Translation guide
The English word "wan" can describe a pale or weak appearance, a feeble quality, or a sound. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing a person's face or complexion as pale, often due to illness, tiredness, or lack of vitality.
Literally 'pale blue-white', this is the most common word for a pale, wan complexion, often implying poor health or shock.
Describing something like a smile, light, or effort as weak, faint, or lacking strength.
Describing a sound like a dog's howl or a siren's wail, often prolonged and sad.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all meanings of "wan". Always choose the expression based on the specific nuance: paleness, weakness, or sound.
彼は病気で青白い顔をしていた。
He had a wan face from illness.
A phrase meaning 'poor complexion' or 'lack of color in the face', often used for someone looking wan or unwell.
彼女は血色が悪くて、心配になった。
She looked so wan that I got worried.
Means 'lacking vitality' or 'lifeless', describing a wan, listless appearance.
彼の生気のない顔つきが気になった。
His wan expression bothered me.
A more literary or emphatic version of 青白い, meaning 'ghastly pale' or 'deathly pale'.
彼女の蒼白い顔が月明かりに浮かび上がった。
Her wan face stood out in the moonlight.
Means 'weak-looking' or 'feeble', perfect for a wan smile or a faint attempt.
彼は弱々しい笑みを浮かべた。
He gave a wan smile.
Describes something thin and weak, like a faint voice or light, often with a delicate nuance.
か細い光が部屋に差し込んでいた。
A wan light filtered into the room.
Literally 'without strength', used for a wan, listless action or expression.
彼女は力ない声で答えた。
She answered in a wan voice.
Specifically a howl, like a dog or wolf, often used for a long, mournful cry.
夜に犬の遠吠えが聞こえた。
I heard the wan of a dog at night.
General word for an animal's cry; can be used for a wan sound with context, but less specific.
犬の悲しげな鳴き声が響いた。
The dog's wan echoed.
A growl or groan; can describe a low, continuous wan-like sound, but more aggressive.
風の唸り声が不気味だった。
The wan of the wind was eerie.