Translation guide
Describes a harsh, grating sound, often from objects rubbing together or under strain. Japanese uses onomatopoeia and specific verbs depending on what is creaking.
To describe a harsh, high-pitched sound made by wood, metal, hinges, etc. when they move or are under pressure.
To describe a rough, strained voice, often due to emotion, age, or illness.
To describe the sound or sensation of joints popping or grinding, often associated with aging or strain.
Literally 'joints creak', used for the grinding or cracking sound/feeling in knees, fingers, etc.
年を取ると関節がきしむ。
As you get older, your joints creak.
きしむ is a verb describing the action of creaking, while ぎしぎし is an onomatopoeic adverb mimicking the sound. Use きしむ for general statements and ぎしぎし for vivid, sound-focused descriptions.
階段がきしむ。
The stairs creak.
階段がぎしぎし言う。
The stairs go creak-creak.
きしむ is primarily for objects. For a creaky voice, use しわがれる or かすれる. Using きしむ for a voice sounds unnatural.
General verb for creaking, squeaking, or groaning of objects like floors, doors, furniture. Often implies friction or strain.
床がきしむ。
The floor creaks.
ドアがきしんで開かない。
The door creaks and won't open.
Onomatopoeia for a repeated creaking or grating sound, like a rusty hinge or old floorboards.
椅子がぎしぎし音を立てる。
The chair makes a creaking sound.
Kanji form of きしむ, often used in literary or formal writing. Same meaning.
古い家の柱が軋む音がした。
There was a creaking sound from the pillars of the old house.
Describes a voice that is hoarse, husky, or cracked. Often used for aging voices or when someone is emotional.
彼の声はしわがれていた。
His voice was creaky/hoarse.
泣きすぎて声がしわがれた。
I cried so much my voice became hoarse.
Means to become hoarse or faint, often used for voices that crack or are barely audible.
声がかすれて聞こえない。
My voice is so hoarse I can't be heard.
Literally 'bones creak', a more figurative expression for bodily strain or aging.
重い荷物で骨がきしむようだ。
My bones feel like they're creaking from the heavy luggage.