Translation guide
Describes a sound or movement that is harsh, grating, or squeaky, often due to age, dryness, or poor condition. In Japanese, this is expressed through onomatopoeia, adverbs, or descriptive verbs.
To describe something that produces a creaking noise when moved, typically due to friction or lack of lubrication.
An onomatopoeic adverb that mimics the sound of something creaking repeatedly, like a floorboard or an old door. Often used with と and a verb like 鳴る (to sound) or きしむ (to creak).
古い床がぎしぎしと鳴った。
The old floor creaked loudly.
ドアを開けると、ぎしぎしと音がした。
When I opened the door, it made a creaking sound.
A verb meaning 'to creak' or 'to squeak' under pressure or friction. Can be used for floors, furniture, or even strained relationships.
階段がきしむので、静かに歩いた。
The stairs creaked, so I walked quietly.
Another onomatopoeia for a creaking sound, often used for something that creaks with a higher pitch or more irregularly than ぎしぎし.
ブランコがぎいぎいと揺れている。
The swing is creaking as it sways.
To describe a person or thing that moves with difficulty, as if joints or parts are stiff and make noise.
An adverb meaning 'awkwardly' or 'stiffly', used for movements that lack smoothness. It doesn't necessarily imply sound, but captures the unsteady quality.
彼はぎこちなく立ち上がった。
He stood up creakily.
Literally 'to move with a creaking sound', used for robots, old machinery, or a person whose joints seem to creak.
ロボットがぎしぎしと動いた。
The robot moved creakily.
To describe a voice that sounds rough, strained, or squeaky, often due to age, emotion, or illness.
A phrase meaning 'in a hoarse/raspy voice'. しわがれる is a verb meaning 'to become hoarse'.
老人がしわがれた声で話した。
The old man spoke creakily.
Similar to しわがれた, meaning 'in a husky/hoarse voice'. Often used when the voice is weak or breathy.
彼女はかすれた声でささやいた。
She whispered creakily.
Japanese often uses onomatopoeic words like ぎしぎし to describe sounds vividly. Pair them with と and a verb like 鳴る or 音がする for natural expression.
There is no single Japanese adverb that directly translates 'creakily' in all contexts. Choose the expression based on whether you're describing sound, movement, or voice.