Meaning and Usage
The verb 甘やかす (あまやかす) means "to pamper" or "to spoil" someone, often a child or a pet. It implies giving too much leniency or indulgence, which can lead to undesirable behavior such as selfishness or disobedience.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used when talking about parenting or pet care. It often carries a slightly negative nuance, warning against overindulgence.
Collocations and Patterns
- 子どもを甘やかす: to spoil a child
- ペットを甘やかす: to pamper a pet
- 甘やかしすぎる: to spoil too much
These phrases highlight the typical objects and intensifiers used with 甘やかす.
Register and Politeness
甘やかす is a neutral verb and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, but it is more common in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 甘やかす with 優しい (やさしい, kind). 甘やかす implies excessive indulgence, which is not always kind or beneficial. Use 甘やかす when you want to express "spoiling" rather than just "being kind."