Translation guide
To talk rapidly and continuously, often in a way that is difficult to understand or seems nonsensical. Japanese has several verbs and onomatopoeic expressions to capture this, ranging from casual chatter to fast, unintelligible speech.
Describing someone who speaks quickly without stopping, often about trivial matters.
A common, casual phrase using the onomatopoeia ぺちゃくちゃ for chattering. It implies lively, often trivial talk.
She's jabbering away on the phone.
To talk rapidly and forcefully, often without giving the listener a chance to respond. It can carry a nuance of berating or overwhelming someone with words.
He jabbered on without letting anyone else speak.
Combines 'fast-talking' with 'jabbering forcefully'. Emphasizes both speed and intensity.
He jabbered so fast I couldn't understand what he was saying.
Talking in a way that seems silly, incoherent, or without substance.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to say things that don't make sense'. It's a natural way to describe jabbering when the content is illogical.
He was delirious with fever and jabbering nonsense.
Literally 'to say foolish things'. It's a bit stronger and more dismissive, implying the talk is worthless or stupid.
Stop jabbering nonsense when you're drunk.
Specifically refers to talking in one's sleep or deliriously. It's used for incoherent jabbering due to fever, dreams, or unconsciousness.
He was jabbering in his sleep.
Engaging in casual, often trivial conversation, similar to chatting or gossiping.
The most common word for chatting or talking idly. It can be used for friendly conversation or, with a negative nuance, for gossiping.
They were jabbering away at the café for hours.
An onomatopoeic adverb often used with しゃべる to describe chattering or jabbering. It emphasizes the sound of rapid, light talk.
Implies talking fluently and nonstop, sometimes indiscreetly. It can be used for jabbering in a way that reveals secrets or talks too much.
He jabbered and let out the secret.
Both are onomatopoeic words for talking a lot. ぺちゃくちゃ focuses on the sound of light, often high-pitched chatter, like women or children talking. べらべら emphasizes fluency and continuous flow, sometimes with a negative nuance of being too talkative or indiscreet.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'jabber' in all contexts. Using a direct translation like ジャバーする would not be understood. Choose the expression based on the specific nuance: speed, incoherence, or idle chatter.
隣の席でぺちゃくちゃうるさい。
They're jabbering noisily at the next table.