Translation guide
Expressing dissatisfaction or complaint in a low, often indirect manner. Japanese has many onomatopoeic and mimetic words for grumbling, as well as verbs and phrases that convey the act of complaining under one's breath.
To mutter complaints quietly, often to oneself, without directly confronting anyone.
A very common mimetic phrase meaning to grumble or mutter complaints. 'Bustubutsu' mimics the sound of low, indistinct murmuring.
彼はいつもぶつぶつ言っている。
He is always grumbling.
文句をぶつぶつ言うのはやめて。
Stop grumbling your complaints.
The sound a stomach makes when hungry or digesting.
The standard phrase for a stomach growling or rumbling. 'Naru' means to sound or ring.
お腹がぐうぐう鳴っている。
My stomach is grumbling loudly.
A low, continuous sound of thunder in the distance.
The general phrase for thunder sounding. Can be used for any thunder, including rumbling.
遠くで雷が鳴っている。
Thunder is rumbling in the distance.
A standard phrase meaning to voice dissatisfaction or complaints. More direct than muttering, but can be used for grumbling.
彼は給料について不平を言った。
He grumbled about his salary.
A colloquial verb meaning to complain or grumble, often about trivial matters. Derived from 'guchi' (complaint).
また愚痴ってるの？
Are you grumbling again?
Similar to 'butsubutsu iu', but with a slightly more peevish or nagging tone. Often used for persistent grumbling.
彼女はぶつくさ言いながら部屋を片付けた。
She grumbled while tidying up the room.
Onomatopoeia for a deep, continuous rumbling, often used for stomachs or snoring.
お腹がぐうぐう言う。
My stomach is grumbling.
Onomatopoeia for a rolling or rumbling sound, can describe stomach noises, thunder, or objects rolling.
お腹がごろごろする。
My stomach is rumbling.
Onomatopoeia for a low, rolling rumble, commonly used for thunder.
雷がごろごろと鳴っている。
The thunder is rumbling.