Translation guide
The English word 'utter' has two main uses: as an adjective meaning 'complete' or 'absolute', and as a verb meaning 'to say' or 'to make a sound'. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese equivalents.
Expressing that something is complete, absolute, or total, often with a negative connotation.
The most direct and common translation for 'utter' as an adjective. It means 'complete' or 'perfect' and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
それは完全な失敗だった。
It was an utter failure.
He maintained utter silence.
Emphasizes the totality of something, often used with nouns like 'stranger' or 'nonsense'. Slightly more emphatic than 完全な.
彼は全くの他人だ。
He's an utter stranger.
それは全くの無駄だ。
It's an utter waste.
Means 'thorough' or 'exhaustive', used when 'utter' implies completeness in action or destruction. More formal.
徹底的な調査が必要だ。
An utter investigation is needed.
To express something verbally, often with emphasis on the act of speaking or the content being significant.
The most common verb for 'to say'. Use this in most contexts when 'utter' means to speak words.
彼は一言も言わなかった。
He didn't utter a word.
彼女は名前を言った。
She uttered a name.
More formal/literary. Often used for uttering sounds, cries, or significant statements. Implies emitting something.
Literally 'to put in the mouth', meaning to mention or utter something, often with a nuance of reluctance or significance.
To produce a sound, such as a cry, sigh, or noise, without forming words.
The standard verb for emitting sounds. Works for both human and non-human sounds.
犬が低いうなり声を発した。
The dog uttered a low growl.
Implies letting out a sound involuntarily or quietly, like a sigh or whisper.
In English, 'utter' can sound formal or literary. In Japanese, using 発する for everyday speech can sound overly dramatic. Stick to 言う for normal conversation.
彼は「こんにちは」と言った。
He uttered 'hello'.
彼はため息を発した。
He uttered a sigh.
彼女は叫び声を発した。
She uttered a scream.
彼はその話題を口にしなかった。
He didn't utter a word about the topic.
He uttered a sigh of relief.