ちやほやする

• Reading: ちやほやする
• Romaji: chiyahoyasuru
• Pronunciation: /tɕi.ja.ho.ja.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To pamper; to fawn over; to flatter someone excessively; to treat with hollow indulgence.

A Group 3 (irregular suru) verb. ちやほやする describes superficial or excessive praise and coddling — often with a mildly critical nuance implying the attention is insincere or self-serving. Frequently used to describe how crowds react to celebrities or how parents spoil children beyond what is healthy.

Examples

1. スターになった途端、周囲がちやほやするようになった。 The moment he became a star, everyone around him started fawning over him.
2. 子供をちやほやしすぎると自立心が育たない。 If you pamper a child too much, they won't develop independence.
3. 彼女はちやほやされることに慣れすぎていた。 She had grown far too accustomed to being fawned over.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, social relationships, entertainment

Tone: slightly critical

Origin & History

The origin of ちやほや is onomatopoeic, suggesting the fluttery, hollow quality of excessive flattery. The expression has been recorded in Japanese since at least the Edo period.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal