Translation guide
How to express that someone or something is making noise, is loud, or is disruptive in Japanese. Covers people, places, objects, and events.
部屋がうるさい。
The room is noisy.
静かにしてください。
Please be quiet.
Describe a person, place, or thing as noisy or loud in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'noisy' or 'loud'. Can describe people, places, or things. Also used to mean 'annoying' or 'persistent'.
隣の部屋がうるさい。
The next room is noisy.
子供たちがうるさくて、集中できない。
The kids are so noisy I can't concentrate.
Describes a lively, bustling, or rowdy atmosphere. Often used for places or groups of people making noise.
この通りはいつも騒がしい。
This street is always noisy.
A stronger, more negative word for 'noisy' or 'clamorous'. Can sound harsh or old-fashioned. Often used in Kansai dialect.
やかましい！静かにしろ。
Shut up! Be quiet.
Express that someone is actively making noise, such as talking loudly, banging, or creating a racket.
Literally 'to make a sound/noise'. Used for any kind of noise-making action.
夜中に音を立てないでください。
Please don't make noise in the middle of the night.
To make a racket, to be boisterous, to create a disturbance. Often used for people partying or causing a commotion.
隣の人が夜遅くまで騒いでいる。
The neighbors are making noise until late at night.
Onomatopoeic verb for a noisy chatter or hubbub, like a crowd talking loudly.
教室がガヤガヤしている。
The classroom is noisy with chatter.
Describe a specific sound or voice as loud, not just the general atmosphere.
Means 'big' or 'loud'. Used with 声 (voice) or 音 (sound) to say a voice or sound is loud.
声が大きいですね。
Your voice is loud, isn't it?
テレビの音が大きすぎる。
The TV sound is too loud.
Refers to noise pollution or disturbing noise, often used in formal or technical contexts.
Tell someone to stop being noisy or to be quiet.
Casual but standard way to say 'Be quiet'. Can be made polite: 静かにしてください.
静かにしてください。
Please be quiet.
Direct and somewhat rude way to say 'Shut up!' or 'You're noisy!'. Use with caution.
うるさい！黙って。
Shut up! Be quiet.
Short, sharp command meaning 'Quiet!' or 'Silence!'.
静かに！今、大事な話をしている。
Quiet! I'm talking about something important.
うるさい is the most common and can be used for any annoying noise. 騒がしい implies a lively, bustling noise, often with a neutral or slightly positive nuance. やかましい is stronger and more negative, often used in scolding.
このカフェは騒がしいけど、居心地がいい。
This café is noisy but comfortable.
隣の犬がうるさくて眠れない。
The neighbor's dog is noisy and I can't sleep.
うるさい almost always has a negative connotation (annoying noise). To say something is loud in a positive or neutral way (like loud music at a concert), use 音が大きい or 音量が大きい.
コンサートの音が大きくて迫力があった。
The sound at the concert was loud and powerful.
子供たちが騒いでいる。
The children are being noisy.
夜に音を立てないで。
Don't make noise at night.
工事の騒音がひどい。
The construction noise is terrible.