Translation guide
To speak very quietly, often so that only a specific person can hear. Japanese has several verbs for whispering, differing by nuance: neutral, secretive, or murmuring. The most common and versatile word is ささやく.
To say something in a low, soft voice, often to avoid being overheard or to convey intimacy.
The standard, neutral word for 'whisper'. Can be used for sweet nothings, secrets, or simply speaking quietly.
He whispered words of love into her ear.
Please speak in a whisper in the library.
Emphasizes a secretive, hushed tone, often between two people. The adverb ひそひそ mimics the sound of whispering.
The two were whispering in the corner.
Literally 'to strike the ear', meaning to whisper directly into someone's ear, often to share a secret or a quick piece of information.
He whispered the secret into my ear.
Implies sneaky, furtive whispering, often with a negative connotation of plotting or gossiping.
Those people are always whispering sneakily, aren't they?
To make a soft, indistinct sound by speaking quietly, often without clear articulation.
To murmur or mutter, often to oneself. It can be a whisper, but not necessarily directed at someone. Commonly used for tweeting (as in Twitter).
He left, murmuring something to himself.
To speak in a low, mumbling, or grumbling whisper, often hard to hear. Can imply dissatisfaction or lack of confidence.
He grumbled in a low whisper.
Describing a soft, whispering-like sound made by wind, leaves, etc.
ささやく is the general verb for whispering. ひそひそ話す emphasizes the secretive, hushed quality and is often used adverbially. 耳打ちする specifically means to whisper into someone's ear, usually a short message.
She whispered 'I like you' to me.
It's rude to whisper during a meeting.
He whispered the answer into my ear.
While ささやく is the most direct translation, it can sound romantic or poetic. For casual, secretive whispering between friends, ひそひそ話す or 耳打ちする may be more natural. For muttering to oneself, use つぶやく.
小川のせせらぎがささやくようだ。
The babbling of the brook is like a whisper.