Translation guide
The English word 'whine' covers several distinct meanings: a high-pitched complaining sound, the act of complaining in an annoying way, and mechanical high-pitched noises. Japanese uses different words for each.
Express that someone is complaining in a childish, irritating, or persistent manner.
A very common casual verb meaning to complain or grumble, often about trivial things. It carries a nuance of whining or venting.
He's always whining about work.
Literally 'say crying words', this means to whine or complain in a tearful, self-pitying way.
Stop whining already.
Often used for children whining or being fussy, but can apply to adults acting childishly.
The child is whining for candy.
To mutter complaints under one's breath; grumble. Conveys a low, continuous whining tone.
He was walking along whining under his breath.
A more formal or general term for complaining or expressing dissatisfaction. Less specifically 'whiny' than 愚痴る.
He always whines about the food.
Describe the sound of a child, animal, or person making a thin, prolonged cry of distress or complaint.
To let out a crying voice; can be used for babies, animals, or someone sobbing. The 'whine' quality is implied by context.
The baby whined.
Specifically for dogs or similar animals making a high-pitched, whimpering whine. くんくん is onomatopoeia for whining.
Onomatopoeic; describes a high-pitched, continuous crying or whining, often from pain or exhaustion.
The child followed, whining all the way.
To sob or whimper; a softer, sniffly crying. Can convey a whiny tone if prolonged.
Describe a machine, engine, or electronic device producing a continuous high-pitched sound.
Uses the onomatopoeia キーン for a high-pitched ringing or whining sound, like tinnitus or a motor.
That machine keeps whining.
Onomatopoeia for a whistling or whizzing high-pitched sound, like a jet engine or wind.
The jet engine whined.
A more technical description: to emit a high-pitched or shrill sound. Not specifically 'whine' but covers the concept.
泣く means 'to cry' (shed tears). Using it for complaining whine will sound like the person is literally crying, not just complaining.
愚痴る is more about venting or grumbling, often to a sympathetic listener, and feels whiny. 文句を言う is a direct complaint or objection, not necessarily whiny.
The dog is whining at the door.
She whined out her story through sobs.
The motor started to whine.