Translation guide
The English word "squeal" can refer to a high-pitched cry from a person or animal, or informally to informing on someone. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these different uses.
To express a loud, sharp, high-pitched sound made by a person or animal, often from excitement, pain, or fear.
To inform on someone to authorities or a person in power, often betraying trust.
To inform on someone, often to the police or authorities. Carries a nuance of betrayal.
彼は仲間を警察に密告した。
He squealed on his accomplices to the police.
悲鳴 usually implies fear, pain, or distress. For happy squeals, use 叫び声 or 甲高い声 with context words like 喜び (joy) or 興奮 (excitement).
She let out a squeal of terror.
子豚が悲鳴を上げた。
The piglet squealed.
A shout or yell; can be high-pitched. Often used for sudden, loud cries.
子供たちは興奮して叫び声をあげた。
The children squealed with excitement.
Literally 'high-pitched voice'. Describes the quality of the sound rather than the act. Use with verbs like 出す or 上げる.
彼女は甲高い声を出して笑った。
She laughed with a squeal.
Onomatopoeia for a high-pitched shriek, often used by girls or women when scared or excited. Casual.
キャー！ネズミがいる！
Eek! There's a mouse!
Onomatopoeia for a high-pitched squeaking or squealing sound, like that of a small animal or a hinge. Often used for mice, bats, or excited children.
子犬がキーキー鳴いている。
The puppy is squealing.
Slang for tattling or snitching. Very casual, often used among children or in informal contexts.
あいつ、先生にチクったんだ。
That guy squealed to the teacher.
To tattle or tell on someone, often with a childish or petty nuance. Less serious than 密告.
妹が母に告げ口した。
My little sister squealed to Mom.
To tip off or inform the police, often anonymously. Used in crime contexts.
匿名の通報者が警察に垂れ込んだ。
An anonymous tipster squealed to the police.