Japanese word

甘える

Pronunciation

Romajiamaeru

Meaning

  • verbrely on ___

Example

困ったときは父に甘えます。koma tta to ki wa chichi ni ama e ma su

I rely on my father when I have trouble.

Illustration for 甘える (rely on ___)

More examples

妹は母に甘えて新しい靴を買ってもらいました。imōto wa haha ni ama e te atara shi i kutsu o ka tte mo ra i ma shi ta

My little sister acted spoiled and had her mother buy her new shoes.

Core concept

Expresses dependence on a close person in a way that can include childlike demands for care and attention.

Common phrases

  • 人に甘えるhito ni ama e ru

    rely on someone

  • 親に甘えるoya ni ama e ru

    rely on one's parents

Similar words

頼るtayoru: To seek help or support from someone when it is needed.
ねだるnedaru: To ask someone repeatedly for something by expecting kindness or indulgence.
依存するizonsuru: To depend on a person or thing so much that independent action becomes difficult.

Definition in Japanese

相手の親切や好意を受け入れて頼り、親しい間柄ではわがままを言うこと。ai te no shin setsu ya kō i o u ke i re te tayo ri shita shi i aida gara de wa wa ga ma ma o i u ko to

Word origin

甘える (amaeru) comes from the native Japanese verb 甘ゆ (amayu), whose sense of seeking indulgence develops into the modern meaning of relying on another person.

Usage tips

  • The verb commonly describes accepting extra care from family or close friends, so it can carry affection rather than simple helplessness.

Other meanings

  • act spoiledverb

Opposites

  • 自立するjiritsusurubecome independentverb

Related words

  • 甘え方amaekataway of acting spoilednoun

Word lists with this word