泣き虫
nakimushi[na̠kʲimɯ̟ɕi]
The English word "crybaby" is translated into Japanese as 泣き虫 (nakimushi).
泣き虫 refers to a person whose feelings are easily hurt. While it can be used to describe an adult with sensitive feelings, it is most commonly used as a teasing or affectionate term for children.
Meaning: person whose feelings are easily hurt (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
nakimushi
Did you know?
- In historical Japanese medicine and folklore, it was believed that various 'bugs' inside the body controlled human emotions and health.
- In the word 泣き虫, the second part 虫 literally translates to 'bug' or 'insect'.
- The phrase is often used in anime and manga to establish a 'gap' in a character's personality, such as a tough warrior who is secretly a 泣き虫.
Examples in context
- Kare wa nakimushi desu (彼は泣き虫です)He is a crybaby.
- 泣き虫と呼ばれたくない。Nakimushi to yobaretakunai.I don't want to be called a crybaby.
- 弟は本当に泣き虫ですね。Otouto wa hontou ni nakimushi desu ne.Your little brother is such a crybaby, isn't he?
Example conversation
Hiroto is crying during a sad movie.
- 美咲 Misaki大翔、もう泣いてるの？Hiroto, mou naite ru no?Hiroto, are you crying already?
- 大翔 Hirotoだって、このシーンが悲しすぎるよ。Datte, kono shiin ga kanashisugiru yo.But this scene is just too sad.
- 美咲 Misaki本当に泣き虫なんだから。Hontou ni nakimushi nandakara.You really are a crybaby.
- 大翔 Hirotoうるさいなあ、美咲。Urusai naa, Misaki.Be quiet, Misaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crybaby” translations and entries 泣き虫, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 泣き虫, CC BY-SA 4.0.
