Translation guide
The English verb 'yell' covers a range of loud vocal expressions, from shouting in anger to calling out to get attention. In Japanese, the best choice depends on the emotion, context, and whether it's a single outburst or sustained shouting.
To express strong emotion by raising one's voice suddenly and loudly.
General verb for shouting or screaming, often from strong emotion like anger, fear, or excitement. Can be used for a single yell or a sustained cry.
He yelled in anger.
"Help!" she yelled.
To yell at someone in anger, often scolding or shouting at a person. Implies a directed, angry outburst.
The teacher yelled at the student.
To yell or shout in a noisy, agitated way, often with a sense of screaming or wailing. Can sound more hysterical or uncontrolled.
He yelled and cried.
To raise one's voice to attract someone's attention or to communicate over a distance.
Also used for calling out loudly, though it can carry an emotional tone. Context makes it clear if it's for attention.
He yelled out the name.
Literally 'call in a loud voice'. A straightforward way to describe yelling to get someone's attention without strong emotion.
He yelled for his friend.
To call out loudly, often in a public or dramatic way. Less common in everyday speech.
To yell in support or excitement, like cheering at a game.
To shout angrily at a person, often as a form of scolding.
The most direct equivalent for yelling at someone in anger. Focuses on the act of shouting at a person.
My mother yelled at me.
To scold or reprimand. Not necessarily loud, but often involves raised voice. Less intense than 怒鳴る.
In many situations where English uses 'yell', Japanese might use a more specific verb or phrase depending on the intent. For example, 'yell for help' is often 助けを呼ぶ (call for help) rather than 叫ぶ, unless the emotion is extreme.
叫ぶ is a general shout or scream, often from emotion. 怒鳴る specifically means to yell at someone in anger. Use 怒鳴る when the target of the yelling is a person being scolded.
Don't yell at me!
He yelled for help.
He yelled for help.
The fans yelled the team's name.
To yell at someone harshly, often with a sense of scolding or telling off. Stronger than 怒鳴る.
The boss yelled at his subordinate.
The teacher yelled at the student (scolded).