(だだ)

だだ
noun
tantrum; unreasonable demand
informalemotion
1. tantrum; unreasonable demand; whining
Childish fussing or crying to get one's way. Almost always used in the expression 駄々をこねる (to throw a tantrum).
子供(こども)駄々(だだ)こねている
The child is throwing a tantrum.
おもちゃ()ってほしくて駄々(だだ)こねた。
The child threw a tantrum wanting a toy.
It's embarrassing for a grown adult to act like a whiny child.

Almost exclusively used in the fixed expression 駄々(だだ)こねる (to throw a tantrum, to whine and fuss).

Common patterns

  • 駄々(だだ)こねる — to throw a tantrum

Primarily describes children's behavior, but can be used sarcastically or critically about adults who behave childishly. The verb こねる literally means "to knead," and the expression evokes the image of a child twisting and writhing on the ground.