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.
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.
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).
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.
The most common verb for stirring ingredients together, often in cooking.
Please stir the soup.
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.
Add sugar to the coffee and stir it.
Implies stirring vigorously or roughly; can also mean to disturb or agitate.
Stir around in the pot.
His speech was stirring.
I cried watching the stirring movie.
Literally 'shake the heart'; describes something deeply moving or emotionally powerful.
It was a stirring performance.
Means 'to excite' or 'to stir up' emotions, often with a sense of enthusiasm or agitation.
The news stirred the whole nation.
Formal verb meaning 'to inspire' or 'to rouse to action'. Often used in motivational contexts.
His words stirred the team into action.
I felt a stirring of interest in his story.
I felt anger stirring inside me.
Means 'to bud' or 'to sprout'; used metaphorically for feelings beginning to stir, like love or suspicion.
A stirring of affection for her began.
Literally 'start moving'; can describe a person or group beginning to act after being stirred.
The citizens finally stirred into action.