Nuance Dictionary / Social Dynamics

투정부리다 tu-jeong-bu-ri-da

To grumble, complain childishly, or pout to get attention

What does 투정부리다 mean?

투정부리다 (tu-jeong-bu-ri-da) means: To grumble, complain childishly, or pout to get attention.

Speakers use this verb when someone expresses dissatisfaction or makes petty demands in a complaining, childlike manner. It often describes the behavior of children seeking attention, but can apply to adults acting unreasonably or petulantly. It frequently occurs in casual spoken contexts among family members or close acquaintances.

When used toward adults, it can sound dismissive or gently mocking, framing their complaints as immature or unreasonable rather than serious grievances.

Other sides of 투정부리다

◆ Professional Immaturity — Speakers use this term to describe complaints or grievances. It typically applies to situations where someone expresses discontent. It appears in contexts involving dissatisfaction with conditions.

In professional contexts, applying this term to an adult colleague can function to dismiss their objections as childish, reframing valid operational concerns as a lack of emotional maturity.

◆ Fandom Entitlement — Speakers use this term to describe complaining behavior that seems disproportionate or overly childish. It often appears in discussions where someone voices discontent over trivial matters. It combines with expressions of annoyance or reprimand regarding someone's attitude.

Online, this is frequently used to describe fans who express unreasonable demands or dissatisfaction toward idols or agencies, framing their expectations as childish.

How it's actually used

  • 아이처럼 투정부리지 마세요.
    a-i-cheo-reom tu-jeong-bu-ri-ji ma-se-yo.
    Don't complain like a child.
    💡 Advising someone against acting petulantly
  • 그는 힘들 때마다 투정부리곤 한다.
    geu-neun him-deul ttae-ma-da tu-jeong-bu-ri-gon han-da.
    He tends to grumble whenever things get difficult.
    💡 Describing habitual complaining behavior
  • 그만 투정부리고 빨리 일어나.
    geu-man tu-jeong-bu-ri-go ppal-li il-eo-na.
    Stop whining and get up already.
    💡 Urging someone to stop making a fuss

Related words in Social Dynamics

유치하다 yu-chi-ha-da촌스럽다 chon-seu-reop-da뻔뻔하다 ppeon-ppeon-ha-da솔직하다 sol-jik-ha-da능글맞다 neung-geul-mat-da

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