Japanese Conversation · Level 129
60 words
Japanese word
口ずさむ
Pronunciation
Romajikuchizusamu
Meaning
- verbhum
Example
私は好きな歌を口ずさみます。watashi wa su ki na uta o kuchi zu sa mi ma su
I hum my favorite song.
More examples
料理をしながら、明るい曲を口ずさみます。ryō ri o shi na ga ra aka ru i kyoku o kuchi zu sa mi ma su
I hum a cheerful song while cooking.
Core concept
It describes softly producing a tune for oneself, often without making it a full performance.
Common phrases
歌を口ずさむuta o kuchi zu sa mu
hum a song
曲を口ずさむkyoku o kuchi zu sa mu
hum a tune
Similar words
歌うutau: To use the voice to produce a song or melody.
Definition in Japanese
小さな声で、歌や曲の旋律をひとりで歌うこと。chii sa na koe de uta ya kyoku no sen ritsu o hi to ri de uta u ko to
Word origin
The native Japanese verb 口ずさむ (kuchizusamu) combines 口 (kuchi, "mouth") with ずさむ (zusamu), an older verb linked to casual singing or recitation.
Usage tips
- English hum usually suggests making a tune with closed lips and no words, while 口ずさむ (kuchizusamu) can also describe quietly singing the words of a song.
Other meanings
- croonverb
- sing to oneselfverb