Translation guide
The English word 'groaning' can refer to a low sound of pain, discomfort, or effort, or to complaining in a grumbling way. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both physical groaning and figurative complaining.
To express a low, deep sound made when in pain, struggling, or exerting effort.
The most common verb for groaning in pain or discomfort. Often used for someone who is injured or sick.
He groaned in pain.
The patient is groaning in bed.
Can mean to groan, growl, or moan. Often implies a deeper, more resonant sound, sometimes from effort or frustration.
He groaned as he lifted the heavy luggage.
Literally 'to let out a groan/growl'. More descriptive and less common in everyday speech.
He let out a groan of agony.
To express dissatisfaction or annoyance in a low, muttering way.
To mutter complaints or grumble under one's breath. Very common for expressing discontent quietly.
He's always groaning about work.
Stop groaning about it.
To complain or grumble, often to someone else. Slightly more colloquial than ぶつぶつ言う.
A more formal way to say 'complain'. Not specifically 'groan', but can be used in contexts of grumbling.
He always groans about the food.
To describe a low, creaking noise made by objects under stress, like wood or metal.
うめく is specifically for groaning in pain or discomfort, often with a closed mouth. うなる can also mean to growl or roar, and is used for deeper, more resonant sounds, sometimes from effort or anger.
He groaned from his injury.
The lion growled.
うめく is only for physical groaning. To express complaining or grumbling, use ぶつぶつ言う or 愚痴る instead.
彼女は給料が安いと愚痴っていた。
She was groaning about her low salary.
The tree branches are groaning in the wind.
That chair groans every time you sit on it.