Translation guide
The English verb 'stir' has several core meanings: mixing a liquid or substance, causing a slight movement, or provoking an emotion or reaction. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
To mix something, especially a liquid, by moving a spoon or other implement around in it.
The most common and general verb for stirring, especially with a spoon or whisk. Used for cooking, drinks, etc.
Please stir the soup.
Stir the eggs well.
A broader verb for mixing. Can be used for stirring, but also for combining ingredients. Less specific than かき混ぜる.
Mix flour and sugar.
Stir milk into coffee.
To stir vigorously or roughly, sometimes with a negative connotation of disturbing or messing up. Can also mean to rummage.
Stir around in the pot.
To move slightly, or to cause something to move slightly, often from a resting state.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to move'. Used when something stirs or shows slight movement.
The leaves stirred in the wind.
The baby stirred a little.
Transitive verb meaning 'to move something'. Used when someone or something causes a slight movement.
To stir or move one's body, often used when someone has been still for a while.
He stirred and turned over in bed.
To cause a strong feeling or reaction, such as excitement, anger, or controversy.
To stir up, arouse, or excite (emotions, curiosity, etc.). Often used with feelings like 好奇心 (curiosity) or 想像力 (imagination).
The story stirred my curiosity.
To cause or trigger (a reaction, controversy, etc.). More general than かき立てる.
To incite or agitate, often with a negative connotation of stirring up trouble or rebellion.
He stirred up the crowd.
To cook food quickly in a small amount of oil while stirring constantly.
The standard verb for stir-frying. Used for vegetables, meat, etc.
Stir-fry vegetables.
混ぜる is a general verb for mixing, while かき混ぜる specifically means to stir with a circular motion, often using a spoon or whisk. Use かき混ぜる when the action is clearly stirring a liquid or batter.
Toss/mix the salad.
Stir the soup.
Do not use かき混ぜる for emotions. Use かき立てる or 引き起こす instead. かき混ぜる is only for physical mixing.
彼は指を動かした。
He stirred his finger.
His words stirred up anger.
The remark stirred controversy.
Please stir-fry the meat and green peppers.