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.
The sound of the church bells reverberated throughout the town.
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.
When I shouted toward the mountain, my voice reverberated.
Emphasizes a loud, continuous ringing or resounding, often used for bells, alarms, or music.
The alarm reverberated through the building.
Literally means 'to echo' like a voice bouncing off mountains. Poetic and less common in daily speech.
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.
The news reverberated throughout society.
Means 'to exert influence' or 'have an effect.' A more direct way to express that something has ongoing consequences.
Literally 'spread ripples,' a common metaphor for an event causing widespread repercussions.
Means 'leave a lingering impression' or 'aftertaste,' often used for emotional or aesthetic reverberation.
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.
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.
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.
His words reverberated deeply in my heart.
The decision reverberated through the economy for a long time.
The incident reverberated internationally.
The room reverberated with the loud volume.