Translation guide
The English word 'roaring' can describe loud deep sounds (like a lion), loud laughter, a blazing fire, or a booming success. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To describe a loud, deep, continuous sound like a lion's roar, an engine, or strong wind.
A noun meaning 'roaring sound' or 'thunderous noise'. Used for engines, explosions, natural forces.
ジェット機の轟音が空に響いた。
The roaring sound of the jet echoed through the sky.
Noun meaning 'roar', 'rumble', or 'boom'. Often used for thunder, waterfalls, or cannons.
滝のとどろきが谷間に響き渡った。
The roaring of the waterfall echoed through the valley.
Noun meaning 'groan', 'roar', or 'howl'. Used for engines, animals, or wind. Implies a deep, vibrating sound.
ライオンの唸り声が聞こえた。
We heard the lion's roaring.
Adverb meaning 'with a roar' or 'booming'. Literary or emphatic.
火は轟々と燃え上がった。
The fire blazed up with a roaring sound.
To describe very loud, hearty laughter.
Noun/する verb meaning 'loud laughter' or 'guffaw'. The most common way to say 'roaring with laughter'.
彼の冗談にみんな大笑いした。
Everyone roared with laughter at his joke.
Noun/する verb meaning 'explosive laughter' or 'roaring laughter'. Stronger than 大笑い.
Phrase meaning 'to laugh holding one's belly', i.e., to roar with laughter.
その話を聞いて、腹を抱えて笑った。
Hearing that story, I roared with laughter.
To describe a fire that is burning very intensely and loudly.
Phrase meaning 'to burn vigorously'. Describes a roaring fire naturally.
暖炉の火が勢いよく燃えている。
The fire in the fireplace is roaring.
Verb meaning 'to blaze' or 'to burn fiercely'. Often used for large fires.
家が燃え盛っていた。
The house was roaring in flames.
Adverb + verb meaning 'to burn with a roaring sound'. Emphasizes the noise.
たき火がごうごうと燃えている。
The bonfire is roaring.
To describe a business or activity that is extremely successful and busy.
Noun meaning 'great prosperity' or 'booming'. Often used for roaring trade.
新しいレストランは大繁盛だ。
The new restaurant is doing a roaring trade.
Noun meaning 'prosperity' or 'success'. Slightly formal.
展示会は盛況のうちに終了した。
The exhibition ended with roaring success.
Noun meaning 'great success'. Can be used for a roaring success.
English 'roaring' is often used figuratively (e.g., 'roaring success'). Japanese uses separate expressions for sound, laughter, fire, and success. Using a sound word for success would be unnatural.
会場は爆笑の渦に包まれた。
The venue was engulfed in roaring laughter.
彼の新作映画は大成功を収めた。
His new movie was a roaring success.