Translation guide
Expressing that someone expects or demands thanks, often with a negative or critical tone. The most natural Japanese expressions depend on whether you are describing the demand, accusing someone of it, or warning against it.
To say that someone expects gratitude, often in a complaining or critical way.
A direct and neutral way to say 'demand gratitude'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼はいつも感謝を求める。
He always demands gratitude.
Means 'to take gratitude for granted' or 'to feel entitled to thanks'. Conveys the demanding attitude without using the word 'demand'.
彼女は感謝を当然のように思っている。
She acts as if gratitude is her due.
An adjective meaning 'patronizingly expecting gratitude' or 'acting like one is doing a big favor'. Often used to criticize someone who demands thanks.
彼の恩着せがましい態度にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his attitude of demanding gratitude.
Literally 'to compel gratitude'. Stronger and more formal, implying coercion. Rare in casual speech.
感謝を強要するような言い方はやめてください。
Please stop talking in a way that demands gratitude.
To directly tell someone they are demanding thanks, often in an argument.
A confrontational way to say 'Are you telling me to thank you?'. Used when you feel someone is demanding gratitude.
感謝しろと言うのか？
Are you demanding my gratitude?
Idiom meaning 'to curry favor by doing something and then expecting gratitude'. Implies a manipulative demand for thanks.
彼は恩を売るようなことばかりする。
He's always doing things to demand gratitude.
To advise someone not to expect thanks, often as a moral lesson.
A straightforward warning: 'Don't expect gratitude.' Natural in both speech and writing.
人に親切にするときは、感謝を期待してはいけない。
When you're kind to others, don't demand gratitude.
Means 'Don't seek something in return.' Often used in the context of not demanding gratitude or favors.
善意は見返りを求めてはいけない。
Goodwill should not demand gratitude.
The English phrase 'demand gratitude' is not a single fixed expression in Japanese. Translating it word-for-word as '感謝を要求する' is understandable but sounds unnatural. Use the phrases above depending on context.