Translation guide
The act of making a loud, high-pitched cry, often from fear, pain, excitement, or anger. In Japanese, the expression varies depending on the cause and intensity of the scream.
A sudden, involuntary high-pitched vocalization in response to a strong stimulus.
A scream or shriek, typically from fear, pain, or shock. Often used in the phrase 悲鳴を上げる (to let out a scream).
彼女は恐怖の悲鳴を上げた。
She let out a scream of terror.
A shout or yell; can be a scream but often implies a louder, more forceful cry. Used for both fear and anger.
突然の叫び声が聞こえた。
I heard a sudden scream.
A shriek or scream at the top of one's lungs; often used in dramatic or literary contexts.
絶叫が夜の静けさを破った。
A shriek broke the silence of the night.
A loud, forceful vocalization expressing strong negative emotion.
To shout angrily; to yell at someone. This is the most common verb for angry shouting.
彼は私に怒鳴った。
He screamed at me.
To shout or yell; can be used for anger, but also for excitement or calling out. Context determines the emotion.
A loud, high-pitched vocalization expressing intense positive emotion, often in a group setting.
A cheer or joyful shout; often used for crowds screaming in excitement at concerts or events.
観客の歓声がスタジアムに響いた。
The crowd's screams of excitement echoed through the stadium.
Literally 'yellow voice'; refers to high-pitched screaming, especially from female fans at idol concerts.
Can also be used for joyful shouting, though context is needed to distinguish from anger or fear.
A loud, high-pitched continuous sound, like a siren or engine.
A roaring or screaming sound, often used for engines, sirens, or explosions.
サイレンの轟音が街中に響いた。
The screaming of sirens echoed through the city.
Metaphorically used for inanimate objects making a screaming-like sound, e.g., tires screeching.
English uses 'screaming' for a wide range of loud, high-pitched sounds. In Japanese, the appropriate word depends heavily on the emotion or source. Using 悲鳴 for angry yelling or 怒鳴る for a joyful shriek would sound unnatural.
悲鳴 is specifically a scream of fear, pain, or shock. 叫び声 is a general shout or yell, which can be a scream but is broader. 怒鳴る is specifically angry shouting directed at someone.
She screamed in anger.
A shrill, piercing scream; often used for angry or hysterical screaming, especially by women.
彼女は金切り声で文句を言った。
She screamed complaints in a shrill voice.
アイドルが登場すると、黄色い声が飛び交った。
When the idol appeared, high-pitched screams filled the air.
They screamed with joy.
The tires screamed.