Translation guide
Describes high-pitched, short sounds made by objects, animals, or people. Japanese uses onomatopoeia and specific verbs depending on the source and quality of the sound.
A high-pitched, creaking sound from friction, like a rusty hinge or new shoes.
General verb for creaking or squeaking of objects under friction or pressure, like doors, floors, or furniture.
ドアがきしむ。
The door squeaks.
床がきしんで音を立てた。
The floor squeaked.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a light, repetitive squeaking, like new sneakers on a floor.
新しい靴がきゅっきゅっと鳴る。
My new shoes squeak.
Kanji form of きしむ, often used in literary or formal writing.
古い階段が軋む。
The old stairs squeak.
The high-pitched vocalization of rodents or similar small creatures.
Standard onomatopoeia for mouse squeaks. チューチュー mimics the sound.
ネズミがチューチュー鳴いている。
The mouse is squeaking.
Higher, sharper squeak, often for distressed or baby animals.
子ネズミがキーキー鳴く。
The baby mouse squeaks.
A person's voice becoming high and thin, often due to emotion or strain.
Describes a voice that cracks or becomes high-pitched unintentionally, like when nervous.
緊張して声が裏返った。
I was so nervous my voice squeaked.
A piercing, high-pitched voice, often unpleasant or grating.
彼女のキンキン声が耳に障る。
Her squeaky voice grates on my ears.
Literally 'yellow voice'; refers to high-pitched screaming, especially of fans or children.
Loud, high-pitched friction sound from vehicles.
Onomatopoeia for a sharp, sustained squeal, like car brakes or tires.
車がキーッという音を立てて止まった。
The car stopped with a squeak.
Literally 'the brakes cry/squeal', a common expression for brake noise.
ブレーキが鳴くので修理に出した。
The brakes were squeaking, so I took the car in for repair.
きしむ is for low, creaking friction (doors, floors). きゅっきゅっ is for light, repetitive squeaks (shoes, toys). キーキー is for high, sharp sounds (animals, brakes, voices).
鳴く (なく) means 'to cry/utter' and is used for animals. For inanimate objects like doors, use 音がする or specific verbs like きしむ.
アイドルに黄色い声が飛ぶ。
Squealing cheers erupt for the idol.