Entry
唖々
aa
An archaic onomatopoeia representing the hoarse cawing sound of a crow.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word is used in classical Japanese literature to mimic the hoarse cry of a crow or other large birds. In modern Japanese, a crow's sound is more commonly represented by 'kaakaa' (カーカー).
- Crow's caw
- Large bird's cry (archaic)
Sense Map
Crow's Caw
The cawing sound of a crow in archaic literature.
鴉が唖々と鳴く。
Large Bird's Cry
The echoing cry of a large bird, typically found in historical texts.
鳥が唖々と空に響く。
Usage Note
How to Use
唖々（と）
唖々と + 動詞
唖々という + 名詞
How to Use
Common Phrases
唖々と鳴く
to caw (of a bird)
唖々と飛ぶ
to fly while cawing
唖々と響く
an echoing caw
鴉が唖々と
a crow caws
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reading classical literature. | Archaic / Literary | Used to build an old-fashioned or traditional atmosphere in stories. |
| Modern speech. | Unnatural | Modern speakers will likely not understand it and may think you are just sighing. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かーかー かーかー / similar | When describing the sound of a crow in modern Japanese. | 唖々 is archaic, whereas カーカー is the standard onomatopoeia used in everyday modern Japanese. | カラスがカーカーと鳴く。 |
噁噁 あくあく / similar | When reading archaic texts describing the chirping or crying of birds. | 唖々 is typically for crows (caw), while 噁噁 (akuaku) can cover broader chirping sounds. | 噁噁と鳴く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word in casual conversation to describe a crow.
This is archaic. Use カーカー (kaakaa) for everyday modern conversation.
Confusing it with the interjection 'Ah' (ああ).
Although pronounced the same, when followed by と鳴く (to naku), it specifically means a bird's cry.
Examples
Examples
鴉が唖々と鳴く声が聞こえる。
からすがああとなくこえがきこえる。
I can hear the sound of a crow cawing.
LiteralLiteral use that points directly to a sound, state, or action.
古い物語では、鳥が唖々と空を舞う。
ふるいものがたりでは、とりがああとそらをまう。
In old tales, birds soar through the sky cawing.
LiteralLiteral use that points directly to a sound, state, or action.
森の奥から、唖々という不気味な鳴き声がした。
もりのおくから、ああというぶきみななきごえがした。
An eerie cawing sound came from deep within the forest.
LiteralLiteral use that points directly to a sound, state, or action.
夕暮れの空に、一羽の鴉が唖々と鳴きながら消えていった。
ゆうぐれのそらに、いちわのからすがああとなきながらきえていった。
In the twilight sky, a single crow disappeared while cawing.
LiteralLiteral use that points directly to a sound, state, or action.
唖唖と鳴く声だけが、静寂を破った。
ああとなくこえだけが、せいじゃくをやぶった。
Only the cawing sound broke the silence.
LiteralLiteral use that points directly to a sound, state, or action.
Similar Words
Questions
Can I use this word with my Japanese friends?
No, this word is obsolete in daily life. Use カーカー instead.
Why does it share the same pronunciation as the sigh 'Ah' (ああ)?
It's a phonetic coincidence. The kanji 唖 means mute or hoarse, making it a fitting phonetic choice for a raspy bird call.
How is it usually written?
It is most often written in kanji as 唖々 to prevent confusion with the interjection 'ああ'.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2252550
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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