Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb 8 min de leitura

囁く

sasayaku

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 囁く em 30 segundos

Explicação 囁く in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'sasayaku' as a special way to say 'hanasu' (to speak). While you mostly use 'chiisana koe' (small voice) to describe speaking quietly, you might see 'sasayaku' in very simple stories or songs. It simply means speaking very softly so only the person next to you can hear. Imagine a child telling a secret to a friend—that is 'sasayaku'. At this level, you don't need to worry about the complicated Kanji; just focus on the sound 'sa-sa-ya-ku'. It sounds a bit like the sound of a whisper itself, doesn't it? Try to remember it as the 'secret voice' verb. You might use it when playing a game where you have to pass a message quietly. It's a fun word to know even early on because it appears in many popular Japanese songs and anime where characters are being very close and friendly.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

By A2, you should recognize 'sasayaku' as the standard verb for 'to whisper'. You will start to see it in simple reading passages, especially when two characters are sharing a secret or a romantic moment. You can use it with the particle 'to' to show what someone said: 'Suki da yo, to sasayaku' (Whisper 'I love you'). You will also see it with 'mimoto de' which means 'at the ear'. This helps you describe exactly where the whispering is happening. It's a 'group 1' or 'u-verb' (Godan), so it conjugates like 'kaku' (to write). For example, the past tense is 'sasayaita'. Knowing this verb helps you make your Japanese descriptions more interesting than just using 'hanasu' all the time. It adds a layer of 'how' the person is speaking.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B1 level, you should understand the broader meanings of 'sasayaku', particularly its use in describing rumors. The passive form 'sasayakarete iru' (it is whispered/rumored) is very common in intermediate reading materials like news snippets or blog posts. You should also be able to distinguish 'sasayaku' from 'tsubuyaku' (to mutter). While both involve low volume, 'sasayaku' is directed at someone else, whereas 'tsubuyaku' is often just talking to yourself. You might also start noticing how 'sasayaku' is used to personify nature, like the wind or the sea. This is a great word to use in your own writing to make it more expressive. For example, instead of saying 'It was quiet,' you could say 'The leaves were whispering,' which sounds much more advanced and poetic.

At B2, you are expected to use 'sasayaku' with its full range of nuances. You should be comfortable using it in formal contexts to describe unconfirmed reports or 'whispers' in the industry. You should also understand the cultural weight of the word—how it implies a level of intimacy or secrecy that 'chiisana koe de iu' does not. You might encounter it in more complex literature where the 'whispering' is metaphorical, such as a guilty conscience whispering to a character. Your ability to use adverbs like 'yasashiku' (gently) or 'oinuita' (hushed) with 'sasayaku' will show a high level of descriptive ability. You should also be familiar with the Kanji 囁 and recognize its three 'ear' radicals, which is a common mnemonic for advanced learners.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

For C1 learners, 'sasayaku' becomes a tool for stylistic precision. You will analyze how authors use this verb to create specific atmospheres or to hint at subtext in a conversation. You should understand the difference between 'sasayaku' and more technical terms like 'mitsudan' (secret conference) or 'mimi-uchi' (whispering a tip). At this level, you might explore the etymology or the historical use of the word in classical Japanese literature, where it might have had slightly different phonetic representations but similar meanings of hushed speech. You should be able to use the word in sophisticated discussions about social trends or political rumors, accurately employing the passive and causative forms to describe complex social interactions.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'sasayaku'. You understand its subtle connotations in every possible context, from the most delicate romantic whisper to the most insidious political rumor. You can appreciate the word's use in high-level literature, poetry, and cinematic scripts, where its placement can change the entire meaning of a scene. You might even use the word yourself in creative writing to evoke specific emotional responses in your readers. You are aware of rare or archaic synonyms and can explain the nuance of 'sasayaku' to others. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word ironically or metaphorically in ways that reflect a deep understanding of Japanese culture and linguistic history.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

囁く em 30 segundos

囁く (sasayaku) means to whisper or speak very softly, usually to a specific person.
It is also used to describe rumors spreading quietly ('sasayakarete iru').
The kanji features three 'ear' radicals, emphasizing the act of listening to secrets.
It differs from 'tsubuyaku' (muttering to oneself) by being interpersonal.

The Japanese verb 囁く (sasayaku) is a nuanced and evocative term that primarily translates to "to whisper" or "to speak very softly." In its most literal sense, it describes the physical act of reducing one's voice to a breathy, quiet tone, typically so that only someone very close can hear. However, its usage extends far beyond simple volume control, carrying heavy connotations of intimacy, secrecy, and sometimes even the supernatural or the spread of rumors.

Physical Action: Speaking directly into someone's ear or in a hushed tone to avoid being overheard by others in the vicinity.

Metaphorical Rumors: Used when a story or rumor is circulating quietly among a group of people, often expressed as 'it is whispered that...' (〜と囁かれている).

彼は彼女の耳元で愛を囁いた。(He whispered words of love in her ear.)

One of the most distinctive features of sasayaku is its visual representation in Kanji. The character 囁 is composed of three 'ear' (耳) radicals. This striking composition suggests an environment where multiple ears are leaning in to catch a secret, or perhaps the intensity of a message delivered directly to the ear. It is a 'Godan' verb, following the standard conjugation patterns for verbs ending in 'ku'.

In literature and media, sasayaku is frequently used to set a mood. It can evoke a sense of romance, such as in the phrase 'ai o sasayaku' (to whisper sweet nothings/love), or it can create a sense of dread, such as the wind whispering through the trees or a ghost whispering a warning. It is a versatile verb that bridges the gap between physical sound and emotional atmosphere.

風が木々の間を囁くように通り抜けた。(The wind passed through the trees as if whispering.)

When you encounter this word in a news context, it often refers to political or corporate rumors. For instance, 'shisetsu no kenchiku ga chuushi sareru to sasayakarete iru' (It is whispered/rumored that the construction of the facility will be cancelled). Here, the word takes on a more formal, albeit speculative, tone. Understanding the breadth of sasayaku allows learners to move from simple communication to expressive, descriptive Japanese.

Using 囁く (sasayaku) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the particles that typically accompany it. As a transitive verb, it often takes an object—the content of what is being whispered—followed by the particle 'o' (を). However, it can also function intransitively when describing the general act of whispering.

Direct Object Usage: [Content] + を + 囁く. Example: 'Himitsu o sasayaku' (To whisper a secret).

Location/Direction: [Location] + で + 囁く. Most commonly 'mimoto de' (at the ear). Example: 'Mimoto de sasayaku' (To whisper in someone's ear).

彼女は小さな声で「さよなら」と囁いた。(She whispered 'Goodbye' in a small voice.)

The verb is often seen in its passive form sasayakarete iru (囁かれている) to indicate rumors. This is a very common pattern in journalism and gossip. For example, 'Kare ga jinin suru to sasayakarete iru' translates to 'It is rumored that he will resign.' This structure distances the speaker from the claim, attributing it to a general, hushed public opinion.

In creative writing, sasayaku can be modified by adverbs to change the mood. 'Yasashiku sasayaku' (to whisper gently) creates a romantic or comforting tone, while 'bukimi ni sasayaku' (to whisper eerily) changes the atmosphere to one of suspense or horror. Because the word itself is quite descriptive, it is a favorite for novelists looking to add texture to their dialogue scenes.

その噂は街中に囁かれていた。(That rumor was being whispered throughout the town.)

Finally, consider the polite form sasayakimasu. While the plain form is common in narratives, you might use the polite form when describing someone's actions in a formal report or a polite conversation. However, since whispering is often a private or informal act, the plain form or the 'te-iru' form is more frequently encountered in daily Japanese media.

You will encounter 囁く (sasayaku) in a variety of real-world contexts, ranging from the highly emotional to the strictly informational. Understanding these contexts helps in grasping the 'flavor' of the word beyond its dictionary definition.

Romantic Dramas (Ren'ai Drama): This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word. Characters often 'sasayaku' sweet things to each other in quiet, intimate moments. The phrase 'Ai o sasayaku' is a staple of romantic dialogue.

News and Tabloids: When a scandal is brewing but not yet confirmed, news anchors or articles might use 'sasayakarete iru' to report on rumors regarding celebrities, politicians, or corporate shake-ups.

週刊誌では二人の破局が囁かれています。(Their breakup is being whispered about in weekly magazines.)

In Japanese literature (Bungaku), sasayaku is used for personification. Authors often describe natural elements like the wind, the sea, or the rustling of leaves as 'whispering.' This adds a poetic, sentient quality to the environment, making the setting feel more alive and interactive with the characters.

Mystery novels and thrillers also make heavy use of this word. A 'whispered' warning or a 'whispered' confession adds to the tension. The act of whispering implies that there is a reason to be quiet—fear of being caught, the delicacy of the information, or the intimacy of the connection. By paying attention to when this word is used, you can better understand the power dynamics and emotional stakes of a scene.

暗闇の中で、誰かが私の名前を囁いた。(In the darkness, someone whispered my name.)

Lastly, in daily life, while you might not use the word to describe your own whispering as much as simply 'chiisana koe de hanasu' (speaking in a small voice), you will certainly see it in subtitles, lyrics, and advertisements. It carries a certain 'elegance' or 'drama' that makes it more appealing for creative use than more mundane verbs.

While 囁く (sasayaku) is a straightforward verb, English speakers often make specific errors when translating the concept of 'whispering' into Japanese. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more natural and precise.

Confusion with 'Tsubuyaku' (呟く): The biggest mistake is using 'sasayaku' when you mean 'to mutter to oneself.' If you are talking to yourself quietly, use 'tsubuyaku.' 'Sasayaku' is almost always interpersonal or used for rumors.

Overusing it in Daily Speech: In casual daily life, if you just want someone to speak quieter, you'd say 'motto chiisana koe de hanashite' (please speak in a smaller voice). 'Sasayaku' sounds a bit dramatic or literary for a simple request to lower one's volume in a library.

❌ 独り言を囁く。(Whispering a monologue - unnatural)
✅ 独り言を呟く。(Muttering a monologue - natural)

Another common error involves the particle 'ni'. While you can say 'kare ni sasayaku' (whisper to him), it is much more common and evocative to use 'mimoto de' (at the ear) or 'mimoto ni' (to the ear). Simply using 'ni' can sometimes feel a bit flat compared to the more descriptive spatial markers Japanese speakers prefer.

Finally, learners often forget the 'rumor' aspect of sasayaku. In English, we might say "Rumor has it..." or "People are saying..." In Japanese, the passive 'sasayakarete iru' is the idiomatic equivalent. Failing to use the passive form when discussing rumors can make the sentence sound like a specific group of people are literally whispering in the streets, rather than a general rumor circulating.

❌ みんながその秘密を囁く。(Everyone whispers that secret - literal)
✅ その秘密が囁かれている。(That secret is being rumored - idiomatic)

By distinguishing between self-talk (tsubuyaku), volume (chiisana koe), and interpersonal whispering (sasayaku), you will demonstrate a much higher level of Japanese proficiency.

Japanese has several verbs that describe low-volume speech, each with its own specific nuance. Choosing the right one is key to conveying the exact situation you're describing.

呟く (Tsubuyaku): Meaning: To mutter or murmur. Nuance: Usually directed at oneself or said under one's breath without the intent of being heard by others. This is also the word used for 'tweeting' on social media.

密談する (Mitsudan suru): Meaning: To confer in secret. Nuance: This is a formal noun-verb (suru-verb) used for secret meetings or conspiracies, often in political or business contexts. It implies a discussion rather than just a single whisper.

彼は何かを呟きながら歩いていた。(He was walking while muttering something to himself.)

Another alternative is mimi-uchi suru (耳打ちする). This literally means 'to hit the ear' but translates to 'to whisper in someone's ear' or 'to tip someone off.' It is more action-oriented than sasayaku and often implies giving a specific piece of information or advice privately.

For the 'rumor' aspect of sasayaku, you might also hear uwasa sareru (噂される), which means 'to be rumored.' While sasayakarete iru implies a hushed, perhaps more scandalous or uncertain rumor, uwasa sareru is more general. If you want to describe a quiet, indistinct sound that isn't speech, you might use zawazawa (the sound of a crowd) or kasuka na oto (a faint sound).

彼は同僚に耳打ちした。(He whispered in his colleague's ear / He tipped off his colleague.)

In summary, use sasayaku for romantic, secretive, or poetic whispering; tsubuyaku for muttering to yourself; mimi-uchi suru for passing secrets or tips; and mitsudan for formal secret talks. Each word paints a slightly different picture of the scene.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The Kanji 囁 contains three 'ear' (耳) characters. This is a rare 'tripled' kanji. It visually represents the idea of 'many ears' or 'speaking into an ear,' making it one of the most logically constructed characters for its meaning.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /sasa'jaku/

US /sɑsɑ'jɑku/

Flat (Heiban) pitch accent in standard Japanese, though some dialects may vary. The tone stays relatively level.

Rima com

Kaku (to write) Taku (to burn) Haku (to wear) Maku (to sow) Saku (to bloom) Aruku (to walk) Tsubuyaku (to mutter) Utau (to sing - partial)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'sa' like 'say'. It should be 'sah'.
Over-stressing the 'ya' like 'sa-SAY-ku'.
Making the 'u' at the end too long. In Japanese, the final 'u' is often devoiced/short.
Confusing the pitch with 'sasayaka' (meager), which has a different accent.
Treating it as a two-syllable word.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 4/5

The Kanji 囁 is very complex (22 strokes) and rarely used in basic texts, but the kana is common.

Escrita 5/5

Writing 囁 by hand is difficult even for many Japanese people; most use IME.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation is simple and follows standard patterns.

Audição 3/5

Can be confused with 'tsubuyaku' or 'sasayaka' if not listening carefully.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

話す (hanasu) 声 (koe) 耳 (mimi) 秘密 (himitsu) 噂 (uwasa)

Aprenda a seguir

呟く (tsubuyaku) 叫ぶ (sakebu) 密談 (mitsudan) 言霊 (kotodama) 暗示 (anji)

Avançado

諧謔 (kaigyaku) 諷刺 (fuushi) 言質 (genchi) 婉曲 (enkyoku)

Gramática essencial

Quoting with 'to' (と)

「逃げろ」と囁いた。

Godan Verb Conjugation (-ku -> -ita)

囁く -> 囁いた

Passive for Rumors (〜ている)

結婚すると囁かれている。

Simultaneous Action (〜ながら)

囁きながら笑う。

Manner with 'youni' (ように)

囁くように歌う。

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

小さな声で囁く。

Whisper in a small voice.

Uses 'de' to show the manner.

「こんにちは」と囁いた。

Whispered 'Hello'.

Uses 'to' for a direct quote.

耳で囁く。

Whisper at the ear.

'Mimi' means ear.

友達に囁く。

Whisper to a friend.

'Ni' shows the recipient.

秘密を囁く。

Whisper a secret.

'O' shows the object.

静かに囁く。

Whisper quietly.

'Shizuka ni' is an adverb.

母が囁く。

Mother whispers.

'Ga' marks the subject.

囁いてください。

Please whisper.

Polite request form.

彼は私の耳元で囁いた。

He whispered in my ear.

'Mimoto' is a more specific word for 'at the ear'.

愛を囁くのは恥ずかしい。

Whispering love is embarrassing.

'No wa' turns the verb into a noun phrase.

誰かが外で囁いている。

Someone is whispering outside.

'Te-iru' shows an ongoing action.

先生が囁くように言った。

The teacher said it as if whispering.

'You ni' means 'as if'.

秘密の言葉を囁いた。

Whispered secret words.

Adjective 'himitsu no' modifies the noun.

彼女は優しく囁きました。

She whispered gently.

Polite past tense.

囁く声が聞こえる。

I can hear a whispering voice.

Verb modifies the noun 'koe'.

暗い部屋で囁き合った。

We whispered to each other in a dark room.

'-au' means to do together/to each other.

そのニュースは街中で囁かれている。

That news is being rumored throughout the town.

Passive form 'sasayakarete iru' for rumors.

風が木々の間で囁いているようだ。

It seems like the wind is whispering among the trees.

'You da' expresses a subjective impression.

彼は何事か囁きながら去っていった。

He left while whispering something.

'-nagara' shows simultaneous actions.

幽霊が囁くという噂がある。

There is a rumor that a ghost whispers.

'To iu' defines the content of the rumor.

彼女はわざとらしく囁いた。

She whispered in an affected/unnatural way.

'Wazatorashiku' is an adverb.

真実を耳元で囁いてほしい。

I want you to whisper the truth in my ear.

'-te hoshii' expresses a desire for someone else's action.

囁くような雨の音がする。

There is a sound of rain like a whisper.

Metaphorical use for nature.

誰もいないはずの部屋で声が囁いた。

A voice whispered in a room that was supposed to be empty.

'-hazu' expresses expectation/supposition.

政界では彼の引退が囁かれている。

His retirement is being rumored in political circles.

Formal context for rumors.

彼女は観客に聞こえないように囁いた。

She whispered so the audience wouldn't hear.

'Kikoenai you ni' shows purpose.

その秘密を囁くことは禁じられている。

Whispering that secret is forbidden.

Passive 'kinjirarete iru'.

不気味な声が私の名前を何度も囁いた。

An eerie voice whispered my name many times.

'Nando mo' means 'many times'.

彼は計画の変更を仲間に囁いた。

He whispered the change of plan to his comrades.

Intimate/secretive context.

囁くような低い声で彼は話し始めた。

He began to speak in a low, whisper-like voice.

'-hajimeta' means 'began to'.

二人の仲が怪しいと囁かれ始めた。

Rumors began to spread that the two had a suspicious relationship.

Complex passive + auxiliary verb.

波の音が囁きのように聞こえる夜だ。

It's a night where the sound of waves sounds like a whisper.

Poetic structure.

裏切り者がいるという疑念が囁かれ始めた。

The suspicion that there is a traitor has begun to be whispered.

Abstract noun 'ginen' (suspicion) as subject.

彼女の耳元で甘い言葉を囁き、心を掴んだ。

He whispered sweet words in her ear and won her heart.

Compound sentence with 'te' form.

その古城には亡霊の囁きが響いているという。

They say the whispers of ghosts echo in that old castle.

'To iu' here means 'it is said that'.

陰謀が水面下で囁かれていることに気づくべきだ。

You should notice that a conspiracy is being whispered about under the surface.

'Suimenka' (under the surface) is a common idiom.

彼は苦痛に耐えながら、助けを求めるように囁いた。

While enduring pain, he whispered as if asking for help.

Multiple clauses showing state and manner.

その美辞麗句は、単なる誘惑として囁かれたに過ぎない。

Those flowery words were merely whispered as a temptation.

'Ni sugisai' means 'nothing more than'.

静寂を破るように、誰かが耳元で囁きを漏らした。

As if to break the silence, someone let out a whisper in the ear.

'Morashita' means 'leaked' or 'let out'.

歴史の闇に葬られた真実が、今も囁き続けている。

The truth buried in the darkness of history continues to be whispered even now.

Metaphorical use of 'sasayaki-tsudukeru'.

権力の回廊では、次期首相の名が密かに囁かれている。

In the corridors of power, the name of the next Prime Minister is being secretly whispered.

Highly formal/literary register.

彼の囁きは、まるで蛇が這うような冷たさを帯びていた。

His whisper carried a coldness as if a snake were crawling.

'Obite ita' means 'carried' or 'had a tinge of'.

深淵からの囁きに耳を貸してはならない。

You must not lend an ear to the whispers from the abyss.

'Mimi o kasu' is an idiom for 'listening'.

その詩篇は、神の囁きを書き留めたものだと信じられている。

That psalm is believed to be a transcription of God's whispers.

Complex passive + noun clause.

沈黙の中にこそ、真実の囁きが潜んでいるのかもしれない。

It might be that in silence itself, the whisper of truth lies hidden.

'Koso' emphasizes the preceding word.

群衆の喧騒の中で、彼女の囁きだけが鮮明に届いた。

Amidst the din of the crowd, only her whisper reached me vividly.

'Kensou' means 'tumult' or 'din'.

運命が耳元で囁く声に、抗うことはできなかった。

I could not resist the voice of fate whispering in my ear.

'Aragau' means 'to resist'.

言霊が囁く森の奥深くで、彼は自分自身を見失った。

Deep in the forest where spirits of words whisper, he lost sight of himself.

'Kotodama' refers to the spirit/power of words.

Colocações comuns

耳元で囁く

愛を囁く

噂が囁かれる

甘い言葉を囁く

小さな声で囁く

不気味に囁く

風が囁く

秘密を囁く

優しく囁く

死に際に囁く

Frases Comuns

囁き声

— A whispering voice. Used as a noun to describe the sound itself.

囁き声が廊下から聞こえる。

〜と囁かれている

— It is rumored that... A standard way to introduce gossip or unconfirmed news.

倒産すると囁かれている。

天使の囁き

— The whisper of an angel. Often used metaphorically for a good idea or conscience.

天使の囁きに従った。

悪魔の囁き

— The devil's whisper. Used for a tempting but bad idea.

悪魔の囁きに負けてしまった。

囁き女将

— Whispering landlady. A famous Japanese cultural reference to a scandal involving a woman whispering answers to her son.

彼女は囁き女将のように指示を出した。

囁き戦術

— Whisper tactics. Using rumors to influence opinion.

囁き戦術で敵を混乱させる。

囁きかける

— To start whispering to someone or to address someone in a whisper.

彼は私に優しく囁きかけた。

囁き合う

— To whisper to one another.

クラスメイトが何かを囁き合っている。

囁きを交わす

— To exchange whispers.

二人は密かに囁きを交わした。

囁きが漏れる

— A whisper leaks out/is overheard.

ドアの隙間から囁きが漏れていた。

Frequentemente confundido com

囁く vs 呟く (tsubuyaku)

Sasayaku is interpersonal; tsubuyaku is often self-directed.

囁く vs 呻く (umeku)

Sasayaku is speech; umeku is a groan of pain or suffering.

囁く vs 囁か (sasayaka)

Sasayaku is a verb (whisper); sasayaka is an adjective (meager/small).

Expressões idiomáticas

"耳に囁く"

— To whisper in someone's ear; to give advice or a warning privately.

賢者が私の耳に囁いた。

Literary

"愛の囁き"

— Whispers of love; sweet nothings.

彼の愛の囁きに彼女は酔いしれた。

Romantic

"風の囁き"

— The whisper of the wind; often used to describe subtle changes or premonitions.

風の囁きが秋の訪れを告げている。

Poetic

"闇の囁き"

— Whispers from the darkness; usually refers to evil thoughts or scary rumors.

闇の囁きに惑わされてはいけない。

Dramatic

"神の囁き"

— A divine whisper; a sudden inspiration or epiphany.

それはまさに神の囁きだった。

Spiritual

"囁き一つで"

— With just a single whisper; implying the power of a quiet word.

囁き一つで国が動くこともある。

Metaphorical

"死神の囁き"

— The whisper of the Grim Reaper; a premonition of death.

彼は死神の囁きを聞いた気がした。

Gothic

"囁きに耳を塞ぐ"

— To block out whispers; to ignore rumors.

彼は周囲の囁きに耳を塞いだ。

Neutral

"囁きを拾う"

— To catch a whisper; to overhear something said quietly.

探偵は通行人の囁きを拾った。

Neutral

"囁きが形になる"

— A whisper takes shape; a rumor becomes a reality.

囁きが形になり、大きな騒動となった。

Literary

Fácil de confundir

囁く vs 呟く

Both involve low volume.

Sasayaku is for whispering to someone; Tsubuyaku is for muttering to oneself.

彼は独り言を呟いた (Self) vs 彼は彼女に囁いた (Interpersonal).

囁く vs 囁か

Similar sound.

Sasayaku is the verb 'to whisper'; Sasayaka is a 'na-adjective' meaning modest or meager.

囁かな贈り物 (Modest gift) vs 秘密を囁く (Whisper a secret).

囁く vs 耳打ち

Both happen at the ear.

Sasayaku is the sound/manner; Mimi-uchi is the specific act of leaning in to tell a secret.

耳打ちして囁いた (Both used together).

囁く vs 私語

Both involve quiet talking.

Shigo is specifically 'private talk' in a public place where it's forbidden.

映画館での私語は慎んでください。

囁く vs ボソボソ

Both are quiet.

Bosoboso describes a mumble that is hard to understand; Sasayaku can be clear but quiet.

ボソボソと話す (Mumble).

Padrões de frases

[Person] が [Word] と囁く。

田中さんが「はい」と囁く。

[Person] の耳元で囁く。

君の耳元で囁く。

[Rumor] と囁かれている。

雨が降ると囁かれている。

囁くような [Noun]。

囁くような話し方。

[Abstract Noun] が囁かれ始める。

不満が囁かれ始める。

[Metaphor] が囁きかける。

死の影が囁きかける。

囁きながら [Action]。

囁きながら歩く。

秘密を囁く。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

囁き (sasayaki) A whisper / whispering.

Verbos

囁き合う (sasayaki-au) To whisper to each other.

囁きかける (sasayaki-kakeru) To start whispering to someone.

Adjetivos

囁くような (sasayaku-youna) Whisper-like.

Relacionado

呟く (tsubuyaku)

呻く (umeku - to groan)

喘ぐ (aegu - to gasp)

唸る (unaru - to groan/roar)

吼える (hoeru - to bark/howl)

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

High in literature and media; medium in daily spoken conversation.

Erros comuns

Using 囁く for Twitter posts. → 呟く (tsubuyaku)
Twitter's 'tweet' is translated as tsubuyaku because it's like a short mutter to the world.
Using 囁く when talking to yourself. → 呟く (tsubuyaku)
Sasayaku requires an audience or a target.
Confusing 囁く with 囁か (sasayaka). → N/A
One is a verb (whisper), the other is an adjective (meager).
Forgetting the passive in rumor contexts. → 〜と囁かれている
Just saying 'everyone whispers' is literal; the passive form is the idiomatic way to say 'rumor has it'.
Pronouncing it 'sasayaku' with a high-low-low pitch. → Flat pitch.
Standard Tokyo accent for this verb is flat.

Dicas

The Ear Rule

Always associate 'sasayaku' with the ear. Whether it's the Kanji's three ears or the phrase 'mimoto de', the ear is the destination of the whisper.

Passive for Gossip

If you hear 'sasayakarete iru', start looking for a rumor. It's the #1 way to talk about gossip in formal Japanese.

Sasayaku vs Tsubuyaku

Sasayaku = 2+ people. Tsubuyaku = 1 person. This simple rule will save you from 90% of mistakes.

The Sound of Sasa

Think of the rustling bamboo (Sasa) to remember the sound of the word 'Sasayaku'.

Literary Context

In novels, if a character 'sasayaku', pay attention to the emotional shift. It usually signals a moment of deep connection or high tension.

Pitch Accent

Keep your pitch flat. If you rise too much, it might sound like a different word or just unnatural.

Kanji Mnemonic

Three ears (耳耳耳) = 囁. It's a 'whisper' because so many ears are involved in the secret.

Don't be too dramatic

In a library, just say 'shizuka ni shite'. Using 'sasayaite' might sound like you're in a movie.

Particle Cues

Listen for 'to' to hear the quote, or 'o' to hear the topic (e.g., 'ai o', 'himitsu o').

Synonym Check

Regularly compare 'sasayaku' with 'mimi-uchi' to understand the difference between 'manner' and 'action'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine three ears (耳耳耳) leaning in to hear a secret. That's the Kanji 囁! The sound 'sa-sa-ya-ku' sounds like the rustling of 'sa-sa' (bamboo leaves) in the wind.

Associação visual

Picture a person with three ears trying to catch a secret. Or picture the 'S' sound in 'Secret' and 'Soft' matching the 'S' in 'Sasayaku'.

Word Web

Whisper Secret Ear Rumor Quiet Intimacy Wind Mutter

Desafio

Try to whisper 'sasayaku' ten times fast. Notice how the 's' and 'y' sounds naturally lend themselves to a hushed tone.

Origem da palavra

The word 'sasayaku' is believed to be an onomatopoeic derivation. The 'sa-sa' sound mimics the breathy, rustling sound of a whisper or wind through grass. This is common in Japanese verbs where the initial sounds reflect the physical nature of the action.

Significado original: To make a soft, rustling sound with the voice.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

Be careful using 'sasayaku' in a professional setting unless referring to rumors. To ask someone to be quiet, 'chiisana koe' is safer.

In English, 'whisper' can be neutral or negative. In Japanese, 'sasayaku' is often more poetic or romantic than the English equivalent.

The 'Sasayaki Okami' (Whispering Landlady) press conference scandal. The song 'Sasayaki' by various J-pop artists. Studio Ghibli films often use 'sasayaku' for natural spirits.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Romance

愛を囁く
甘い囁き
耳元で囁く
囁き合う

Rumors/Gossip

〜と囁かれている
噂が囁かれる
囁きが広まる
密かに囁く

Horror/Mystery

不気味な囁き
亡霊が囁く
闇からの囁き
囁き声がする

Nature/Poetry

風の囁き
波の囁き
森が囁く
囁くような雨

Secrecy

秘密を囁く
耳打ちして囁く
囁きを交わす
誰にも聞こえないように囁く

Iniciadores de conversa

"最近、何か面白い噂が囁かれていますか？ (Are there any interesting rumors being whispered lately?)"

"耳元で囁かれるのは好きですか、それとも苦手ですか？ (Do you like being whispered to in your ear, or do you dislike it?)"

"「愛を囁く」という表現をどう思いますか？ (What do you think of the expression 'whispering love'?)"

"風の囁きを感じたことがありますか？ (Have you ever felt the whisper of the wind?)"

"秘密を囁くとき、どんな気持ちになりますか？ (How do you feel when you whisper a secret?)"

Temas para diário

今日、誰かに何かを囁きましたか？その時の状況を書いてください。 (Did you whisper something to someone today? Write about the situation.)

あなたが聞いた中で、一番驚いた「囁かれている噂」は何ですか？ (What is the most surprising 'whispered rumor' you have heard?)

「囁く」という言葉を使って、短いポエムを書いてみましょう。 (Try writing a short poem using the word 'sasayaku'.)

もし森があなたに囁きかけたら、何と言っていると思いますか？ (If the forest whispered to you, what do you think it would say?)

静かな場所で囁くことの重要性について考えてみてください。 (Think about the importance of whispering in quiet places.)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Usually, 囁く implies a very soft sound. If it's a 'stage whisper' or a sharp, loud whisper, you might say 'hikui koe de' or 'sasayaku you na oogoe' (an oxymoron), but 囁く generally stays in the quiet range.

For B1-B2 levels, recognizing it is helpful. For C1+, you should know it. It's famous for having three ears, so it's easy to remember once you see it.

Yes, in Japanese literature, it's very common to personify the wind, waves, or trees using 囁く.

囁く is the verb (to whisper), and 囁き is the noun (a whisper).

You say 'himitsu o sasayaku'.

Yes, just like 'It is whispered that...', 囁かれている is used for unconfirmed reports.

Not inherently. It can be romantic, neutral, or creepy depending on the context.

No, that is strictly 呟く (tsubuyaku).

叫ぶ (sakebu) or 怒鳴る (donaru).

It can be both. 'Himitsu o sasayaku' (transitive) or 'Mimoto de sasayaku' (intransitive).

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas