べたべたする
betabeta suru
The English phrase "clingy" can be translated into Japanese as べたべたする (betabeta suru).
While べたべたする can refer to being emotionally clingy, it is most often used to describe someone who is being overly physically affectionate or touchy-feely.
Meaning: possessive over another person (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The reduplicated word べたべた literally refers to a sticky or clammy sensation, such as something covered in syrup or sweat.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, different words may be more appropriate: ベタベタする is a casual way to describe someone as sticky or clingy, while しつこい is used to describe someone who is persistent or insistent. For a more formal tone, 依存心の強い literally translates to "having a strong dependency," and 過剰依存 can be used to describe "excessive dependence."
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe a person's current state of being clingy or acting in a clingy manner, use the continuous form べたべたしている.
How do you pronounce it?
betabeta suru
Did you know?
- To express the idea of 'clinging' in a purely emotional sense without the physical element, Japanese speakers often use the word 甘える (amaeru). This refers to a uniquely Japanese cultural concept of depending on someone's indulgence or kindness.
- The word べたべた can be used to describe the oppressive, humid feeling of a Japanese summer. In this context, it describes the skin's sensation rather than a person's behavior.
- The word べたべた is an onomatopoeia that mimics the sound of something sticky peeling away from a surface. It belongs to a class of words called 'gitaigo' which describe states or feelings rather than actual sounds.
Examples in context
- 彼は依存心の強い人です。He is a clingy person.
- 彼はベタベタしていて、うるさい！He is so clingy and annoying!
- 彼女はしつこいからうんざりするよ。She's so clingy, it's getting on my nerves.
Example conversation
A couple is talking about their relationship style.
- 陽葵 Himari大翔くんはべたべたするタイプ？Hiroto-kun wa betabeta suru taipu?Are you the clingy type, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hirotoいいえ、僕は一人の方が楽だよ。Iie, boku wa hitori no hou ga raku dayo.No, I feel more comfortable alone.
- 陽葵 Himariそうなんだ。私はべたべたしたい派なの。Sou nanda. Watashi wa betabeta shitai ha nano.I see. I'm the type that wants to be clingy.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵は本当に甘えん坊だね。Himari wa hontou ni amaenbou dane.Himari, you really are a spoiled one.
