Translation guide
Describes a sudden, high-pitched, harsh sound, often associated with friction, brakes, tires, or startled animals/birds. Japanese uses onomatopoeia and mimetic adverbs to capture the sound and manner.
Express a loud, high-pitched, grating noise made by objects rubbing or stopping suddenly.
Mimetic adverb for a high-pitched screeching or squeaking sound, like brakes or tires. Often used with と and a verb like 止まる (stop) or 鳴る (sound).
車がキーッと止まった。
The car stopped with a screech.
タイヤがキーッと鳴った。
The tires screeched.
Mimetic adverb for a lower, grinding screech, like rusty hinges or metal scraping. Often used with と and a verb like 開く (open) or 擦れる (scrape).
ドアがギーッと開いた。
The door opened with a screech.
Repeated screeching sound, like a machine or animal. Can be used adverbially with と.
機械がキーキーと音を立てた。
The machine made a screeching noise.
Describe the sharp, high-pitched cry of a bird or animal, like a hawk or monkey.
Mimetic for a sharp, high-pitched cry, like a bird of prey. Used with と and 鳴く (cry).
鷹がピーッと鳴いた。
The hawk cried with a screech.
Also used for animal screeches, especially monkeys or startled animals. Can be used with と and 叫ぶ (scream).
猿がキーッと叫んだ。
The monkey screeched.
Express a sudden, shrill human scream, often from fear or surprise.
Mimetic for a high-pitched scream, often used by women or children. Used with と and 叫ぶ (scream) or 悲鳴を上げる (shriek).
彼女はキャーッと叫んだ。
She screamed with a screech.
A louder, more desperate screech, like a cry of pain or terror. Used with と and 叫ぶ.
子供がギャーッと泣き叫んだ。
The child screamed with a screech.