Translation guide
The English word 'echo' can refer to a reflected sound, a repeating or imitating action, or a lingering effect. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
The physical phenomenon of sound bouncing back, or the sound itself.
The most common and neutral word for an echo or reverberation of sound. Can be used for both natural echoes and metaphorical reverberations.
To repeat someone's words or actions, often without thought or in mimicry.
Literally 'to say like a parrot returns', meaning to repeat someone's words back verbatim. Very common and natural.
彼は私の言葉をオウム返しに言った。
He echoed my words back to me.
Something that brings back memories or continues to have an influence.
While エコー is understood, it sounds unnatural for everyday echoes like shouting in the mountains. Use 反響 or こだま instead.
山で叫ぶと反響が聞こえる。
If you shout in the mountains, you can hear an echo.
このホールは反響が大きい。
This hall has a lot of echo/reverberation.
Often used for a clear, distinct echo, especially in natural settings like mountains. Can feel slightly more poetic or literary than 反響.
谷に声がこだました。
My voice echoed through the valley.
Loanword from English, commonly used in technical contexts (e.g., audio engineering, ultrasound) or as a brand name. Less common for natural echoes.
エコー検査を受ける。
To have an ultrasound (echo) examination.
General verb for 'repeat'. Can be used for echoing words or actions, but is broader in meaning.
彼女は私の意見をただ繰り返しただけだ。
She just echoed my opinion.
To imitate or copy. Can be used for echoing someone's style or mannerisms.
子供が親の口調を真似た。
The child echoed the parent's tone of voice.
Refers to remnants, traces, or lingering vestiges of something past. Often used for emotional or seasonal echoes.
夏の名残を感じる。
I feel echoes of summer.
The lingering impression or aftertaste of an experience, often aesthetic or emotional. Common in literary contexts.
その言葉の余韻が心に残った。
The echo of those words lingered in my heart.