Translation guide
Describes a person who whines, complains tearfully, or has a runny nose. Japanese expressions focus on the act of whining or the physical state, often using mimetic words.
To refer to someone who constantly whines or complains in a tearful, annoying way.
Literally 'crybaby', used for someone who cries or whines easily, often in a childish way. Can be used for adults to imply immaturity.
Describes someone who grumbles or complains persistently in a whiny manner. 'ぐちぐち' is a mimetic word for muttering complaints.
彼女はいつもぐちぐち言う人で、一緒にいると疲れる。
She's always whining about something; it's exhausting to be around her.
Literally 'a person who says crying things', meaning someone who constantly voices complaints or self-pity.
彼はいつも泣き言を言う人だから、誰も真剣に聞かない。
He's always whining, so nobody takes him seriously.
Refers to someone who often expresses weakness or complains, 'spitting out weak sounds'. Implies a lack of resilience.
弱音を吐く人より、前向きな人のほうが好きだ。
I prefer positive people over those who constantly whine.
Mimetic word for sniveling or sobbing quietly. Describes someone who is weepy and pitiful, often used negatively.
めそめそする人は見ていてイライラする。
It's irritating to watch someone snivel like that.
To describe someone who has a constantly runny or snotty nose, often a child.
Literally 'a person with a dripping nose'. Commonly used for children, but can be used for adults in a derogatory way.
鼻をたらした子供が遊んでいた。
A snivelling kid was playing.
There is no single Japanese noun that perfectly matches 'sniveller'. Instead, describe the behavior using phrases like '泣き虫' or 'ぐちぐち言う人'. Using a literal translation like 'すすり泣く人' is possible but sounds unnatural and overly descriptive.
He cries over every little thing; he's a real crybaby.
A colloquial, slightly rude term for a runny-nosed person, especially a child. Often used as '鼻垂れ小僧' (snot-nosed brat).
あの鼻垂れ小僧がまたいたずらをした。
That snot-nosed brat has been up to mischief again.