Translation guide
The English word 'noise' covers unwanted sound, background sound, static, and metaphorical interference. Japanese uses different words depending on the type of noise.
騒音がうるさすぎる。
The noise is too loud.
変な物音がした。
I heard a strange noise.
General noise that is unpleasant, loud, or bothersome.
The most common word for noise pollution or disturbing noise, often used in formal contexts like complaints or regulations.
隣の騒音がうるさい。
The noise from next door is annoying.
Refers to unwanted sound that interferes with hearing, like static or background chatter. Also used metaphorically for 'noise' in data or communication.
Any kind of sound made by objects or people, often used when you hear an unidentified noise.
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts (audio, electronics) or casual speech. Not as common for general noise pollution.
Continuous low-level noise that is not necessarily disturbing, like the hum of a machine or crowd murmur.
General word for sound. Can be used for background noise when context makes it clear it's not a pleasant sound.
Unwanted signal noise in recordings, radio, or electronic devices.
Figurative use meaning unnecessary or distracting information, often in communication or data.
Widely used in business and tech contexts for irrelevant data or distractions.
騒音 (そうおん) is for disturbing noise, often loud and continuous. 雑音 (ざつおん) is for unwanted sound that interferes with hearing or signals, including static. 物音 (ものおと) is for any identifiable sound, often sudden or mysterious.
あの音は何？
What's that noise?
このデータにはノイズが多すぎる。
There's too much noise in this data.
ラジオから雑音が聞こえる。
I can hear static from the radio.
夜中に変な物音がした。
I heard a strange noise in the middle of the night.
These earphones reduce noise.
エアコンの音が気になる。
The noise of the air conditioner bothers me.
Murmur, buzz, or hum of a crowd or environment. Often used for lively but not unpleasant background noise.
カフェのざわめきが好きだ。
I like the background noise of a café.
Can also be used for background noise if it is perceived as disturbing.
工事の騒音で集中できない。
I can't concentrate because of the construction noise.
Standard term for static, hiss, or interference in audio.
録音に雑音が入っている。
There is noise in the recording.
Common in technical or casual contexts, especially for electronic noise.
画像にノイズが多い。
There is a lot of noise in the image.
その意見はノイズに過ぎない。
That opinion is nothing but noise.
Also used metaphorically, but slightly more formal or literary.
インターネット上の雑音に惑わされないで。
Don't be misled by the noise on the internet.
台所で物音がする。
There's a noise in the kitchen.
ノイズ is a loanword and sounds technical or casual. For general noise complaints, use 騒音. For mysterious sounds, use 物音. Overusing ノイズ can sound unnatural.
隣のノイズがうるさい。
The noise from next door is annoying. (unnatural)