Translation guide
The act of annoying someone repeatedly, often by asking for something or demanding attention. In Japanese, this is expressed through verbs and adjectives that convey persistence, annoyance, and clinginess.
To describe the act of repeatedly asking someone for something or demanding their attention in an annoying way.
An i-adjective meaning persistent, insistent, or nagging. It can describe a person or their behavior. Very common in everyday speech.
彼はしつこくて嫌になる。
He's so pestering, it's annoying.
しつこく聞かないでください。
Please don't keep pestering me with questions.
An adverb or to-adverb meaning persistently and annoyingly, often with a nuance of nitpicking or dwelling on something. Can be used for verbal pestering.
彼はねちねちと文句を言う。
He pesters me with complaints.
A verb meaning to pester someone for something, especially to beg or plead persistently. Often used when children pester parents for toys or treats.
子供がおもちゃを買ってとせがんだ。
The child pestered me to buy a toy.
A verb meaning to follow someone around persistently, to shadow, or to pester by not leaving them alone. Implies physical presence.
彼はいつも私に付きまとう。
He's always pestering me by following me around.
To describe someone who is overly attached and constantly seeks attention in an irritating way.
Slang i-adjective short for うざったい, meaning annoying, irritating, or pestering. Very common among younger people.
あの子、うざいんだよね。
That kid is so pestering.
The full form of うざい, meaning annoying, bothersome, or pestering. Slightly less slangy but still casual.
To express the act of repeatedly criticizing, complaining, or reminding someone in an annoying way.
An i-adjective meaning nagging, fault-finding, or pestering with words. Literally 'mouth-noisy'.
母は口うるさくて困る。
My mom is so pestering with her nagging.
An adverb describing someone nagging or scolding persistently and loudly. Often used with 言う.
A phrase meaning to nag or find fault. 小言 means petty criticism or scolding.
彼はいつも小言を言ってばかりだ。
He's always pestering me with petty criticisms.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'pestering'. Choose the expression based on the specific type of annoying behavior: persistent asking (しつこい), clingy neediness (うざい), or nagging (口うるさい). Using the wrong one can sound unnatural.
彼のうざったい態度には我慢できない。
I can't stand his pestering attitude.
A verb meaning to cling to someone annoyingly, to pester by sticking close. Often used for children or pets.
犬がずっとまとわりついてくる。
The dog keeps pestering me by clinging to me.
上司ががみがみ言う。
My boss pesters me with constant scolding.