Translation guide
The English word 'commotion' refers to a noisy disturbance, uproar, or state of confused excitement. In Japanese, the best equivalent depends on the type of commotion: a loud public disturbance, a personal fuss, or a chaotic situation.
Describing a loud, disruptive event in a public place, like a fight, protest, or sudden panic.
A general term for a noisy disturbance, fuss, or uproar. Commonly used for public commotions.
駅で大きな騒ぎがあった。
There was a big commotion at the station.
何の騒ぎですか？
What's all the commotion about?
A more formal or dramatic word for a disturbance, riot, or upheaval. Often used in news reports.
その事件は大きな騒動を引き起こした。
The incident caused a huge commotion.
A lively, noisy party or uproarious merrymaking. Implies a boisterous, festive commotion.
隣の部屋でどんちゃん騒ぎが始まった。
A noisy party started in the next room.
Describing a state of agitation, excitement, or confusion affecting an individual or small group.
Literally 'big commotion'. Used for both public disturbances and personal overreactions or panics.
彼女は小さなことで大騒ぎする。
She makes a big commotion over little things.
子供たちが大騒ぎしていた。
The children were making a huge commotion.
A phrase meaning 'to become a big commotion' or 'to cause a stir'. Often used when a situation escalates.
そのニュースで町中が大騒ぎになった。
The news caused a huge commotion throughout the town.
A verb meaning 'to panic' or 'to be flustered'. Describes the state of being in a commotion rather than the commotion itself.
Describing a state of disorder, confusion, or upheaval, often without loud noise.
Means 'confusion' or 'chaos'. Used for situations where things are disorganized or people are bewildered, not necessarily noisy.
停電で街は大混乱になった。
The blackout caused great commotion in the city.
会議は混乱に陥った。
The meeting fell into commotion.
An onomatopoeic word for a messy, confused situation or a quarrel. Implies disorder and trouble.
Refers to emotional disturbance, agitation, or unrest. Often used for psychological commotion.
騒ぎ (sawagi) emphasizes noise and public disturbance, while 混乱 (konran) emphasizes confusion and disorder. Use 騒ぎ for a loud fight or uproar, and 混乱 for a chaotic situation like a system failure or panicked crowd.
外で騒ぎが起きた。
A commotion broke out outside. (noisy)
交通が混乱している。
Traffic is in commotion. (chaotic)
The word 運動 (undō) means 'movement' or 'exercise', not 'commotion'. Avoid this false friend.
慌てないでください。
Don't make a commotion. / Don't panic.
家の中でごたごたがあった。
There was a commotion at home. (e.g., a family quarrel)
その知らせに彼は動揺した。
He was in a state of commotion at the news.