Translation guide
The English word 'whistle' can refer to the sound made by pursing lips, a small instrument that produces a whistling sound, or the act of producing such a sound. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
The high-pitched sound produced by blowing air through pursed lips, often used to get attention, express surprise, or as a tune.
The most common word for the act or sound of whistling with your mouth. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to whistle'.
The standard verb phrase for 'to whistle' (with your mouth).
彼女は嬉しそうに口笛を吹いている。
She is whistling happily.
A loud whistle made using fingers in the mouth. Often used to get someone's attention.
A small device that you blow into to make a loud, high sound, often used by referees, police officers, or as a toy.
General word for a whistle or flute-like instrument. In context, it usually means a whistle (e.g., referee's whistle).
審判が笛を吹いた。
The referee blew the whistle.
彼は笛を首から下げている。
He wears a whistle around his neck.
Loanword from English, often used for sports whistles or as a generic term for a whistle instrument.
Specifically a warning whistle or horn, such as used by police or on trains.
The action of producing a whistling sound, whether with mouth or instrument.
The standard phrase for blowing a whistle instrument.
試合の終わりに笛を吹く。
Blow the whistle at the end of the match.
The standard phrase for whistling with your mouth.
彼は歩きながら口笛を吹いた。
He whistled while walking.
A high-pitched sound resembling a whistle, made by wind or something moving quickly through the air.
Onomatopoeia for a whistling sound, like wind or a bullet.
風がヒューと吹いた。
The wind whistled.
Similar onomatopoeia, often for a sharper or faster whistling sound.
弾丸がピューと飛んでいった。
The bullet whizzed by with a whistle.
The loanword ホイッスル only refers to the instrument, not the act of whistling with your mouth. Use 口笛 for that.
He hailed a taxi with a finger whistle.
コーチがホイッスルを鳴らした。
The coach blew the whistle.
警官が警笛を吹いた。
The police officer blew a whistle.