Translation guide
To cause excitement, controversy, or public attention, often through actions or statements.
To create a sensation or uproar, often in media or social contexts.
A common phrase meaning to cause public discussion or controversy, often used in news.
His remarks caused a stir.
Literally 'to cause ripples', meaning to create repercussions or a stir, often in social or political contexts.
The decision caused a big stir.
To cause a commotion or disturbance, more casual and direct.
He always causes a stir.
A noun meaning uproar or disturbance; often used with を起こす.
The incident caused a huge stir.
To attract widespread attention, often in entertainment or fashion.
To steal the spotlight or become the talk of the town, often in a positive sense.
Her new work caused a stir.
A loanword phrase meaning to cause a sensation, often used in media.
The movie caused a stir.
To become a topic of conversation; a more neutral way to say something is causing a stir.
The news quickly caused a stir.
To create a noisy or disruptive situation, often in a physical or social setting.
物議を醸す focuses on controversy and public debate, while 波紋を呼ぶ emphasizes the ripple effect or repercussions of an action. 波紋を呼ぶ can be used for both positive and negative stirs, but 物議を醸す is almost always negative or critical.
His policy caused controversy but didn't create wider repercussions.
Do not translate 'cause a stir' literally as かき混ぜる (to stir/mix). That refers to physical stirring, not social excitement.
The announcement caused a stir in the industry.
Her dress caused a stir at the party.
To make a racket or kick up a fuss; often used for people overreacting.
They cause a stir over little things.