Translation guide
How to express 'brat' in Japanese, from spoiled child to playful troublemaker.
A child who is spoiled, demanding, or throws tantrums when they don't get their way.
Literally 'selfish child'. A common, neutral way to describe a spoiled or demanding child.
あの子は本当にわがままな子だね。
That kid is such a brat, isn't he?
A child who throws a tantrum or whines to get what they want. Emphasizes the tantrum behavior.
駄々っ子みたいに泣かないで。
Don't cry like a brat.
A child who has been spoiled or overindulged. Focuses on the upbringing rather than the behavior itself.
彼は甘やかされた子だから、我慢ができない。
He's a spoiled brat, so he can't be patient.
A child who is rude, disruptive, or badly behaved in public.
A 'bad kid' or 'brat' who misbehaves, often used for boys. Casual and slightly old-fashioned but still common.
近所の悪ガキがまた窓を割った。
The neighborhood brat broke another window.
Vulgar and strong term for a brat, literally 'shit kid'. Used in anger or among close friends, not polite.
あのクソガキ、ぶっ飛ばしてやる。
That little brat, I'm gonna knock him out.
Literally 'restive horse', used for a wild, uncontrollable child, especially a girl. Somewhat dated.
A child who is naughty in a cute or endearing way, like a little rascal.
A mischievous child, often used affectionately. Similar to 'little rascal'.
うちのいたずらっ子がまた隠れちゃった。
My little brat has hidden again.
A naughty boy, full of energy and mischief. 'Bōzu' is an affectionate term for a boy.
An adult who acts like a spoiled brat, entitled and demanding.
A selfish person. Can be used for adults who act like brats.
彼はわがままな人で、いつも自分の意見を押し通す。
He's such a brat, always pushing his own opinions.
A person who acts spoiled and dependent, like a child. Can be used for adults in a critical or teasing way.
あの甘えん坊、また上司に泣きついたよ。
That brat went crying to the boss again.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'brat'. Choose based on whether the child is spoiled, ill-mannered, or mischievous. Using the wrong term can sound too harsh or too soft.
わがままな子 emphasizes selfishness and being spoiled. 悪ガキ emphasizes bad behavior and mischief. A child can be both, but the focus differs.
彼女は小さい頃、じゃじゃ馬だった。
She was a real brat when she was little.
やんちゃ坊主だけど、憎めないよ。
He's a brat, but I can't hate him.