Translation guide
The English word "tumult" refers to a loud, confused noise, especially one caused by a large mass of people, or a state of confusion or disorder. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
To describe a noisy, chaotic sound made by many people, such as shouting, uproar, or clamor.
A common word for a noisy disturbance, commotion, or uproar. Often used for everyday situations.
I heard a loud tumult outside.
Refers to the hustle and bustle or clamor of a crowd. Slightly more literary or formal than 騒ぎ.
I like the tumult of the marketplace.
A stir or commotion, often a sudden wave of noise from a crowd reacting to something.
His appearance caused a tumult in the hall.
Literally means 'fight' or 'quarrel', but can imply a noisy disturbance. Use only when the tumult involves arguing or physical conflict.
A tumult broke out in the next room (as a fight).
To describe a situation of chaos, turmoil, or upheaval, often in a social or political context.
The standard word for confusion, disorder, or chaos. Can be used for both physical and abstract situations.
The news threw the whole town into tumult.
Refers to upheaval, disturbance, or turmoil, often on a societal or political scale. More formal and weighty than 混乱.
A disturbance, riot, or uproar. Often used for public incidents or scandals.
To describe a state of mental or emotional disturbance, such as agitation, restlessness, or inner chaos.
Refers to emotional disturbance, agitation, or being shaken. Commonly used for personal feelings.
Her mind was in a tumult.
Also used for mental confusion or chaos. Can describe a state of not being able to think clearly.
Means inner conflict or struggle. Use when the tumult involves conflicting emotions or desires.
騒ぎ (sawagi) emphasizes the audible noise and commotion, while 混乱 (konran) focuses on the state of disorder or confusion. Use 騒ぎ for a noisy crowd, and 混乱 for a chaotic situation or mental state.
The party was a tumult (noisy).
Traffic is in tumult (disorder).
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'tumult'. Avoid directly translating it as one word; instead, choose the appropriate term based on whether you mean noise, disorder, or emotional agitation.
国は動乱の時代を迎えた。
The country entered a period of tumult.
その事件は大きな騒動を引き起こした。
The incident caused a great tumult.
頭の中が混乱している。
My thoughts are in tumult.
彼は心の葛藤に苦しんだ。
He suffered from inner tumult.