Translation guide
The English verb 'tremble' describes a shaking movement, often from fear, cold, or weakness. In Japanese, the best word depends on what causes the trembling and whether it's physical or emotional.
To shake involuntarily because of fear, anxiety, or intense emotion.
The most common and general word for trembling, especially from fear, cold, or emotion. Can be used for both body parts and the whole body.
My hands trembled with fear.
Her voice trembled with anger.
A more literary or intense word for trembling, often from extreme fear or awe. Implies a shuddering or quivering.
My whole body trembled at the sight.
Literally 'body shake', used for a sudden shiver or shudder, often from fear, disgust, or a premonition.
I trembled when I heard that story.
To shake because of low temperature.
To shake due to frailty, illness, or old age.
General trembling from weakness.
My hands tremble because of illness.
Onomatopoeic verb for shaking or rattling, often used for knees knocking together from fear or weakness.
My knees trembled.
When someone's voice shakes due to emotion.
When the earth or a structure shakes.
震える (furueru) is used for small, rapid, involuntary shaking, typically of living things or body parts. 揺れる (yureru) is for larger, slower swaying or shaking of objects, like trees, buildings, or the ground.
震える implies involuntary trembling. For intentional shaking (e.g., shaking a bottle), use 振る (furu).
凍えるような寒さだ。
It's a bone-chilling cold.