Japanese word

やかましい

Pronunciation

Romajiyakamashii

Meaning

  • i-adjectivenoisy

Example

隣の部屋がやかましいです。tonari no heya ga ya ka ma shi i de su

The room next door is noisy.

Illustration for やかましい (noisy)

More examples

祭りの日は町全体がやかましいです。matsu ri no hi wa machi zen tai ga ya ka ma shi i de su

The whole town is noisy on festival days.

Core concept

Describes sound or speech that is so loud, persistent, or intrusive that it becomes irritating, and can extend to complaints that feel overly strict.

Common phrases

  • やかましい鳴き声ya ka ma shi i na ki goe

    noisy cry

  • やかましい話し声ya ka ma shi i hana shi goe

    loud voices

Similar words

うるさいurusai: Describes a sound, remark, or behavior that causes annoyance in ordinary situations.
騒がしいsawagashii: Describes surroundings filled with busy, distracting sounds from people or activity.
騒々しいsōzōshii: Describes noise that is loud and disorderly, making a place feel unsettled.
口うるさいkuchiurusai: Describes a person who repeatedly complains or makes strict demands.

Definition in Japanese

音や声などが大きくて耳障りである。また、細かいことを厳しく言い立てるさま。oto ya koe na do ga ō ki ku te mimi zawa ri de a ru ma ta koma ka i ko to o kibi shi ku i i ta te ru sa ma

Word origin

The native Japanese adjective やかましい (yakamashii) descends from やかまし (yakamashi), an older form meaning "noisy" or "troublesome."

Usage tips

  • Unlike English noisy, やかましい (yakamashii) can also describe someone who complains about small matters or imposes strict demands.

Other meanings

  • loudi-adjective
  • stricti-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • やかましさyakamashisanoisinessnoun
  • やかましがるyakamashigarube annoyed by noiseverb

Word lists with this word