Translation guide
A sudden outburst of anger or frustration, often by a child. In Japanese, the expression depends on the intensity, cause, and whether it's a child or adult.
子供が癇癪を起こした。
The child threw a tantrum.
A young child crying, screaming, or throwing themselves on the floor in anger or frustration.
The most common and natural way to say 'throw a tantrum' for children. 癇癪 (かんしゃく) means 'temper' or 'fit of anger'.
子供がおもちゃを買ってもらえなくて癇癪を起こした。
The child threw a tantrum because they couldn't get the toy.
Specifically refers to a child whining or throwing a tantrum to get their way. Often implies stubbornness or acting spoiled.
スーパーでお菓子を欲しがって駄々をこねる子がいた。
There was a kid throwing a tantrum in the supermarket wanting candy.
Literally 'stamp one's feet in frustration'. Describes the physical action of a tantrum, often used for children but can be used figuratively for adults.
負けて悔しくて地団駄を踏んだ。
He stamped his feet in frustration after losing.
An adult losing their temper in an immature or uncontrolled way, similar to a child's tantrum.
Also used for adults, though it can sound slightly childish. It emphasizes the sudden, irrational anger.
上司が会議で癇癪を起こして、書類を投げつけた。
The boss threw a tantrum in the meeting and hurled documents.
Literally 'explode with anger'. More formal and less childish than 癇癪を起こす. Suitable for describing an adult's sudden rage.
彼はささいなことで怒りを爆発させた。
He exploded with anger over a trivial matter.
Slang for 'snap' or 'lose it'. Very common in casual speech. Implies a sudden loss of self-control.
あの客、ちょっと注意しただけでキレたんだよ。
That customer just snapped when I gave him a little warning.
Describing a situation or thing acting wildly or out of control, like a storm or machine.
Means 'to rage' or 'to go wild'. Used for storms, seas, or emotions. Not a direct translation of 'tantrum' but conveys a similar uncontrolled outburst.
台風が荒れ狂って、多くの家が被害を受けた。
The typhoon raged, damaging many houses.
Noun meaning 'rough weather' or 'stormy conditions'. Can be used metaphorically for a tumultuous situation.
癇癪 (かんしゃく) is a general fit of anger, while 駄々 (だだ) specifically refers to a child's selfish whining or stubbornness to get something. 癇癪 can be used for adults, but 駄々 is almost exclusively for children.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'tantrum'. Avoid literal translations like タントラム, which is not commonly understood. Use the phrases above based on context.
The sea was raging, and the ship couldn't leave port.