Meaning
To beg or coax someone for a favor or item.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Amae' makes 'onedari' a positive social interaction that confirms a close bond. Independence is highly valued, so 'begging' (even cutely) can sometimes be seen as immature or manipulative. 'Onedari' is a trope for 'imouto' (little sister) characters to show their cuteness. Japanese pet owners frequently use 'onedari' to describe their pets' behavior, humanizing them.
The 'Amae' Connection
If you want to sound more natural, use 'onedari' when you are clearly the one being taken care of in the relationship.
Age Matters
An adult using 'onedari' too much can be seen as 'burikko' (someone who acts fake-cute). Use it sparingly!
Meaning
To beg or coax someone for a favor or item.
The 'Amae' Connection
If you want to sound more natural, use 'onedari' when you are clearly the one being taken care of in the relationship.
Age Matters
An adult using 'onedari' too much can be seen as 'burikko' (someone who acts fake-cute). Use it sparingly!
The 'O' is Key
Without the 'O', 'nedaru' sounds much more like a nuisance. Always keep the 'O' for the cute nuance.
Pet Talk
This is the #1 word to use when talking about your pets wanting food or attention.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural situation to use 'onedari suru'.
Which of these is an 'onedari'?
'Onedari' is for cute requests to people you are close to, like a child to a parent.
Fill in the particle.
{犬|いぬ}が{主人|しゅじん}（ ）おやつをおねだりした。
The person (or owner) being begged is marked with 'ni'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {新|あたら}しいスマホがほしいな〜。 B: またパパに（ ）の？
The sentence asks 'Are you going to beg again?'
Match the phrase to the nuance.
Match 'Onedari' with its best description.
'Onedari' is specifically about the 'cute' or 'coaxing' aspect.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Asking for Things
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhich of these is an 'onedari'?
'Onedari' is for cute requests to people you are close to, like a child to a parent.
{犬|いぬ}が{主人|しゅじん}（ ）おやつをおねだりした。
The person (or owner) being begged is marked with 'ni'.
A: {新|あたら}しいスマホがほしいな〜。 B: またパパに（ ）の？
The sentence asks 'Are you going to beg again?'
Match 'Onedari' with its best description.
'Onedari' is specifically about the 'cute' or 'coaxing' aspect.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds like you're treating your boss like a parent. It's better to use 'koushou' (negotiation).
No, you can 'onedari' for a hug, a date, or even for someone to stay a little longer.
'Segamu' is more persistent and can be annoying, like a child pulling on a sleeve for hours.
It's used more by women and children, but men use it too, especially when talking about their kids or pets.
You say 'Onedari jouzu' (おねだり上手).
Yes, for small things like 'Onedari for a bite of your cake.'
Usually written in hiragana. The kanji is {御強請り}, but it's rarely used.
Only if someone is doing it too much or in the wrong context (like a gold-digger).
No, that's 'negiru' (値切る).
It's a famous BABYMETAL song about girls begging their dads for money!
Related Phrases
甘える
similarTo behave like a spoiled child / to depend on someone's kindness.
ねだる
specialized formTo pester or beg.
せがむ
similarTo pester or importune.
おねがいする
similarTo make a request.
強請る
contrastTo extort or blackmail.
