Translation guide
The English word 'loud' can describe high volume, bright colors, bold patterns, or obnoxious behavior. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from common adjectives to nuanced phrases.
The music is too loud.
She has a loud voice.
That shirt is really loud.
Describing sounds, voices, music, or environments that are high in volume or noisy.
The most common word for 'loud' in the sense of 'noisy' or 'annoyingly loud'. It can also mean 'annoying' or 'persistent' depending on context.
The next room is loud/noisy.
Means 'big' or 'loud' when referring to sound volume. Use with 声 (voice) or 音 (sound). More neutral than うるさい.
Describes a noisy, bustling environment or a boisterous person. Often used for lively but not necessarily annoying noise.
A stronger, more negative word for 'noisy' or 'loud', often implying irritation. Common in Kansai dialect but understood nationwide.
Describing colors, clothing, or designs that are vivid, flashy, or attention-grabbing.
The standard word for 'loud' in the sense of flashy, gaudy, or showy. Used for colors, patterns, fashion, and sometimes behavior.
Describing a person who is loud-mouthed, pushy, or obnoxiously assertive.
Expressing that something is done in a loud manner.
The most common way to say 'loudly' or 'in a loud voice'. Used with verbs like 話す (speak), 笑う (laugh), 泣く (cry).
うるさい implies the sound is annoying or unwanted, while 大きい simply states the volume is high. Use 大きい for neutral descriptions (e.g., 声が大きい 'a loud voice') and うるさい when complaining (e.g., うるさい！ 'It's too loud!').
The sound is loud, but it's not annoying.
The loanword ラウド (raudo) is sometimes used in music contexts (e.g., 'loud rock'), but it's not a general translation for 'loud'. Stick to the native Japanese words above.
The music is so loud I can't sleep.
声が大きいですね。
You have a loud voice, don't you?
Please turn up the TV volume.
This street is always loud/bustling.
The kids are so loud I can't concentrate.
She's wearing loud clothes.
That tie is a bit too loud.
Describes colors that are harsh, glaring, or garishly loud. Stronger than 派手 and often negative.
That pink is really loud, isn't it?
Means 'gaudy' or 'loud' in a tacky, overdone way. Often used for excessive makeup or decoration.
I don't like loud makeup.
Can also describe a person who is loud, nagging, or persistent in an annoying way.
He's always a loud/annoying person.
Describes a person or atmosphere that is boisterous, rowdy, or loud. More about noise level than personality.
A loud customer came into the store.
Literally 'high-voiced', used for someone who speaks loudly and assertively, often in a pushy or opinionated way.
He loudly asserted his opinion.
Please don't speak loudly.
He laughed loudly.
Means 'raising one's voice' or 'speaking louder'. Often used in requests.
Could you speak louder?
Adverbial form of うるさい, meaning 'loudly' or 'noisily'. Often implies annoyance.
The dog is barking loudly.