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.
The dog is growling.
The bear let out a growl.
Onomatopoeia mimicking a growl, often used in manga or casual speech.
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.
He growled in anger.
Literally 'say in a low voice', often used to describe a growled statement.
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'.
My stomach growled and I was embarrassed.
Literally 'stomach has decreased', a casual way to say 'I'm hungry' which may accompany a growl.
Onomatopoeia for stomach growling, often used in casual speech.
To describe a deep, continuous rumbling sound like an engine or thunder.
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.
The dog growls.
The boss yells.
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.
'Stop it,' he growled.
彼は私に怒鳴った。
He growled at me. (angry shouting)
I was hungry and my stomach growled.
お腹がグーグー鳴っている。
My stomach is growling (grumbling).
Thunder growled in the distance.
雷鳴が轟いた。
Thunder growled/roared.