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.
The floor creaks.
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.
The stairs creak.
Uses the onomatopoeia ギシギシ to describe a creaking sound. Natural in casual conversation.
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.
To describe a voice that is rough, strained, or hoarse, often due to emotion or physical condition.
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.
He spoke in a creaky voice.