ささやく
sasayaku
The English verb "whisper" is translated into Japanese as ささやく (sasayaku).
The verb ささやく can be used to describe the literal act of speaking in a quiet voice, but it is also used metaphorically, such as when describing rumors whispering or the wind whispering.
Meaning: talk in a quiet voice (verb)
Which one should you use?
In contrast, 私語 refers specifically to whispering or private chatter among people, such as the kind of talking that occurs in a classroom.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
sasayaku
Did you know?
- The word ささやく can be used to describe the soft, rustling sound of silk fabrics, treating the material as if it were speaking.
- The word 耳打ち (mimiuchi) literally combines the characters for 'ear' and 'hitting' or 'striking'.
- In Japanese social settings, whispering can be labeled as 不作法 (fusahō), meaning it is considered a breach of etiquette or bad manners.
Examples in context
- 彼は彼女の耳元でささやく。kare wa kanojo no mimimoto de sasayaku.He whispers in her ear.
- 風が木の葉にささやく。kaze ga konoha ni sasayaku.The wind whispers to the leaves.
- 秘密をささやくのはやめて。himitsu o sasayaku no wa yamete.Stop whispering secrets.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ささやく, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
