Translation guide
The English word 'growl' can refer to animal sounds, human vocalizations expressing anger or hunger, and metaphorical rumbling noises. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each context.
To describe a low, threatening sound made by an animal.
The most common verb for animal growling, also used for groaning or roaring. Can be used for dogs, bears, and other animals.
犬が唸っている。
The dog is growling.
熊が唸り声をあげた。
The bear let out a growl.
Onomatopoeia mimicking a growl, often used in manga or casual speech.
犬が「ガルルル」と唸った。
The dog went 'grrr'.
To describe a person making a low, rough sound to express anger or threat.
Same verb as for animals, but used for humans making a low, threatening sound.
彼は怒って唸った。
He growled in anger.
Literally 'say in a low voice', often used to describe a growled statement.
「やめろ」と彼は低い声で言った。
'Stop it,' he growled.
Means to shout angrily, closer to 'yell' but can overlap with growling in aggressive contexts.
To describe the rumbling sound of a hungry stomach.
The standard expression for stomach growling. Literally 'stomach makes a sound'.
お腹が鳴って恥ずかしかった。
My stomach growled and I was embarrassed.
Literally 'stomach has decreased', a casual way to say 'I'm hungry' which may accompany a growl.
腹が減って、お腹が鳴った。
I was hungry and my stomach growled.
Onomatopoeia for stomach growling, often used in casual speech.
To describe a deep, continuous rumbling sound like an engine or thunder.
Also used for inanimate objects producing a low, resonant sound.
エンジンが唸っている。
The engine is growling.
雷が遠くで唸っていた。
Thunder growled in the distance.
Means to roar or rumble loudly, often for thunder, engines, or applause.
唸る (unaru) is a low, rumbling growl, while 怒鳴る (donaru) is a loud shout. Use 唸る for threatening or animalistic sounds, and 怒鳴る for angry yelling.
While 唸る covers many uses, for stomach growling the set phrase お腹が鳴る is more natural. Using 唸る for a stomach might sound odd or literary.
He growled at me. (angry shouting)
お腹がグーグー鳴っている。
My stomach is growling (grumbling).
雷鳴が轟いた。
Thunder growled/roared.