Entry
びいびい
biibii
The loud sound of a child crying uncontrollably, persistent whining, or a bleating animal.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeia representing a loud, continuous, and often annoying noise. It is typically used for a baby or child bawling, someone complaining noisily, or the bleating sound of sheep and goats.
- Loud crying
- Whining
- Animal bleating
Sense Map
Loud Crying
Represents a loud, shrill, and uncontrollable crying sound, usually from a baby or young child.
赤ちゃんがびいびい泣く。
Complaining / Whining
Describes the sound of continuous, bothersome complaining, whining, or bellyaching.
びいびい文句を言う。
Animal Sounds
Mimics the bleating sound of sheep, goats, or similar animals.
羊がびいびい鳴く。
Usage Note
How to Use
びいびい泣く
The most common pattern to express a baby or child bawling loudly.
びいびい言う
Used with the verb 'to say' to describe someone constantly whining or complaining.
びいびい鳴く
Used to describe the loud bleating of an animal.
びいびいと
Uses the 'to' particle to emphasize the manner or state of the noisy action.
How to Use
Common Phrases
びいびい泣く
To cry very loudly
びいびい言う
To whine or complain continuously
びいびい鳴く
To bleat loudly
びいびい泣きわめく
To cry and scream
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Child crying | Negative | Often used when the crying is perceived as noisy and tiring for the listener. |
| Adult complaining | Critical | Gives a condescending impression, implying the person is whining like a child. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
わいわい わいわい / similar | When many people gather and make a lively, boisterous noise. | Not used for an individual's crying or annoying whining. | みんなでワイワイ騒ぐ |
がーがー がーがー / nearby | For harsh noises like machinery, loud snoring, or a person angrily scolding. | Focuses on the harshness of the sound rather than shrill crying or whining. | ガーガー文句を言う |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe silent tears or deep sorrow.
This word is exclusively for loud, noisy, and childish crying.
Applying it to environmental noises or city bustle.
Use this word for vocal sounds like crying, complaining, or bleating.
Examples
Examples
赤ちゃんがびいびい泣いている。
あかちゃん が びいびい ないて いる。
The baby is crying loudly.
LiteralTypical usage for loud, continuous crying of a baby.
小さなことでびいびい文句を言うな。
ちいさな こと で びいびい もんく を いう な。
Don't whine noisily about small things.
FigurativeUsed metaphorically for annoying complaining.
羊が牧場でびいびいと鳴く。
ひつじ が まきば で びいびい と なく。
The sheep bleat in the pasture.
LiteralUsed to mimic animal sounds like bleating.
弟はおもちゃが欲しいとびいびい泣きわめいた。
おとうと は おもちゃ が ほしい と びいびい なきわめいた。
My younger brother bawled loudly, wanting a toy.
LiteralLoud crying accompanied by selfish demands.
いつまでもびいびい言うのはやめなさい。
いつ まで も びいびい いう の は やめなさい。
Stop whining on and on.
FigurativeComplaining in an irritating, childish way.
Similar Words
ワイワイ
waiwai
This word describes the loud, energetic noise of many people having fun, persistently complaining, or crying loudly. Used for the noise of a crowd, not for whining or crying.
ガーガー
gaagaa
A harsh, loud, and repetitive sound, such as ducks quacking, heavy snoring, angry complaining, or broken speakers. Used for harsh, loud complaining or quacking.
ピーチクパーチク
piichikupaachiku
Describes the lively, high-pitched chirping of small birds, or people chattering loudly and incessantly.
Questions
Is this word only for crying?
No, it is also frequently used for noisy complaining or animal bleating.
Does this word have a positive nuance?
Generally, no. It often implies that the sound is irritating or excessively loud.
Can I use it for an adult crying?
Yes, but doing so strongly implies that their behavior is childish or annoying.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2748970
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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