Translation guide
The English verb 'weep' means to cry, usually with tears, often implying a quieter or more prolonged sadness than 'cry'. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 泣く (naku), which covers both 'cry' and 'weep'. There are also more specific or literary terms.
The most common way to express 'weep' in the sense of crying, shedding tears, often from sadness.
The standard verb for 'cry' or 'weep'. Covers everything from sobbing to silent tears. Can be used for sadness, joy, or other emotions.
She wept from sadness.
The baby is crying.
Literally 'to shed tears'. A slightly more formal or descriptive way to say 'weep'. Emphasizes the tears themselves.
He wept with emotion.
To sob or weep quietly, with sniffles. More specific than 泣く, implying a subdued, sniffling cry.
She was weeping quietly in the corner of the room.
Expressing prolonged weeping, often associated with grief or lamentation.
Describing silent weeping or tears forming without sobbing.
The metaphorical use of 'weep' for oozing liquid, like sap or pus.
泣く is the general verb for crying/weeping and is used in everyday speech. 涙を流す is more descriptive and slightly formal, focusing on the act of shedding tears. It is often used in writing or emotional narratives.
He wept without making a sound.
She quietly shed tears.
There is no single Japanese verb that exactly matches the nuance of 'weep' as distinct from 'cry'. Using 泣く is almost always correct. Overusing literary terms like 慟哭する or すすり泣く can sound unnatural or overly dramatic in casual contexts.
She wept a little at the words of gratitude.
Sap was weeping from the cut in the tree.