甘えん坊
amaenbo
The English phrase "big baby" can be translated into Japanese as 甘えん坊 (amaenbo).
甘えん坊 refers to an adult or youth prone to immature behavior associated with babies. While it can mean 'big baby' in an insulting sense, it is frequently used affectionately to describe a person (including adults) who is clingy or seeks constant attention and pampering. It can also be translated as "spoiled child."
Meaning: Adult or youth prone to immature behavior associated with babies. (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to modify a noun, the word takes the form 甘えん坊な.
How do you pronounce it?
amaenbo
Did you know?
- Japanese has a related term, 甘え, which psychologists argue is a fundamental part of the Japanese social fabric and is not seen as 'spoiled' in the Western sense.
- The suffix 坊 in 甘えん坊 is an old-fashioned term for a boy or a monk, which gives the word a slightly cute, almost storybook-like quality.
- The word 甘い used in 甘えん坊 literally means 'sweet', linking the concept of being a 'big baby' to the taste of sweetness.
Examples in context
- 彼は本当に甘えん坊ですね。Kare wa hontō ni amaenbo desu ne.He really is a big baby, isn't he?
- 妹は甘えん坊だけど可愛い。Imōto wa amaenbo dakedo kawaii.My younger sister is a big baby, but she is cute.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a mutual male friend's behavior.
- 結衣 Yui蓮君は、時々すごく甘えん坊になるね。Ren-kun wa, tokidoki sugoku amaenbo ni naru ne.Ren, you become such a big baby sometimes.
- 蓮 Ren結衣ちゃん、それは言い過ぎだよ。Yui-chan, sore wa iisugi da yo.Yui, that's going too far.
- 結衣 Yuiでも、甘えん坊なところも可愛いよ。Demo, amaenbo na tokoro mo kawaii yo.But your big-baby side is cute too.
- 蓮 Ren恥ずかしいから、やめてよ。Hazukashii kara, yamete yo.Stop it, it's embarrassing.
