Translation guide
Describes a harsh, high-pitched sound produced by friction, often from objects like doors, floors, or joints. In Japanese, the expression depends on what is making the sound and the quality of the noise.
To describe the sound made by a door, floorboard, or piece of furniture when it moves under pressure.
The most common verb for creaking sounds from objects like doors, floors, or beds. Often used for sustained or repeated creaking.
床が軋む。
The floor creaks.
ドアが軋んで開かない。
The door creaks and won't open.
Similar to 軋む, but often implies a sharper, shorter creak. Less common in modern speech but still used.
階段が軋る。
The stairs creak.
Uses the onomatopoeia ギシギシ to describe a creaking sound. Natural in casual conversation.
この椅子、座るとギシギシ音がする。
This chair makes a creaking sound when you sit on it.
To describe the sound or sensation of joints or bones making a creaking or cracking noise.
Also used for joints, especially when they feel stiff and make a grinding noise.
膝が軋む。
My knees creak.
Literally 'joints make a sound.' More general, can include popping or cracking, but works for creaking.
朝起きると関節が鳴る。
My joints creak when I get up in the morning.
To describe a voice that is rough, strained, or hoarse, often due to emotion or physical condition.
Means 'voice becomes hoarse/raspy.' Commonly used for a creaky voice from shouting or illness.
叫びすぎて声がかすれた。
I shouted so much my voice became creaky.
A noun meaning 'husky/creaky voice.' Often used for an aged or strained voice.
彼はしわがれ声で話した。
He spoke in a creaky voice.
軋む (きしむ) is the standard verb for creaking and covers most situations. 軋る (きしる) is less common and often implies a sharper, more abrupt sound. In modern Japanese, 軋む is preferred.
Japanese often uses onomatopoeia like ギシギシ or ミシミシ to vividly describe creaking sounds. These can be combined with 音がする (to make a sound) or used adverbially with verbs like 鳴る.