Translation guide
The English word 'herald' can be a noun meaning a messenger or sign of something to come, or a verb meaning to announce or signal the approach of something. This guide covers both uses.
To refer to a person, event, or thing that indicates or foreshadows a future event or change.
The first robin is a herald of spring. · Dark clouds are a herald of the coming storm. · The invention was a herald of the digital age.
Common word for a sign, omen, or harbinger of something to come. Often used for both positive and negative events.
To describe an action or event that signals or announces that something is about to happen or arrive.
The invention heralded a new era of communication. · The distant thunder heralded the storm's approach. · The first flowers herald the coming of spring.
前触れ is the most direct equivalent for 'herald' as a sign, often implying a clear indication. 兆し is more subtle, like a hint or symptom. 先駆け emphasizes being first or pioneering, and can refer to a person or thing that leads the way.
告げる is often used in literary or slightly poetic contexts to describe nature or time heralding something. In casual speech, 知らせる is more common for simply informing someone.
ツバメは春の前触れです。
Swallows are a herald of spring.
この暖かさは嵐の前触れかもしれない。
This warmth might be a herald of a storm.
Literally 'forerunner', used for a person or thing that goes ahead or appears first, often in a pioneering sense. Can be used for signs or early indicators.
その花は春の先駆けとして知られている。
That flower is known as a herald of spring.
Sign, indication, or symptom. Often used for subtle or early signs of change, especially in abstract contexts.
空に秋の兆しが見える。
There are heralds of autumn in the sky.
Literary or historical term for a person who proclaims or announces something officially. Rare in modern conversation.
王の布告者が新しい法律を宣言した。
The king's herald proclaimed the new law.
Common verb meaning 'to tell, inform, announce'. Often used in the pattern ～を告げる to mean 'herald' or 'announce the arrival of'.
小鳥のさえずりが春の訪れを告げた。
The chirping of small birds heralded the arrival of spring.
鐘の音が新年を告げた。
The sound of the bell heralded the new year.
General verb for 'to inform, let know, signal'. Can be used for heralding events, but less poetic than 告げる.
その雲行きが嵐の接近を知らせていた。
The look of the clouds heralded the approach of a storm.
Fixed phrase meaning 'to herald the arrival of ~'. Very natural and common.
この暖かい風は春の到来を告げている。
This warm wind heralds the arrival of spring.
Means 'to be a herald/sign of ~'. Uses the noun 前触れ.
この発見は新時代の前触れとなった。
This discovery heralded a new era.
Verb form of 先触れ (advance notice, harbinger). Somewhat formal or literary.
その出来事は変革を先触れするものだった。
The event heralded a transformation.