Translation guide
The English verb 'resound' describes a sound that fills a space, echoes, or becomes widely known. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these ideas, from literal echoing to figurative fame.
To describe a sound that fills and echoes within a room, hall, or area.
The most common and versatile verb for sound reverberating or echoing. Can be used for voices, music, footsteps, etc.
歌声がホールに響いた。
The singing voice resounded through the hall.
足音が廊下に響く。
Footsteps echo in the hallway.
Emphasizes a loud, continuous ringing or resounding, often for bells, alarms, or music.
鐘の音が町中に鳴り響いた。
The sound of the bell resounded throughout the town.
More technical/literary term for echoing or reverberation. Often used for physical echoes in large spaces.
山々に叫び声が反響した。
The shout resounded among the mountains.
To describe a place that is full of a particular sound, often continuously.
Pattern meaning 'to resound through/over' a place. The subject is the sound, and the place is marked with に.
歓声がスタジアムに響き渡った。
Cheers resounded throughout the stadium.
サイレンの音が夜の街に響き渡る。
The sound of sirens resounds through the night city.
Literally 'to be filled with', used for spaces filled with sound. More literary.
会場は拍手で満ちた。
The venue resounded with applause.
To describe news, reputation, or a name that spreads and becomes famous.
Often used for fame or reputation that 'resounds' far and wide. Can be used for sounds too, but here for figurative fame.
彼の名は世界中に轟いている。
His name resounds throughout the world.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to make one's name resound' or 'to win fame'. Often used in past tense.
彼は若くして名を馳せた。
He made his name resound at a young age.
Means 'to become widely known', often for news or rumors. Less poetic than 轟く.
To express that praises, criticisms, or declarations are made loudly and publicly.
Use verbs like 叫ぶ (shout) or 声高に言う (say loudly) to convey that something is proclaimed resoundingly.
群衆は「自由を！」と叫んだ。
The crowd resounded with cries of 'Freedom!'
To praise highly, to extol. Implies resounding praise.
彼の功績は大いに褒め称えられた。
His achievements were resoundingly praised.
響く is the everyday word for echoing or reverberating. 反響する is more formal and often used in written descriptions or technical contexts (e.g., acoustics). For most situations, 響く is the best choice.
English often says 'the room resounded with laughter.' In Japanese, avoid direct translations like '部屋は笑い声で響いた' (unnatural). Instead, use patterns like '部屋に笑い声が響き渡った' (Laughter resounded through the room) or '部屋は笑い声で満ちた' (The room was filled with laughter).
そのニュースは瞬く間に知れ渡った。
The news resounded in no time.