噂
uwasa[ɯ̟β̞a̠sa̠]
The English word 'gossip' can be translated into Japanese as 噂 (uwasa) or 世間話.
Meaning: idle talk (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 噂 | uwasa | [ɯ̟β̞a̠sa̠] (narrow) |
| 世間話 | seken banashi | [se̞kẽ̞mba̠na̠ɕi] (narrow) |
噂 refers to rumors or gossip that may or may not be true, often carrying a sense of mystery or speculation. In contrast, 世間話 refers to idle talk or small talk about general social matters, which is more benign and less focused on spreading specific rumors than 噂.
Which one should you use?
噂 functions as a term for a rumor or piece of gossip, whereas 世間話 is closer to the concept of small talk or idle chat.
How do you pronounce it?
uwasa
Did you know?
- While 噂 can be negative, it is often used in the phrase 噂をすれば, which is the equivalent of the English 'speak of the devil' when someone unexpectedly appears.
- The word 噂 (uwasa) originally described private conversations held about those of higher social standing. It is thought to have evolved from a term for talking about those 'above' you.
- In Japanese, the concept of 世間 (seken) in 世間話 refers specifically to the social circle or public eye that judges a person's reputation.
Examples in context
- 噂話が好きでね。I like to gossip.This sentence shows how to express a preference for gossip using 噂.Tatoeba #10974600 by small_snow, translation #8823597 by CK
- 噂話に耳を貸すな。Don't listen to gossip.This sentence provides a warning not to listen to 噂.Tatoeba #11257882 by small_snow, translation #7896745 by AlanF_US
- 噂話に振り回されるな。Don't be swayed by gossip.This sentence advises against being swayed by 噂.Tatoeba #11257884 by small_snow, translation #11260195 by pip
- 噂によると、社長が辞任するかもしれません。According to the rumors, the president might resign.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking during a break.
- 健太 Kenta最近、社内で変な噂があるよ。Saikin, shanai de henna uwasa ga aru yo.There's some strange gossip in the office lately.
- 陽葵 Himariえっ、どんな噂？E, donna uwasa?What? What kind of gossip?
- 健太 Kenta部長が会社を辞めるらしいよ。Buchou ga kaisha o yameru rashii yo.Apparently, the manager is leaving the company.
- 陽葵 Himariそれはびっくりだね。Sore wa bikkuri da ne.That's surprising.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gossip” translations and entries 噂, 世間話, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 世間話, 噂, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
