いじける

いじける
ichidan verb
to sulk, to become withdrawn, to be dejected
1. to sulk, to become withdrawn, to be dejected
To become emotionally closed off or sulky, often in response to feeling hurt, disappointed, or insecure. Can also describe a timid or twisted personality that develops from such experiences.
そんなにいじけるなよ。
Don't sulk like that.
(おこ)られていじけてる。
They got scolded and are sulking.
いじけた性格(せいかく)になってしまった。
I've developed a withdrawn personality.
()けたからっていじけないで。
Don't get all sulky just because you lost.

いじける describes a state of emotional withdrawal, often with a sense of self-pity or resentment. It can be temporary (sulking after being scolded) or describe a lasting personality trait.

Related expressions:

  • すねる (to pout, to sulk - similar but more childish)
  • ふてくされる (to sulk defiantly)
  • ひねくれる (to become twisted/cynical)

いじけた as a modifier describes someone with a timid, withdrawn, or self-deprecating personality.