Japanese Conversation · Level 56
75 words
Japanese word
つぶやく
Pronunciation
Romajitsubuyaku
Meaning
- verbmurmur
Example
彼女は小さな声でつぶやきます。kano jo wa chii sa na koe de tsu bu ya ki ma su
She murmurs in a low voice.
More examples
彼は返事の代わりに、私の名前をつぶやきました。kare wa hen ji no ka wa ri ni watashi no na mae o tsu bu ya ki ma shi ta
Instead of replying, he murmured my name.
Core concept
Refers to words spoken softly and without a clear, forceful delivery, often revealing a private thought or feeling.
Common phrases
小声でつぶやくko goe de tsu bu ya ku
murmur in a low voice
独り言をつぶやくhito ri goto o tsu bu ya ku
murmur to oneself
名前をつぶやくna mae o tsu bu ya ku
murmur a name
Similar words
ささやくsasayaku: To say something in a very soft voice, usually for privacy or secrecy.
ぼやくboyaku: To express a complaint in a quiet, often continuous voice.
Definition in Japanese
低い声で、はっきりしない調子で言う。hiku i koe de ha kki ri shi na i chō shi de yū
Word origin
つぶやく (tsubuyaku) is a native Japanese verb of uncertain formation, and 呟く (tsubuyaku, "murmur") is a later kanji spelling chosen for its meaning of quiet, indistinct speech.
Usage tips
- Unlike grumble, つぶやく (tsubuyaku) does not by itself express dissatisfaction, so it can describe a quiet remark about any subject.