good at getting others to spoil them; skilled at using charm to be indulged
Describes a person who naturally acts in a way that makes others want to pamper or indulge them, often through cute or childlike behavior. Can be used positively or critically depending on context.
She is good at getting people to spoil her, and always gets help from those around her.
People who are skilled at being indulged sometimes navigate the workplace skillfully.
甘えん坊 is a more childish or endearing term for a spoiled child or someone who acts spoiled. 甘え上手 is more neutral and can describe adults who skillfully use charm.
Standard kanji spelling.
Kana-kanji mixed spelling sometimes seen in casual writing.
Compound of 甘え (the continuative form of 甘える 'to behave in a spoiled manner') and 上手 'skillful, good at'. The exact origin is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern of combining a verb stem with 上手 to indicate proficiency.