Translation guide
The English phrase "be spoiled" has two main meanings: (1) to be ruined or go bad (e.g., food, plans), and (2) to be treated too indulgently (e.g., a child, oneself). This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
Expressing that something (especially food) has decayed or that a plan/experience has been ruined.
The most common word for food going bad or rotting. Also used metaphorically for things like a bad mood or a spoiled plan.
Describing a person (often a child) who is given too much, overprotected, or pampered, or oneself indulging in luxury.
The standard passive form of 甘やかす (to pamper/spoil). Used for children or people who are overly indulged.
彼は小さい頃、甘やかされて育った。
He was spoiled as a child.
While 腐る can metaphorically mean 'to be depressed' or 'to rot' in slang, it is not used to mean a person is spoiled by indulgence. Use 甘やかされる instead.
腐る implies decay/rottenness, often with a bad smell. 傷む is milder and can mean 'to be damaged' or 'to go off' without necessarily being rotten. For food, 腐る is stronger.
The milk has gone bad.
暑さで食べ物がすぐ腐る。
Food spoils quickly in the heat.
Often used for food that has started to go bad, especially due to physical damage or time. Slightly softer than 腐る.
この魚は傷みやすい。
This fish spoils easily.
A casual, general expression meaning 'to become no good' or 'to be ruined'. Used for food, plans, or situations.
冷蔵庫に入れないと、すぐダメになるよ。
If you don't put it in the fridge, it'll go bad right away.
雨でピクニックがダメになった。
The picnic was spoiled by the rain.
Means 'to be completely ruined' or 'to be spoiled beyond repair'. Used for plans, events, or experiences, not typically for food.
雨で旅行が台無しになった。
The trip was spoiled by the rain.
That child is spoiled by their grandparents.
A common phrase meaning 'to be raised spoiled'. Often used to describe someone's upbringing.
甘やかされて育った人は我慢ができない。
People who were spoiled as children can't endure hardship.
Means 'to become selfish/willful'. Often the result of being spoiled. Describes the behavior rather than the treatment.
甘やかすと、子どもはわがままになる。
If you spoil a child, they become selfish.
Literally 'to pamper oneself'. Used when someone indulges in treats or avoids hard work.
たまには自分を甘やかしてもいいよね。
It's okay to spoil yourself once in a while.
Loanword from English 'spoil'. Used in the sense of being spoiled (as a child), but less common and slightly formal.
彼は完全にスポイルされている。
He is completely spoiled.