Translation guide
The English word 'stirring' can describe physically mixing something, evoking strong emotions, or beginning to feel or act. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To mix a liquid, powder, or mixture by moving a spoon or similar tool in circles.
The most common verb for stirring ingredients together, often in cooking.
スープをかき混ぜてください。
Please stir the soup.
卵と砂糖をよくかき混ぜる。
Stir the eggs and sugar well.
General verb for mixing; can be used for stirring but is broader. Often used with a tool like 箸 (chopsticks) or スプーン.
コーヒーに砂糖を入れて混ぜる。
Add sugar to the coffee and stir it.
Implies stirring vigorously or roughly; can also mean to disturb or agitate.
鍋の中をかき回す。
Stir around in the pot.
Causing excitement, inspiration, or deep feeling, often in a positive or moving way.
Adjectival noun meaning 'moving' or 'touching'. Used for speeches, stories, music, etc.
彼のスピーチは感動的だった。
His speech was stirring.
感動的な映画を見て泣いた。
I cried watching the stirring movie.
Literally 'shake the heart'; describes something deeply moving or emotionally powerful.
心を揺さぶる演奏だった。
It was a stirring performance.
Means 'to excite' or 'to stir up' emotions, often with a sense of enthusiasm or agitation.
そのニュースは国中を興奮させた。
The news stirred the whole nation.
Formal verb meaning 'to inspire' or 'to rouse to action'. Often used in motivational contexts.
彼の言葉がチームを鼓舞した。
His words stirred the team into action.
Starting to feel a particular way or to act, often used with emotions like interest, anger, or suspicion.
Pattern meaning 'a feeling wells up' or 'stirs within'. Used with nouns like 興味 (interest), 怒り (anger), 疑問 (doubt).
彼の話に興味が湧いてきた。
I felt a stirring of interest in his story.
心の中に怒りが湧いてくるのを感じた。
I felt anger stirring inside me.
Means 'to bud' or 'to sprout'; used metaphorically for feelings beginning to stir, like love or suspicion.
彼女に対して愛情が芽生えた。
A stirring of affection for her began.
Literally 'start moving'; can describe a person or group beginning to act after being stirred.
The physical stirring verb かき混ぜる cannot be used metaphorically for emotions. Use 感動的な or 心を揺さぶる for 'stirring' as in moving, and 湧いてくる for feelings arising.
市民がついに動き出した。
The citizens finally stirred into action.