Translation guide
The English word 'sounding' can refer to the act of measuring depth, the quality of a sound, or the act of making a sound. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
To measure the depth of water or a container, often with a line or pole.
The most direct and common way to say 'to sound the depth' or 'to measure water depth'.
船長は水深を測るように命じた。
The captain ordered them to sound the depth.
Describing how something sounds, often in terms of tone or impression.
A common pattern meaning 'sounds like...' or 'gives the impression of...'.
それは変な言い訳のように聞こえる。
That sounds like a strange excuse.
The act of producing a sound, often with an instrument or voice.
The most basic way to say 'to make a sound' or 'to sound' (e.g., sounding a horn).
彼はクラクションを鳴らした。
He sounded the horn.
English uses 'sounding' as a gerund or noun (e.g., 'the sounding of the alarm'), but Japanese typically uses verb phrases like 鳴らすこと or 音を出すこと. Avoid direct translations like サウンディング, which is not natural.
警報が鳴った。
The alarm sounded.
A technical term for depth sounding, often used in nautical or surveying contexts.
測深技術が進歩した。
Sounding technology has advanced.
A more general phrase meaning 'to check the depth', usable in everyday contexts.
井戸の深さを調べた。
We sounded the well.
Similar to 〜ように聞こえる, but often used with adjectives to convey 'sounds (adjective)'.
彼の声は悲しそうに聞こえた。
His voice sounded sad.
Refers to the resonance, tone, or impression of a sound. Often used for names or words.
その名前は良い響きだ。
That name has a nice sound to it.
A transitive verb meaning 'to sound' or 'to ring' something, like a bell or horn.
鐘を鳴らしてください。
Please sound the bell.