うるさい
urusai[ɯ̟ɾɯ̟sa̠i]
The Japanese word for noisy is うるさい (urusai).
うるさい is used to describe something that is noisy, loud or annoying. If you shout うるさい! directly at a person, it is a common way to say 'Shut up!' or 'Be quiet!' Other ways to describe noise include がやがやする, which describes a noisy commotion or uproar typical of a lively gathering, party or crowded place.
Meaning: full of noise (adj)
Which one should you use?
While うるさい is the standard term, やかましい is a more intense, often more critical or old-fashioned way to describe someone or something being noisy or fussy. For a more formal way to say something is noisy in a somewhat bothersome or excessive way, you can use 喧しい (かまびすしい).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
うるさい is an informal term. To make the expression polite, you can say うるさいです.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can combine the adjective うるさい with the suffix すぎる to create the expression うるさすぎる, which means 'too noisy'.
How do you pronounce it?
urusai
Did you know?
- The word うるさい has undergone a complete emotional reversal over the centuries. In the early 900s, it could actually be used in a positive sense to describe being overwhelmed by something's thoroughness or excellence.
- In some contexts, うるさい can be used as a shorthand to tell someone they are being too demanding or nagging, regardless of the volume of their voice.
- While うるさい is common, the word やかましい can describe someone who is not just loud but 'fussy' or overly particular about details.
Examples in context
- ここ、うるさいわね。It's noisy in here.This sentence demonstrates the use of うるさい to describe the environment.Tatoeba #10559200 by small_snow, translation #3635913 by CK
- この掃除機、うるさいな。This vacuum cleaner is noisy.This sentence shows how to use うるさい when referring to a machine like a vacuum cleaner.Tatoeba #11385112 by small_snow, translation #3598961 by dibdin
- 近所の人って、うるさい？Are the neighbours noisy?This sentence illustrates asking if people, such as neighbours, are うるさい.Tatoeba #12059158 by small_snow, translation #8269189 by Hybrid
- 駅前は今日も騒々しいですね。The area in front of the station is noisy today.
- あの人たちはうるさいから、集中できない。I can't concentrate because those people are noisy.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are trying to study in a busy cafe.
- 結衣 Yuiこのカフェ、ちょっとうるさいね。Kono kafe, chotto urusai ne.This cafe is a bit noisy, isn't it?
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、集中できないよ。Sou da ne, shuuchuu dekinai yo.You're right, I can't concentrate.
- 結衣 Yui静かな図書館に行こうか？Shizuka na toshokan ni ikou ka?Shall we go to a quiet library?
- 陽太 Yotaうん、そうしよう。Un, sou shiyou.Yeah, let's do that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry うるさい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries うるさい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
