咆哮
hōkō[ho̞ːko̞ː]
The Japanese word for the verb 'roar' is 咆哮 (hōkō).
咆哮 is used to describe the act of an animal making a loud, deep noise. It can also function as a noun to refer to the cry of a lion.
Meaning: of animals, to make a loud deep noise (verb)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
hōkō
When do people say it?
The word ガオガオ (gao gao) imitates the loud, growling roar of a big animal, like a lion or a tiger.
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese theater, such as Noh, the intensity of a 'roar' or cry is often conveyed through a specific physical posture and breath control rather than just volume.
- In Japanese pop culture, particularly in anime and manga, a character's 'roar' is often visually represented by the kanji 咆哮 appearing as large, stylized text across the screen to emphasize the sound's power.
- When describing a person shouting in anger or passion, Japanese can use the word 咆哮 metaphorically to suggest the person has become animalistic or primal.
Examples in context
- 恐竜の咆哮が聞こえる。Kyouryuu no houkou ga kikoeru.I can hear the dinosaur's roar.
- 猛獣の咆哮に驚いた。Moujuu no houkou ni odoroita.I was startled by the beast's roar.
Example conversation
Hiroto and Misaki are at a zoo watching the lions.
- 大翔 Hiroto見て、ライオンが咆哮したよ！Mite, raion ga hōkyō shita yo!Look, the lion roared!
- 美咲 Misakiすごい迫力だね。Sugoi hakuryoku da ne.It's so powerful.
- 大翔 Hiroto本物の咆哮はとても大きいな。Honmono no hōkyō wa totemo ookii na.A real roar is very loud.
- 美咲 Misaki本当にびっくりしたよ。Hontō ni bikkuri shita yo.I was really surprised.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 咆哮, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
