Translation guide
The English word 'moaning' can refer to low sounds of pain, discomfort, or pleasure, as well as the act of complaining. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To express that someone is making a low, continuous sound because of pain, illness, or discomfort.
The most common verb for 'to moan' in pain or distress. Often used for someone groaning in bed or after an injury.
彼は痛みでうめいた。
He moaned in pain.
病人が一晩中うめいていた。
The patient was moaning all night.
Can mean 'to groan' or 'to moan' with a deeper, throatier sound. Also used for growling or roaring, but in human contexts it implies a low moan of pain or effort.
彼は苦しそうにうなった。
He groaned painfully.
Literally 'to raise a moaning voice'. More descriptive and slightly literary.
彼女は呻き声をあげて倒れた。
She collapsed with a moan.
To describe moaning as an expression of pleasure, especially in intimate contexts.
Means 'to pant' or 'to gasp', but commonly used for moaning in pleasure. Can also imply breathlessness.
彼女は快感にあえいだ。
She moaned with pleasure.
Literally 'to let out a voice'. A softer, more euphemistic way to say someone moaned involuntarily.
彼は思わず声を漏らした。
He let out an involuntary moan.
Can also be used for pleasure, but more commonly associated with pain. Context will clarify.
To express that someone is complaining in an annoying or persistent way.
Standard phrase for 'to complain'. Not specifically 'moaning', but covers the meaning of expressing dissatisfaction.
彼はいつも食べ物に不平を言っている。
He's always moaning about the food.
Colloquial verb meaning 'to complain' or 'to grumble'. Often used for venting frustrations.
また愚痴ってるの？
Are you moaning again?
To mutter complaints under one's breath. Conveys grumbling or moaning quietly.
彼はぶつぶつ文句を言いながら歩いていた。
He was walking along moaning to himself.
Means 'to lament' or 'to grieve'. Can be used for moaning in a more dramatic, sorrowful sense.
To describe a sound like moaning made by non-living things.
Used for deep, resonant sounds like wind howling or an engine groaning.
風がうなっている。
The wind is moaning.
Descriptive phrase: 'a sound like a low groan'. Used when you need to be explicit.
機械から低いうなり声のような音が聞こえた。
A moaning sound came from the machine.
She let out a moan.
He moaned about his misfortune.