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).
At night, you can hear the howling of wolves.
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.
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.
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.
The loud, mournful sound made by strong wind.
To groan, roar, or howl. Commonly used for the sound of wind, engines, or animals.
The wind is howling.
To make a roaring or howling sound. An onomatopoeic expression often used for wind or storms.
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.
The child is howling (crying loudly).
彼は喚き散らした。
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.
I howled with laughter at his story.
Outside, the wind was howling.
The wind is howling (raging).