Japanese word

あくび

Pronunciation

Romajiakubi

Meaning

  • nounyawn

Example

彼は大きなあくびをしました。kare wa ō ki na a ku bi o shi ma shi ta

He let out a big yawn.

Illustration for あくび (yawn)

More examples

眠気を感じると、自然にあくびが出ます。nemu ke o kan ji ru to shi zen ni a ku bi ga de ma su

When I feel sleepy, I naturally yawn.

Core concept

Describes the involuntary act of opening the mouth and drawing in a deep breath, usually because of tiredness or drowsiness.

Common phrases

  • あくびをするa ku bi o su ru

    yawn

  • あくびが出るa ku bi ga de ru

    yawn

  • あくびをかみ殺すa ku bi o ka mi koro su

    stifle a yawn

Definition in Japanese

眠気や疲れなどによって、口を大きく開けて息を吸い込む無意識の動作。nemu ke ya tsuka re na do ni yo tte kuchi o ō ki ku a ke te iki o su i ko mu mu i shiki no dō sa

Word origin

The origin of the native Japanese noun あくび (akubi) is uncertain; its common spelling 欠伸 (akubi) reflects opening the mouth and stretching the body rather than a confirmed word structure.

Usage tips

  • An あくび (akubi) can suggest tiredness or boredom in conversation, but it can also occur without either feeling and does not always signal disinterest.

Word lists with this word