Translation guide
To make a sound impossible to hear by being louder, or to overwhelm something so it becomes less noticeable.
The learner wants to say that one sound is so loud that another sound cannot be heard.
Literally 'scratch out and erase', this is the most direct and common way to say 'drown out' a sound. It implies a loud sound completely covering a quieter one.
The learner wants to say that something is so strong or prominent that it makes something else seem unimportant or hard to notice.
Do not translate 'drown out' literally as 溺れさせる (to make someone drown). That means to cause someone to die in water. Use かき消す for the idiomatic meaning.
His voice was drowned out by the noise.
音楽が話し声をかき消した。
The music drowned out the conversation.
Means 'become inaudible'. It describes the result rather than the action of drowning out. Use when the focus is on the sound that disappears.
電車の音でアナウンスが聞こえなくなった。
The announcement was drowned out by the train noise.
Means 'to strum or thrum loudly', often used for instruments. Can imply drowning out other sounds by playing loudly, but is more about the action of making noise.
彼はギターをかき鳴らして、周りの音をかき消した。
He strummed his guitar loudly, drowning out the surrounding sounds.
Also used metaphorically for non-sound contexts, like emotions, memories, or visual elements. It means to completely overshadow or erase.
彼の功績はスキャンダルにかき消された。
His achievements were drowned out by the scandal.
喜びが悲しみをかき消した。
Joy drowned out the sadness.
Means 'to become hazy' or 'to be overshadowed'. It describes something fading in importance or visibility compared to something else.
彼の才能は兄の名声の前に霞んでしまった。
His talent was drowned out by his brother's fame.
Means 'to overwhelm' or 'to overpower'. It can be used when one thing completely dominates another, but it's stronger and less specific than 'drown out'.
彼の存在感が他の出演者を圧倒した。
His presence drowned out the other performers.