Japanese Conversation · Level 11
90 words
Japanese word
サイレン
Pronunciation
Romajisairen
Meaning
- nounsiren
Example
サイレンを聞きました。sa i re n o ki ki ma shi ta
I heard a siren.
More examples
救急車が通り過ぎると、サイレンが遠ざかっていきます。kyū kyū sha ga tō ri su gi ru to sa i re n ga tō za ka tte i ki ma su
When the ambulance passes by, the siren fades into the distance.
Core concept
Warns people of danger or an emergency by producing a loud sound that demands attention.
Common phrases
サイレンが鳴るsa i re n ga na ru
a siren sounds
サイレンを鳴らすsa i re n o na ra su
sound a siren
サイレンを聞くsa i re n o ki ku
hear a siren
サイレンを止めるsa i re n o to me ru
turn off a siren
Similar words
警報音keihōon: A sound used to warn people of danger or an emergency.
警笛keiteki: A loud warning sound made by a horn or whistle.
ブザーbuzā: A buzzing sound used as a warning or signal.
アラームarāmu: A warning signal that sounds when attention or action is needed.
Definition in Japanese
危険や非常事態の発生を知らせる大きな音、またはそれを発する装置。ki ken ya hi jō ji tai no has sei o shi ra se ru ō ki na oto ma ta wa so re o has su ru sō chi
Word origin
サイレン (sairen) was borrowed from English siren, a word ultimately derived from Greek Seirēn, a mythical figure associated with a dangerous song.
Usage tips
- English also uses siren for a mythical creature whose song attracts sailors, so the word has a story-related meaning that Japanese サイレン (sairen) generally does not have.