Translation guide
The act of producing a whistling sound with the mouth or a device. In Japanese, the most common word is 口笛 (kuchibue), but there are also specific terms for whistling with a blade of grass, whistling of a kettle, and more.
The sound made by blowing air through pursed lips, often to produce a melody or signal.
The standard word for whistling with the mouth. Can be used as a noun or with the verb 吹く (to blow).
彼は口笛を吹きながら歩いていた。
He was walking while whistling.
口笛で曲を吹くのが得意だ。
I'm good at whistling tunes.
The verb phrase 'to whistle'. This is the most natural way to say 'whistle' as an action.
口笛を吹いて呼んでみて。
Try whistling to call him.
Whistling using fingers in the mouth to produce a loud, piercing sound. Often used to get attention.
彼は指笛でタクシーを止めた。
He hailed a taxi with a finger whistle.
Producing a whistling sound by blowing on a blade of grass held between the thumbs or lips.
A whistle made from a blade of grass. Also refers to the act of playing it.
子供の頃、草笛を吹いて遊んだ。
When I was a child, I used to play with grass whistles.
The verb phrase for making a sound with a grass whistle.
彼は器用に草笛を吹いた。
He skillfully blew a grass whistle.
A high-pitched sound produced by steam or air, like a boiling kettle or strong wind.
While 笛 generally means 'whistle' or 'flute', it can also refer to the whistling sound of a kettle or wind when used in compounds or context.
やかんの笛が鳴っている。
The kettle is whistling.
Onomatopoeia for the sound of whistling wind or a whistling kettle. Often used adverbially.
風がヒューと吹いている。
The wind is whistling.
The melodious whistling sound made by some birds.
Refers to the chirping or singing of small birds, often including whistling sounds. Not exclusively whistling, but commonly used.
鳥のさえずりが聞こえる。
I can hear the birds whistling.
Onomatopoeia for a bird's whistling or peeping sound.
In Japanese, 'to whistle' is usually expressed as 口笛を吹く (kuchibue o fuku). There is no single verb equivalent to 'whistle' in English. You cannot say 口笛する.
口笛 (kuchibue) is the general term for whistling with the mouth, while 指笛 (yubibue) specifically refers to the loud whistle produced with fingers. Use 口笛 unless you need to emphasize the finger technique.
誰かが口笛を吹いているのが聞こえた。
I heard someone whistling.
彼は楽しそうな曲を口笛で吹いた。
He whistled a happy tune.
小鳥がピーピー鳴いている。
The little bird is whistling.