Translation guide
Describes the short, high-pitched sounds made by small birds, insects, or electronic devices. Japanese uses different onomatopoeia depending on the creature or context.
The cheerful, high-pitched sound of small birds like sparrows or finches.
The most common onomatopoeia for small birds chirping, especially sparrows. Used in everyday conversation and children's books.
朝、スズメがチュンチュン鳴いている。
In the morning, sparrows are chirping.
A lively, slightly noisy chirping, often used for a flock of small birds chattering together.
小鳥たちがピーチクパーチクさえずっている。
The little birds are chirping noisily.
The verb meaning 'to chirp' or 'to sing' for small birds. More literary or descriptive than onomatopoeia.
ウグイスが美しくさえずっている。
A bush warbler is chirping beautifully.
The rhythmic, often high-pitched sound made by insects like crickets or cicadas.
Standard onomatopoeia for the chirping of bell crickets (スズムシ) and similar insects, especially in autumn.
夜になるとスズムシがリーンリーン鳴き始める。
At night, the bell crickets start chirping.
Used for the chirping of certain crickets, like the Japanese tree cricket (コオロギ). Has a rolling, bell-like quality.
コオロギがコロコロ鳴いている。
The crickets are chirping.
Specifically for the loud, droning chirp of the large brown cicada (アブラゼミ) in summer. Not a general 'chirp'.
セミがミーンミーンとうるさい。
The cicadas are chirping loudly (and it's annoying).
A short, high-pitched beep or chirp from a phone, alarm, or electronic device.
A short, sharp electronic beep or chirp, like a button press or notification.
スマホがピッと鳴った。
My smartphone chirped.
A double chirp, often for a confirmation or error sound.
電子レンジがピピッと鳴って温め完了を知らせた。
The microwave chirped to signal it was done.
The action of making a chirping sound, regardless of source.
The general verb for animals making sounds, including chirping. Used with birds and insects. Combine with specific onomatopoeia for nuance.
鳥が鳴いている。
A bird is chirping.
Literally 'a sound occurs'. Used for electronic chirps or when the source is unclear.
どこかでピッという音がした。
I heard a chirp somewhere.
English 'chirp' can describe a cheerful, high-pitched human voice, but Japanese onomatopoeia for birds/insects are not used for people. Use 高い声 (たかいこえ, high voice) or 明るい声 (あかるいこえ, bright voice) instead.
彼女は明るい声で話した。
She spoke in a chirpy voice.