Translation guide
The English word 'lull' can refer to a temporary pause or calm in activity, noise, or weather, or to the act of soothing someone into calmness or sleep. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese expressions.
Expressing a short period of quiet, reduced activity, or calm, often in the middle of something.
Refers to a temporary lull or respite, often used for weather, illness, or conflict. Implies a pause in an otherwise difficult situation.
To gently calm someone, often a baby, into a relaxed or sleepy state.
To soothe or comfort a baby, often by rocking or talking softly. Implies calming a fussy infant.
小康 is used for a lull in a negative or intense situation (storm, conflict, fever), while 途切れ is for a break in continuity (conversation, traffic, sound).
English 'lull' as a verb (to calm into sleep) does not have a single direct equivalent. Use あやす for babies, 寝かしつける for putting to sleep, or 宥める for soothing emotions. Do not use 小康 as a verb.
嵐が小康状態になった。
The storm entered a lull.
A break or gap in something continuous, like conversation, noise, or flow. Often used for a lull in talk or sound.
会話が途切れた。
There was a lull in the conversation.
Specifically a lull in rain or snow; a brief pause in precipitation.
雨が小止みになった。
The rain let up for a bit.
A lull in the wind; a calm at sea. Often used in nautical or poetic contexts.
風が凪いだ。
The wind died down.
A literal phrase meaning 'temporary quietness', useful when no specific word fits.
戦場に一時的な静けさが訪れた。
A temporary lull fell over the battlefield.
赤ちゃんをあやして寝かしつけた。
I lulled the baby to sleep.
To put a child to bed, often involving soothing actions. Focuses on the result of getting them to sleep.
子守唄で子どもを寝かしつけた。
I lulled the child to sleep with a lullaby.
To soothe or pacify someone, not limited to babies. Can be used for calming anger or anxiety.
彼女の不安を宥めるように優しく話した。
He spoke gently to lull her anxiety.
To make someone drowsy or doze off, often through monotonous sound or gentle rocking.
波の音が彼をうとうとさせた。
The sound of the waves lulled him into a doze.