Translation guide
The English word 'howl' refers to a long, loud cry, typically made by animals like wolves or dogs, but also by humans expressing strong emotion, or by the wind. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these different uses.
The long, loud cry of a wolf, dog, or similar animal.
The standard word for a howl, especially by wolves or dogs. Often used in the phrase 遠吠えをする (to howl).
夜になると、オオカミの遠吠えが聞こえる。
At night, you can hear the howling of wolves.
犬が遠吠えをしている。
The dog is howling.
A general verb for barking, howling, or roaring. Can be used for dogs, wolves, and other animals. Context clarifies it's a howl rather than a bark.
犬が月に向かって吠えている。
The dog is howling at the moon.
A general term for an animal's cry or call. Not specific to howling, but can be used in descriptive contexts.
オオカミの鳴き声が森に響いた。
The howl of the wolf echoed through the forest.
A loud, prolonged cry of pain, anger, laughter, or grief.
To shout, scream, or yell. Covers a wide range of loud vocal expressions, including howls of pain or anger.
To cry and shout loudly, often used for children or people in extreme distress. Conveys a howling cry.
To shout, scream, or yell in a noisy, often complaining manner. Can be used for howling in anger or protest.
A shriek or scream, often used for extreme fear or excitement. Can be used for a howl of terror.
To laugh very loudly and uncontrollably.
To laugh loudly; to guffaw. The most common way to express howling with laughter.
その冗談にみんな大笑いした。
Everyone howled with laughter at the joke.
To burst out laughing; to roar with laughter. Slightly more intense than 大笑い.
観客が爆笑した。
The audience howled with laughter.
The loud, mournful sound made by strong wind.
To groan, roar, or howl. Commonly used for the sound of wind, engines, or animals.
風が唸っている。
The wind is howling.
To make a roaring or howling sound. An onomatopoeic expression often used for wind or storms.
外では風がごうごうと音を立てていた。
Outside, the wind was howling.
To blow violently; to rage. Describes a stormy wind, often implying a howling sound.
吠える (ほえる) is a general verb for barking, howling, or roaring. 遠吠え (とおぼえ) specifically means a long, drawn-out howl, especially by wolves or dogs. Use 遠吠え when you want to emphasize the howling nature of the sound.
遠吠え is almost exclusively used for animals. Using it for a human howl would sound strange or metaphorical. Use 叫ぶ or other human vocalization words instead.
子供が泣き叫んでいる。
The child is howling (crying loudly).
He howled (ranted and raved).
恐怖の絶叫が聞こえた。
A howl of terror was heard.
To roll on the floor laughing; to laugh one's head off. Conveys a very strong, physical reaction.
彼の話を聞いて笑い転げた。
I howled with laughter at his story.
風が吹き荒れている。
The wind is howling (raging).