Translation guide
The English verb 'sulk' describes a moody, silent withdrawal, often due to feeling slighted or upset. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific verbs, descriptive phrases, and onomatopoeia, with nuances of childishness, resentment, or silent brooding.
To describe a child or childish adult who is pouting and refusing to speak because they are upset.
My little brother is sulking because his toy was taken away.
Literally 'to swell', this verb describes puffing out one's cheeks in a pout. It's very visual and often used for children.
My daughter got angry and puffed out her cheeks.
Similar to ふくれる, but can also mean to peel or come off. In the sulking sense, it's a colloquial variant.
He sulks easily.
To describe a more adult or serious form of sulking, where someone is silently brooding over a perceived wrong.
A common phrase meaning 'to become sullen/bad-tempered'. It's more general and can be used for adults.
He became sullen after being criticized.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'sullenly' or 'glumly', often used with する to mean 'to be sullen'. It implies a quiet, withdrawn moodiness.
He sat there sulking.
A stronger verb meaning 'to become sulky and defiant'. It suggests a rebellious, stubborn sulk.
To describe the act of giving someone the silent treatment as a form of sulking.
Literally 'not to speak', this is the most direct way to say someone is giving the silent treatment.
She's angry and won't talk to me.
Means 'to ignore'. It can be used for the silent treatment, but is broader and can imply a more active disregard.
He's ignoring me (sulking).
すねる is typically used for children or childish behavior, emphasizing a pouty, stubborn silence. 不機嫌になる is more general and can describe any age, focusing on the resulting bad mood rather than the act of sulking itself.
The child is sulking and crying.
The boss has been sullen ever since the meeting.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'sulk' in all contexts. Using a direct translation like 'sulking' in katakana (サルク) is not natural. Choose the expression based on the nuance you want to convey.
He got scolded and became sulky and defiant.