Translation guide
The English verb 'reverberate' describes sound echoing or continuing in a space, and metaphorically, effects or events having ongoing impact. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express both literal and figurative reverberation.
Describing a sound that continues to be heard as it reflects off surfaces, or fills a space.
The most common and versatile verb for sound reverberating, echoing, or resounding. Can be used for both pleasant and unpleasant sounds.
教会の鐘の音が町中に響いた。
The sound of the church bells reverberated throughout the town.
彼の声がホールに響き渡った。
His voice reverberated through the hall.
Specifically means to echo or reverberate, emphasizing the reflection of sound. Slightly more formal or technical than 響く.
山に向かって叫ぶと、声が反響した。
When I shouted toward the mountain, my voice reverberated.
Emphasizes a loud, continuous ringing or resounding, often used for bells, alarms, or music.
警報が建物内に鳴り響いた。
The alarm reverberated through the building.
Literally means 'to echo' like a voice bouncing off mountains. Poetic and less common in daily speech.
谷間に歌声が谺した。
The singing voice reverberated through the valley.
Describing how an event, news, or action continues to affect people or situations over time.
Also used figuratively for emotional or social impact. The same verb covers both literal and metaphorical reverberation.
そのニュースは社会に大きく響いた。
The news reverberated throughout society.
彼の言葉が心に深く響いた。
His words reverberated deeply in my heart.
Means 'to exert influence' or 'have an effect.' A more direct way to express that something has ongoing consequences.
その決定は経済に長く影響を及ぼした。
The decision reverberated through the economy for a long time.
Literally 'spread ripples,' a common metaphor for an event causing widespread repercussions.
その事件は国際的に波紋を広げた。
The incident reverberated internationally.
Means 'leave a lingering impression' or 'aftertaste,' often used for emotional or aesthetic reverberation.
その映画は深い余韻を残した。
The movie left a deep, reverberating impression.
Describing a space or object that vibrates or shakes as a result of a loud sound or impact.
Means to vibrate or shake, often used for physical reverberation from explosions or heavy sounds.
爆音で窓ガラスが震動した。
The windows reverberated from the explosion.
General verb for shaking or swaying; can be used when something trembles due to reverberation.
大音量で部屋が揺れた。
The room reverberated with the loud volume.
響く is the everyday word for both literal and figurative reverberation. 反響する is more technical and emphasizes the echo as a physical phenomenon. Use 響く for most situations.
声が響く (natural) / 声が反響する (slightly technical)
voice reverberates
English 'reverberate' can sound formal or literary. In Japanese, using 響く is perfectly natural in daily conversation. Overusing 反響する may sound stiff.