Meaning and Usage
"甘える" (amaeru) means to behave in a dependent or spoiled way, often like a child seeking attention or care. It can describe both literal child-parent relationships and adult social dynamics where one person relies on another's kindness or indulgence.
Common Contexts
This verb is frequently used when talking about children acting affectionately or dependently toward their parents. It also appears in workplace or social settings where someone might be overly reliant on a superior or friend.
Collocations and Patterns
- 甘える＋に (甘えるに): to depend on or fawn on someone
- 甘えてばかりいる: to keep acting spoiled or dependent
- 甘えるのはほどほどに: a phrase advising moderation in being dependent
Register and Nuance
"甘える" carries a nuance of dependence that can be seen as cute or annoying depending on context. It is informal and often used in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with simple kindness or politeness; it implies a certain expectation of indulgence.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "甘える" with "甘やかす" (to spoil someone). Remember, "甘える" is the action of the person seeking indulgence, while "甘やかす" is the act of spoiling someone else.