Translation guide
The English word 'rumble' can refer to a low, continuous sound (like thunder or a stomach), a physical vibration, or a fight. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To describe a deep, rolling sound such as thunder, an engine, or a stomach growling.
An onomatopoeic word for a low rumbling or rolling sound. Commonly used for thunder, stomach growling, or heavy objects rolling.
To describe a low-frequency vibration felt through a surface, like a passing truck or heavy machinery.
To refer to a noisy, chaotic fight, often in a public place.
ゴロゴロ is the most common and versatile onomatopoeia for rumbling sounds, suitable for everyday use. とどろく is more literary and emphasizes a loud, echoing roar, often used in written descriptions of thunder or engines.
While 'stomach rumble' can be translated as お腹がゴロゴロ鳴る, using a direct translation like 腹がとどろく would sound unnatural. Stick to the onomatopoeic expression.
雷がゴロゴロ鳴っている。
Thunder is rumbling.
お腹がゴロゴロ鳴った。
My stomach rumbled.
A verb meaning to roar, rumble, or reverberate. Often used for thunder, engines, or loud sounds that echo.
雷鳴がとどろいた。
Thunder rumbled.
A noun specifically for a rumbling of the ground, like an earthquake or volcanic activity.
地鳴りがして、地震が来た。
There was a rumbling sound and then an earthquake hit.
A general noun for vibration or oscillation. Can be used for mechanical rumbling.
トラックが通ると、家が振動する。
When a truck passes, the house rumbles.
An onomatopoeia for a continuous low hum or rumble, like an engine or wind.
機械がゴーッと音を立てている。
The machine is rumbling.
A noun meaning a brawl, free-for-all fight, or melee. Often used for fights in sports or street brawls.
試合中に乱闘が起きた。
A rumble broke out during the game.
A general word for a fight or quarrel. Can be used for a rumble if it's a noisy argument or physical fight.
外で喧嘩が始まった。
A rumble started outside.
Specifically a fistfight or punching brawl. Emphasizes the physical exchange of blows.
酔っ払い同士の殴り合いになった。
It turned into a rumble between drunks.