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.
スープをかき混ぜてください。
Please stir the soup.
卵をよくかき混ぜる。
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.
小麦粉と砂糖を混ぜる。
Mix flour and sugar.
コーヒーにミルクを混ぜる。
Stir milk into coffee.
To stir vigorously or roughly, sometimes with a negative connotation of disturbing or messing up. Can also mean to rummage.
鍋の中をかき回す。
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.
風で木の葉が動いた。
The leaves stirred in the wind.
赤ちゃんが少し動いた。
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.
彼は寝返りを打って身動きした。
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).
その話は好奇心をかき立てた。
The story stirred my curiosity.
彼の言葉は怒りをかき立てた。
His words stirred up anger.
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.
彼は群衆を扇動した。
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.
野菜を炒める。
Stir-fry vegetables.
肉とピーマンを炒めてください。
Please stir-fry the meat and green peppers.
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.
サラダを混ぜる。
Toss/mix the salad.
スープをかき混ぜる。
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.
その発言は論争を引き起こした。
The remark stirred controversy.