ぎを起こした。
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.
子供が店で暴れて大変だった。
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.
息子はおもちゃを買ってと駄々をこねた。
My son made a fuss, begging for a toy.
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.
彼は値段に文句を言ったが、騒ぎはしなかった。
He complained about the price but didn't make a fuss.
To make a noisy fuss, to clamor. More intense and often implies persistent, loud complaining or agitation.
乗客たちは遅延に騒ぎ立てた。
The passengers made a fuss about the delay.