Translation guide
The English word 'loud' can describe high volume, bright colors, bold patterns, or obnoxious behavior. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from common adjectives to nuanced phrases.
音楽がうるさすぎる。
The music is too loud.
彼女は声が大きい。
She has a loud voice.
そのシャツはとても派手だ。
That shirt is really loud.
Describing sounds, voices, music, or environments that are high in volume or noisy.
The most common word for 'loud' in the sense of 'noisy' or 'annoyingly loud'. It can also mean 'annoying' or 'persistent' depending on context.
隣の部屋がうるさい。
The next room is loud/noisy.
音楽がうるさくて眠れない。
The music is so loud I can't sleep.
Means 'big' or 'loud' when referring to sound volume. Use with 声 (voice) or 音 (sound). More neutral than うるさい.
Describes a noisy, bustling environment or a boisterous person. Often used for lively but not necessarily annoying noise.
A stronger, more negative word for 'noisy' or 'loud', often implying irritation. Common in Kansai dialect but understood nationwide.
Describing colors, clothing, or designs that are vivid, flashy, or attention-grabbing.
The standard word for 'loud' in the sense of flashy, gaudy, or showy. Used for colors, patterns, fashion, and sometimes behavior.
彼女は派手な服を着ている。
She's wearing loud clothes.
そのネクタイはちょっと派手すぎるよ。
That tie is a bit too loud.
Describes colors that are harsh, glaring, or garishly loud. Stronger than 派手 and often negative.
Means 'gaudy' or 'loud' in a tacky, overdone way. Often used for excessive makeup or decoration.
Describing a person who is loud-mouthed, pushy, or obnoxiously assertive.
Can also describe a person who is loud, nagging, or persistent in an annoying way.
彼はいつもうるさい人だ。
He's always a loud/annoying person.
Literally 'high-voiced', used for someone who speaks loudly and assertively, often in a pushy or opinionated way.
Expressing that something is done in a loud manner.
The most common way to say 'loudly' or 'in a loud voice'. Used with verbs like 話す (speak), 笑う (laugh), 泣く (cry).
大声で話さないでください。
Please don't speak loudly.
彼は大声で笑った。
He laughed loudly.
Means 'raising one's voice' or 'speaking louder'. Often used in requests.
声を大きくしてもらえますか？
Could you speak louder?
Adverbial form of うるさい, meaning 'loudly' or 'noisily'. Often implies annoyance.
犬がうるさく吠えている。
The dog is barking loudly.
うるさい implies the sound is annoying or unwanted, while 大きい simply states the volume is high. Use 大きい for neutral descriptions (e.g., 声が大きい 'a loud voice') and うるさい when complaining (e.g., うるさい！ 'It's too loud!').
音が大きいけど、うるさくない。
The sound is loud, but it's not annoying.
The loanword ラウド (raudo) is sometimes used in music contexts (e.g., 'loud rock'), but it's not a general translation for 'loud'. Stick to the native Japanese words above.
声が大きいですね。
You have a loud voice, don't you?
テレビの音を大きくしてください。
Please turn up the TV volume.
この通りはいつも騒がしい。
This street is always loud/bustling.
子供たちがやかましくて集中できない。
The kids are so loud I can't concentrate.
あのピンクはどぎついね。
That pink is really loud, isn't it?
I don't like loud makeup.
Describes a person or atmosphere that is boisterous, rowdy, or loud. More about noise level than personality.
騒々しい客が店に入ってきた。
A loud customer came into the store.
彼は声高に自分の意見を主張した。
He loudly asserted his opinion.