To lean on someone's affection or generosity, whether as a sign of intimacy or by taking advantage of their kindness.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To rely on someone's kindness or affection.
- To act in a spoiled or pampered manner.
- To accept an offer with polite gratitude.
Overview
- 1概要：「甘える」は、相手の優しさや好意を前提として、遠慮せずに頼ったり、わがままを言ったりする様子を表します。単に依存するだけでなく、相手との心理的な距離が近いことを示唆するポジティブなニュアンスを含むことが多いです。2) 使用パターン：「～に甘える」という形で使われます。相手の厚意を受け入れるときや、子供が親にすり寄るような場面で頻繁に使用されます。また、比喩的に「環境に甘える」のように、状況に依存して努力を怠るという意味でも使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：家族や恋人同士など親密な関係でよく使われますが、ビジネスの場でも「お言葉に甘えて」のように、相手の申し出をありがたく受け入れる丁寧な表現として使われます。4) 類語との比較：「頼る」は単に助けを求めることですが、「甘える」には相手の好意に対する心理的な依存や、親愛の情が含まれます。「すがる」は、他に手段がなく必死になって助けを求めるという切実なニュアンスが強くなります。
Examples
子供が母親に甘える。
everydayThe child is acting spoiled with his mother.
お言葉に甘えて、ごちそうになります。
formalI will take you up on your kind offer and let you treat me.
いつまでも親に甘えていてはいけない。
informalYou shouldn't keep depending on your parents forever.
現状に甘えることなく努力を続ける。
academicI will continue to work hard without resting on my laurels.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
お言葉に甘える
To accept a kind offer
甘え上手
Good at getting others to do things for you
甘えが出る
To become lazy or dependent
Often Confused With
Tayoru means to rely on someone for help or support, often out of necessity. Amaeru focuses more on the emotional connection or the act of being spoiled.
This is the causative form meaning to spoil someone else. Amaeru is what you do yourself; Amayakasu is what you do to others.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '甘える' to describe someone acting in a needy or affectionate way. In formal contexts, it is almost exclusively used in the phrase 'お言葉に甘えて'. Avoid using it to describe yourself in a way that sounds lazy or irresponsible.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '甘える' for any kind of 'relying on'. Remember that '頼る' is neutral, while '甘える' implies a personal, emotional, or spoiled interaction. Do not use '甘える' when you mean 'to trust' (信頼する).
Tips
Use for polite acceptance
Use the phrase 'お言葉に甘えて' when someone offers you help or a treat. It shows appreciation while accepting the offer gracefully.
Avoid in professional settings
Be careful not to sound childish in a professional environment. Only use it when accepting a specific offer of help.
The concept of Amae
The term 'Amae' is a famous psychological concept in Japan. It describes the fundamental human desire to be loved and cared for by others.
Word Origin
Derived from the adjective '甘い' (sweet). It refers to the 'sweet' feeling of being cared for or the act of acting in a way to receive that sweetness.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'Amae' is central to Japanese social relations. It highlights the importance of interdependence and the expectation that close relationships allow for a degree of indulgence and emotional reliance.
Memory Tip
Think of a child 'A-ma-e-ru' (a-my-ear) pulling on their parent's ear to get attention. It's that cute, needy, affectionate behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions文脈によります。親密な関係では愛情表現としてポジティブですが、仕事などで自立せずに他人に依存しすぎる場合はネガティブな意味になります。
相手の親切な提案や申し出を遠慮なく受け入れるときに使う、非常に丁寧な決まり文句です。ビジネスシーンでもよく使われます。
はい、子供にとって親に甘えることは心理的な安定を得るために非常に重要で自然な行動です。
「甘える」は自分から行動することですが、「甘やかす」は相手を過保護にして、わがままを許してしまうという他動詞的な意味になります。
Test Yourself
先輩が食事を奢ってくれると言ったので、お言葉に___いただきました。
相手の好意を受け入れる丁寧な表現として「お言葉に甘えて」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
To lean on someone's affection or generosity, whether as a sign of intimacy or by taking advantage of their kindness.
- To rely on someone's kindness or affection.
- To act in a spoiled or pampered manner.
- To accept an offer with polite gratitude.
Use for polite acceptance
Use the phrase 'お言葉に甘えて' when someone offers you help or a treat. It shows appreciation while accepting the offer gracefully.
Avoid in professional settings
Be careful not to sound childish in a professional environment. Only use it when accepting a specific offer of help.
The concept of Amae
The term 'Amae' is a famous psychological concept in Japan. It describes the fundamental human desire to be loved and cared for by others.
Examples
4 of 4子供が母親に甘える。
The child is acting spoiled with his mother.
お言葉に甘えて、ごちそうになります。
I will take you up on your kind offer and let you treat me.
いつまでも親に甘えていてはいけない。
You shouldn't keep depending on your parents forever.
現状に甘えることなく努力を続ける。
I will continue to work hard without resting on my laurels.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
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可愛いらしい
B1Adorable; charming; sweet.
