Translation guide
Expressing complaint or dissatisfaction in a high-pitched, annoying, or persistent manner. Japanese has several words and phrases that capture different nuances of whining, from childish complaining to grumbling under one's breath.
To complain in a high-pitched, annoying voice, often like a child.
Describes a child whining or fussing, often when tired or wanting something. Can also be used for adults acting childishly.
子供が眠くてぐずっている。
The child is whining because they're sleepy.
Literally 'to say crying words'. Used for complaining or whining in a self-pitying way, not limited to children.
彼はいつも泣き言を言っている。
He's always whining about something.
Specifically means throwing a tantrum or whining to get one's way, often used for children.
おもちゃを買ってとだだをこねる。
The child is whining to get a toy.
To mutter complaints quietly, often in a discontented or resentful manner.
Muttering complaints or dissatisfaction in a low voice, often to oneself. Very common for grumbling.
彼はぶつぶつ文句を言いながら歩いていた。
He was walking along whining under his breath.
Slangy verb meaning to complain or grumble, often about trivial things. Common in casual speech.
また愚痴ってるの？
Are you whining again?
A more formal way to say 'to complain' or 'to voice dissatisfaction'. Not specifically whining, but can be used in that context.
彼はいつも不平を言っている。
He's always whining about something.
To produce a whining sound, like a machine or animal, or a person speaking in a nasal, annoying tone.
Onomatopoeic for a high-pitched squeaking or whining sound. Can describe a person's voice or a mechanical noise.
子供がキーキー言ってうるさい。
The kid is whining loudly and it's annoying.
Describes a nasal voice, often perceived as whining. Literally 'voice caught in the nose'.
彼女の鼻にかかった声が気になる。
Her whining voice bothers me.
ぐずる is specifically for fussy, childish whining, often without clear words. 泣き言を言う is for verbal complaints expressing self-pity, and can be used for adults.
The English word 'whining' covers a range of behaviors. Direct translations like '泣き声を出す' are not natural for complaining. Use the options above based on the specific nuance.