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.
She shrieked in terror.
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.
He shrieked for help.
Literally 'raise a metal-cutting voice'. Describes an extremely shrill, ear-piercing shriek. Often used for women or children.
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.
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.
The audience shrieked with delight.
Literally 'raise a yellow voice'. Refers specifically to the high-pitched shrieking of female fans. Somewhat dated or stereotypical.
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.
The monkey let out a shriek.
Onomatopoeia for a high-pitched squeak or shriek, often used for small animals like mice or bats.
The bats are shrieking.
A high-pitched, harsh sound made by something non-living.
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.
She shrieked when she saw the spider.
The children were shrieking with laughter.
When he appeared, the women shrieked in excitement.
The wind was making a shrieking sound.