Translation guide
The English verb 'shout' covers a range of loud vocal expressions, from calling out to someone to yelling in anger. Japanese distinguishes these by intent and context, using different verbs and onomatopoeic adverbs.
To raise your voice so someone far away can hear you, or to attract attention.
General verb for shouting or yelling. Can be used for calling out, screaming, or exclaiming.
彼は助けを求めて叫んだ。
He shouted for help.
遠くにいる友達に叫んだ。
I shouted to my friend in the distance.
Literally 'to put out a big voice'. A common, natural way to say 'shout' or 'yell'.
彼は突然大声を出した。
He suddenly shouted.
To shout in anger, to yell at someone. Implies scolding or rage.
Only used when shouting angrily, not for calling out to someone.
上司は部下に怒鳴った。
The boss shouted at his subordinate.
To shout with positive emotion, like cheering or urging someone on.
Also used for excited shouts, like cheering at a concert.
観客は喜びの叫び声を上げた。
The audience shouted with joy.
To shout encouragement or cheer someone on, like at a sports event.
私たちは選手に声援を送った。
We shouted encouragement to the players.
To say something loudly and forcefully, often a short phrase.
Use the quotation particle と with 叫ぶ to indicate what was shouted.
彼は「止まれ！」と叫んだ。
He shouted, 'Stop!'
To say something in a loud voice. More neutral than 叫ぶ.
彼は大声で「入って」と言った。
He shouted, 'Come in!'
叫ぶ (sakebu) is a general shout, which can be from excitement, fear, or calling out. 怒鳴る (donaru) specifically means shouting in anger, often directed at someone.
In Japanese, people often use 大声で言う (say in a loud voice) instead of a specific 'shout' verb, especially in neutral descriptions. Overusing 叫ぶ can sound dramatic.