Translation guide
The English word 'murmuring' refers to a low, indistinct, continuous sound, often of voices or natural elements. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, from soft speech to ambient sounds.
To describe people speaking quietly, often in a way that is hard to hear clearly, like whispering or muttering.
Verb meaning 'to whisper'. Used for soft, intimate speech, often between two people. Can also be used for murmuring sweet nothings.
彼は彼女の耳元で愛の言葉をささやいた。
He murmured words of love into her ear.
Verb meaning 'to mutter' or 'to murmur'. Often used when someone speaks quietly to themselves, expressing thoughts or complaints under their breath.
彼は不満をつぶやいた。
He murmured his dissatisfaction.
Adverb describing low, mumbling speech. Often used with verbs like 話す (to speak) or 言う (to say). Implies speaking in a low, indistinct voice, sometimes secretively.
二人は隅でぼそぼそ話していた。
The two were murmuring in the corner.
Noun meaning 'whisper' or 'murmuring voice'. Refers to the sound of whispering.
隣の部屋からささやき声が聞こえた。
I could hear murmuring voices from the next room.
To describe the soft, soothing sound of a stream, breeze, or similar natural phenomenon.
Noun meaning 'murmur' or 'babbling' of a shallow stream or brook. Evokes a gentle, pleasant sound.
小川のせせらぎが心地よい。
The murmuring of the brook is pleasant.
Verb meaning 'to rustle' or 'to murmur' in the wind. Used for leaves, grass, or other light objects moving gently in a breeze.
Verb meaning 'to rustle' or 'to murmur', often used for trees or a crowd. Can imply a slightly louder or more restless sound than そよぐ.
To describe the low, continuous hum of many people talking quietly, like in a restaurant or gathering.
Onomatopoeic adverb for a low, continuous murmur of a crowd. Often used with する to mean 'to be noisy with murmuring'.
会場はざわざわしていた。
The venue was filled with murmuring.
Onomatopoeic adverb for a noisy, chattering murmur. Slightly louder and more chaotic than ざわざわ.
To refer to the abnormal sound of blood flow in the heart, often detected by a doctor.
Medical term for 'heart murmur'. Literally 'heart noise'.
医者は心雑音を聞き取った。
The doctor detected a heart murmur.
More descriptive phrase for 'heart murmur', using 心臓 (heart) and 雑音 (noise).
心臓の雑音が聞こえる。
A heart murmur can be heard.
ささやく is a whisper directed at someone, often romantic or secretive. つぶやく is muttering to oneself, often expressing inner thoughts or complaints. Use ささやく for intimate murmuring, つぶやく for grumbling under your breath.
彼は「疲れた」とつぶやいた。
He murmured, 'I'm tired.'
彼女は彼に「大好き」とささやいた。
She murmured 'I love you' to him.
English 'murmuring' is often translated directly as つぶやき or ささやき, but for natural sounds like streams or wind, use specific words like せせらぎ or そよぐ. Using つぶやく for a stream would sound unnatural.
小川のせせらぎ
the murmuring of a brook
The leaves are murmuring in the wind.
風で木々がざわめいている。
The trees are murmuring in the wind.
子供たちががやがや騒いでいる。
The children are murmuring noisily.