Entry
チュンチュン
chunchun
The chirping or cheeping sound of small birds, especially sparrows.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeic word representing the light, repetitive chirping or cheeping sound made by small birds. In Japanese culture, it is most classically associated with the sound of sparrows (suzume) and often evokes a peaceful morning atmosphere.
- Sparrow's chirp
- Small bird sounds
- Morning ambiance
Sense Map
Sparrow Chirp
The specific chirping sound made by sparrows or other small birds.
すずめがチュンチュン鳴く。
Morning Birds
The lively sound of birds chirping that represents a clear, peaceful morning.
朝、鳥がチュンチュンと鳴いている。
Usage Note
How to Use
チュンチュン鳴く
Used directly before the verb 'to cry/sing' to describe how the bird sounds.
チュンチュンと鳴く
Same as above, but with the quotation particle 'to' for emphasis on the sound.
チュンチュンという
Used as a noun phrase modifier meaning 'the chirping sound' when connected to nouns like 'voice/sound'.
How to Use
Common Phrases
チュンチュン鳴く
to chirp
チュンチュンと鳴く
to chirp / to cheep
チュンチュンさえずる
to twitter / to sing
チュンチュンという声
chirping voice/sound
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sparrows in a park | neutral | The most standard, literal usage. |
| Morning description | positive | Gives the impression of a fresh, bright, and peaceful morning. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぴよぴよ ぴよぴよ / nearby | Use 'piyopiyo' for the peeping sound of baby chicks or very young birds. | Not used for adult small birds like sparrows. | ひよこがぴよぴよ鳴く。 |
ぴーぴー ぴーぴー / nearby | Use 'piipii' for louder, shrill peeps, whistles, or the crying of hungry baby birds. | Focuses on a high-pitched, sometimes complaining tone rather than pleasant chirping. | 鳥がピーピー騒ぐ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using this word for large birds like crows.
Use 'kaa kaa' for crows. 'Chunchun' is strictly for small birds.
Using this word for baby chicks.
Use 'piyopiyo' for chicks.
Examples
Examples
すずめがチュンチュン鳴きながら、餌を食べている。
すずめがチュンチュンなきながら、えさをたべている。
The sparrow is chirping while eating its food.
LiteralBasic usage for the sound of a sparrow.
朝、窓の外で鳥がチュンチュンと鳴いている声が聞こえた。
あさ、まどのそとでとりがチュンチュンとないているこえがきこえた。
In the morning, I heard the sound of birds chirping outside the window.
LiteralOften used to establish a peaceful morning atmosphere.
木の枝で小鳥たちが楽しそうにチュンチュンとさえずっている。
きのえだでことりたちがたのしそうにチュンチュンとさえずっている。
The small birds are happily chirping on the tree branch.
LiteralDescribes the cheerful nature of the birds.
春が来て、あちこちからチュンチュンという声がする。
はるがきて、あちこちからチュンチュンというこえがする。
Spring has come, and chirping sounds can be heard from everywhere.
LiteralUsed with 'to iu' to modify a noun (voice/sound).
屋根の上でチュンチュン鳴くすずめを見て、心が和んだ。
やねのうえでチュンチュンなくすずめをみて、こころがなごんだ。
Seeing the sparrows chirping on the roof calmed my heart.
LiteralShows the positive emotional response to hearing the sound.
Similar Words
ぴよぴよ
piyopiyo
Represents the high-pitched peeping or chirping of chicks, as well as frail, gentle movements. For the peeping of baby chicks.
ピーピー
piipii
A word representing high-pitched repeated sounds like beeps or chirps, as well as figurative states like having diarrhea, being broke, or being a novice. Loud, high-pitched peeping, often from hungry chicks.
Questions
What bird is most associated with this sound?
The sparrow (suzume) is the bird most canonically linked to this sound in Japan.
Can I use this word for chickens?
No. For chicks use 'piyopiyo', and for roosters use 'kokekokko'.
Is this word only used in the morning?
No, it describes the sound itself so it can be used anytime, though morning is the most typical literary setting.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2610900
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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