Translation guide
The English word 'murmuring' refers to a low, indistinct, continuous sound, often of voices or natural elements. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, from soft speech to ambient sounds.
To describe people speaking quietly, often in a way that is hard to hear clearly, like whispering or muttering.
Verb meaning 'to whisper'. Used for soft, intimate speech, often between two people. Can also be used for murmuring sweet nothings.
He murmured words of love into her ear.
Verb meaning 'to mutter' or 'to murmur'. Often used when someone speaks quietly to themselves, expressing thoughts or complaints under their breath.
He murmured his dissatisfaction.
Adverb describing low, mumbling speech. Often used with verbs like 話す (to speak) or 言う (to say). Implies speaking in a low, indistinct voice, sometimes secretively.
The two were murmuring in the corner.
Noun meaning 'whisper' or 'murmuring voice'. Refers to the sound of whispering.
I could hear murmuring voices from the next room.
To describe the soft, soothing sound of a stream, breeze, or similar natural phenomenon.
Noun meaning 'murmur' or 'babbling' of a shallow stream or brook. Evokes a gentle, pleasant sound.
The murmuring of the brook is pleasant.
Verb meaning 'to rustle' or 'to murmur' in the wind. Used for leaves, grass, or other light objects moving gently in a breeze.
Verb meaning 'to rustle' or 'to murmur', often used for trees or a crowd. Can imply a slightly louder or more restless sound than そよぐ.
To describe the low, continuous hum of many people talking quietly, like in a restaurant or gathering.
Onomatopoeic adverb for a low, continuous murmur of a crowd. Often used with する to mean 'to be noisy with murmuring'.
The venue was filled with murmuring.
Onomatopoeic adverb for a noisy, chattering murmur. Slightly louder and more chaotic than ざわざわ.
To refer to the abnormal sound of blood flow in the heart, often detected by a doctor.
ささやく is a whisper directed at someone, often romantic or secretive. つぶやく is muttering to oneself, often expressing inner thoughts or complaints. Use ささやく for intimate murmuring, つぶやく for grumbling under your breath.
He murmured, 'I'm tired.'
She murmured 'I love you' to him.
English 'murmuring' is often translated directly as つぶやき or ささやき, but for natural sounds like streams or wind, use specific words like せせらぎ or そよぐ. Using つぶやく for a stream would sound unnatural.
the murmuring of a brook
The leaves are murmuring in the wind.
風で木々がざわめいている。
The trees are murmuring in the wind.
子供たちががやがや騒いでいる。
The children are murmuring noisily.