Translation guide
The English word "quaver" has two main uses: a musical note and a trembling quality in a voice. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese equivalents.
To refer to the musical note with a duration of half a beat in common time.
Standard term for an eighth note (quaver) in music.
To describe a voice that shakes or trembles, often due to emotion, nervousness, or age.
The verb 震える (furueru) means 'to tremble' and is only used for voices or physical shaking. For the musical note, always use 八分音符.
この曲は八分音符が多い。
This piece has many quavers.
A trembling voice, often from fear, cold, or strong emotion.
彼女は震え声で話した。
She spoke in a quavering voice.
Describes the action of one's voice trembling.
緊張で声が震えた。
My voice quavered with nerves.
A hoarse or cracked voice, sometimes implying a quavering quality, but more about roughness.
This emphasizes hoarseness rather than trembling. Use only if the quaver is accompanied by a rough or weak voice.
老人のかすれ声が聞こえた。
I heard the old man's quavering voice.