Translation guide
The English word 'sputtering' can refer to a sound (like an engine failing), a way of speaking (angry, confused, or rapid), or a physical process (ejecting particles). This guide helps learners choose natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describe a series of irregular popping, hissing, or explosive sounds, often from an engine, flame, or liquid.
Onomatopoeia for a crackling or sputtering sound, like a fire or frying. Often used for small, repeated pops.
The fire is sputtering.
Onomatopoeia for a weak sputtering or fizzling sound, often when a flame or engine is dying out.
The engine sputtered and died.
A general phrase meaning 'to make an irregular/abnormal sound', useful for describing an engine sputtering without specific onomatopoeia.
The car's engine started sputtering.
Describe someone speaking in a broken, rapid, or explosive way due to anger, excitement, or confusion.
To talk rapidly and forcefully, often in an angry or agitated manner. Implies a barrage of words.
He sputtered angrily.
To stammer or stutter. Can be used when someone sputters because they are flustered or struggling to speak.
To hesitate or mumble, often because one is unsure or embarrassed. Conveys a sputtering, unclear speech.
Literally 'to spray saliva'. Used when someone speaks so forcefully that they sputter saliva. Often in heated arguments.
Describe the technical process of ejecting atoms from a solid target by bombarding it with energetic particles, used in manufacturing.
The direct loanword for the physical vapor deposition process. Used in technical and industrial contexts.
A thin film is formed by sputtering.
Short for 'sputter deposition'. A common technical term in Japanese engineering.
We introduced a sputter deposition system.
She sputtered nervously.
He sputtered, unable to answer.
He sputtered as he spoke, spraying saliva.