Translation guide
To make a loud, high-pitched cry, often from fear, excitement, or surprise. Japanese has several words for shrieking, each with different nuances and contexts.
A sudden, piercing cry in response to something frightening or shocking.
Literally 'raise a scream'. The most common way to say 'shriek' in the sense of a scream of terror or pain. 悲鳴 (himei) is a scream/shriek.
彼女は恐怖で悲鳴を上げた。
She shrieked in terror.
突然の痛みに悲鳴を上げた。
I shrieked from the sudden pain.
A general verb for shouting or yelling. Can be used for shrieking when the context makes it clear it's a high-pitched scream.
彼は助けを求めて叫んだ。
He shrieked for help.
Literally 'raise a metal-cutting voice'. Describes an extremely shrill, ear-piercing shriek. Often used for women or children.
少女は金切り声を上げて逃げ出した。
The girl let out a piercing shriek and ran away.
A high-pitched cry of joy, amusement, or thrill.
Onomatopoeic expression for high-pitched squealing or shrieking, often from excitement or delight. Common for fans at concerts, children playing, etc.
アイドルを見て、ファンがキャーキャー言っている。
The fans are shrieking with excitement at the sight of the idol.
Literally 'raise a cheer'. Used for a joyful shriek or cheer, often in a group setting like a concert or sports event.
観客は歓声を上げた。
The audience shrieked with delight.
Literally 'raise a yellow voice'. Refers specifically to the high-pitched shrieking of female fans. Somewhat dated or stereotypical.
彼が登場すると、女性たちが黄色い声を上げた。
When he appeared, the women shrieked in excitement.
A loud, harsh, high-pitched cry made by an animal.
General term for an animal's cry. To specify a shriek, combine with an adjective like 甲高い (かんだかい, high-pitched) or use a specific onomatopoeia.
猿が甲高い鳴き声を上げた。
The monkey let out a shriek.
Onomatopoeia for a high-pitched squeak or shriek, often used for small animals like mice or bats.
コウモリがキーキー鳴いている。
The bats are shrieking.
A high-pitched, harsh sound made by something non-living.
Onomatopoeia for a screeching or shrieking sound, like tires or brakes.
車が急ブレーキをかけて、キーッという音がした。
The car braked suddenly with a shriek.
Literally 'a scream-like sound'. Used metaphorically for any shrieking noise.
風が悲鳴のような音を立てていた。
The wind was making a shrieking sound.
English often uses 'shriek' as a noun ('a shriek of laughter'), but Japanese usually expresses this with a verb phrase (e.g., 悲鳴を上げる, キャーキャー言う). Using 悲鳴 alone as a noun is possible but less natural in many contexts.
叫ぶ (sakebu) is a general shout or yell, not necessarily high-pitched. 悲鳴を上げる (himei o ageru) specifically means a scream or shriek of fear/pain. Use 悲鳴を上げる when the high pitch and distress are key.
彼女はクモを見て悲鳴を上げた。
She shrieked when she saw the spider.
子どもたちはキャーキャー笑っていた。
The children were shrieking with laughter.