Japanese word

唸る

Pronunciation

Romajiunaru

Meaning

  • verbgroan

Example

私は重い荷物を持つと、思わず唸ります。watashi wa omo i ni motsu o mo tsu to omo wa zu una ri ma su

I groan involuntarily when I lift a heavy bag.

Illustration for 唸る (groan)

More examples

けがをした選手は、ベンチで痛みに唸っていました。ke ga o shi ta sen shu wa be n chi de ita mi ni una tte i ma shi ta

The injured player was groaning in pain on the bench.

Core concept

It refers to releasing a deep, drawn-out sound as effort, discomfort, or strong feeling builds up.

Common phrases

  • 痛みに唸っているita mi ni una tte i ru

    be groaning in pain

  • 低い声で唸るhiku i koe de una ru

    groan in a low voice

Similar words

呻くumeku: To express deep sadness or regret, often in words or a low voice.
呻吟するshinginsuru: To make a low sound that shows pain or severe distress.

Definition in Japanese

人が苦しさや力みから低く長い声を発し、動物が威嚇などで低い声を発する。hito ga kuru shi sa ya riki mi ka ra hiku ku naga i koe o has shi dō butsu ga i kaku na do de hiku i koe o has su ru

Word origin

The native Japanese verb 唸る (unaru) comes from a sound-imitating form associated with a deep, sustained vocal sound.

Usage tips

  • The verb groan is common in spoken English for both a sound made under strain and a spoken expression of annoyance, so its meaning depends on the situation.

Other meanings

  • growlverb

Related words

  • 唸りunarigroannoun

Word lists with this word