To spoil someone by giving in to their every whim, often hindering their personal growth.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To indulge someone excessively
- Usually refers to children or subordinates
- Often has a negative connotation
Overview
- 1概要：『甘やかす』は、相手の望みを何でも叶えてしまったり、厳しくすべき場面で優しくしすぎたりして、相手をわがままにさせることを指します。主に子供や部下、ペットなどに対して使われる言葉で、ネガティブなニュアンスが含まれることが多いです。2) 使用パターン：『（人）を甘やかす』という形で使われます。また、受動態の『甘やかされる』として、誰かに甘やかされている状態を説明する際にもよく用いられます。3) 一般的な文脈：親が子供のわがままを何でも聞く場面や、上司が部下のミスを厳しく叱らずに見逃す場面などで頻繁に使われます。教育や指導の文脈では、相手の成長を妨げる行為として批判的な意味合いで使われることが一般的です。4) 類語との比較：『甘える』は自分から相手に頼るという能動的な動作ですが、『甘やかす』は相手をそうさせてしまうという他動的な動作です。『過保護』という言葉も似ていますが、こちらは名詞や形容動詞として使われ、保護の程度が強すぎる状態を指します。
Examples
子供を甘やかすのはよくない。
everydayIt is not good to spoil a child.
新人を甘やかすと成長が止まってしまう。
formalIf you spoil new employees, they stop growing.
たまには自分を甘やかしてケーキを買おう。
informalLet's treat myself to a cake for once.
過保護な親が子供を甘やかす傾向にある。
academicOverprotective parents tend to spoil their children.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
甘やかしすぎ
spoiling too much
自分を甘やかすな
don't indulge yourself
甘やかされて育った
raised being spoiled
Often Confused With
Amaeru means to act affectionately or rely on someone else's kindness. It is a one-way action from the person who is being spoiled.
Kaho-go is a noun/adjective describing the state of being overprotective. It focuses on the protection, while amayakasu focuses on the action of giving in.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use this word primarily when you want to criticize someone's lack of discipline. It is a negative term, so be careful when using it to describe someone's parenting or management style. In casual contexts, 'jibun o amayakasu' is used as a self-rewarding phrase.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'amayakasu' for 'being kind'. Remember that kindness is 'shinsetsu' or 'yasashii'. 'Amayakasu' implies a lack of necessary boundaries.
Tips
Focus on the Result
Remember that 'amayakasu' implies a negative outcome. It is not just about being kind, but about the lack of discipline causing bad behavior.
Avoid Compliments
Do not use this word to describe someone who is simply kind or generous. It specifically refers to 'spoiling' someone.
Japanese Parenting Culture
In Japan, there is a strong cultural emphasis on 'shitsuke' (discipline). Being called someone who 'amayakasu' is often a critique of one's parenting style.
Word Origin
Derived from the adjective 'amai' (sweet), reflecting the idea of treating someone with 'sweet' or soft attitudes instead of firm ones.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the balance between discipline and affection is a major topic. 'Amayakasu' is often used by older generations to critique modern parenting styles that are seen as too lenient.
Memory Tip
Think of a child getting 'sweet' (amai) candies whenever they cry, which makes them 'spoil' (amayakasu). The word literally contains 'sweet' in it.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「可愛がる」は愛情を注ぐポジティブな意味ですが、「甘やかす」は相手をわがままにさせるというネガティブな意味が含まれます。愛情と放任の境界線にある言葉です。
自分に対して使う場合は「自分を甘やかす」という表現になります。たまには美味しいものを食べて自分を甘やかす、のようにポジティブな休憩の意味で使われることもあります。
上司が部下を甘やかしていると批判する際に使えます。ただし、非常に直接的な表現なので、目上の人に対して使うのは避けたほうが無難です。
相手に対して、自分を特別扱いしないでほしい、あるいは厳しく接してほしいと頼む表現です。自立したいという意志を示す際に使われます。
Test Yourself
子供を___と、将来わがままな大人になってしまう。
文脈的に動詞の辞書形が必要です。
「甘やかす」の説明として正しいのはどれ？
甘やかすは過度な寛容さを指します。
（甘やかしては / いけません / 子供を / 過度に）
日本語の自然な語順です。
Score: /3
Summary
To spoil someone by giving in to their every whim, often hindering their personal growth.
- To indulge someone excessively
- Usually refers to children or subordinates
- Often has a negative connotation
Focus on the Result
Remember that 'amayakasu' implies a negative outcome. It is not just about being kind, but about the lack of discipline causing bad behavior.
Avoid Compliments
Do not use this word to describe someone who is simply kind or generous. It specifically refers to 'spoiling' someone.
Japanese Parenting Culture
In Japan, there is a strong cultural emphasis on 'shitsuke' (discipline). Being called someone who 'amayakasu' is often a critique of one's parenting style.
Examples
4 of 4子供を甘やかすのはよくない。
It is not good to spoil a child.
新人を甘やかすと成長が止まってしまう。
If you spoil new employees, they stop growing.
たまには自分を甘やかしてケーキを買おう。
Let's treat myself to a cake for once.
過保護な親が子供を甘やかす傾向にある。
Overprotective parents tend to spoil their children.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
