Translation guide
The act of annoying someone repeatedly, often by asking for something or demanding attention. In Japanese, this is expressed through verbs and adjectives that convey persistence, annoyance, and clinginess.
To describe the act of repeatedly asking someone for something or demanding their attention in an annoying way.
To describe someone who is overly attached and constantly seeks attention in an irritating way.
Slang i-adjective short for うざったい, meaning annoying, irritating, or pestering. Very common among younger people.
To express the act of repeatedly criticizing, complaining, or reminding someone in an annoying way.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'pestering'. Choose the expression based on the specific type of annoying behavior: persistent asking (しつこい), clingy neediness (うざい), or nagging (口うるさい). Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
An i-adjective meaning persistent, insistent, or nagging. It can describe a person or their behavior. Very common in everyday speech.
He's so pestering, it's annoying.
Please don't keep pestering me with questions.
An adverb or to-adverb meaning persistently and annoyingly, often with a nuance of nitpicking or dwelling on something. Can be used for verbal pestering.
He pesters me with complaints.
A verb meaning to pester someone for something, especially to beg or plead persistently. Often used when children pester parents for toys or treats.
The child pestered me to buy a toy.
A verb meaning to follow someone around persistently, to shadow, or to pester by not leaving them alone. Implies physical presence.
He's always pestering me by following me around.
That kid is so pestering.
The full form of うざい, meaning annoying, bothersome, or pestering. Slightly less slangy but still casual.
I can't stand his pestering attitude.
A verb meaning to cling to someone annoyingly, to pester by sticking close. Often used for children or pets.
The dog keeps pestering me by clinging to me.
An i-adjective meaning nagging, fault-finding, or pestering with words. Literally 'mouth-noisy'.
My mom is so pestering with her nagging.
An adverb describing someone nagging or scolding persistently and loudly. Often used with 言う.
My boss pesters me with constant scolding.
A phrase meaning to nag or find fault. 小言 means petty criticism or scolding.
He's always pestering me with petty criticisms.