Entry
がやがや
gayagaya
The bustling sound of many people talking all at once, creating a noisy atmosphere.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term describes the collective noise produced by a crowd, such as in a marketplace, classroom, or busy street. It emphasizes the indistinguishable mix of many voices rather than specific conversations.
- Sound of a crowd talking
- Bustling and noisy environment
Sense Map
Group Interaction
The sound of many voices overlapping in a social setting.
友達が集まってがやがやと話している。
Public Spaces
The lively clamor found in busy locations like markets or squares.
朝の市場はがやがやとにぎやかだ。
Usage Note
How to Use
がやがやする
Used as a verb to state that a place is currently noisy with people talking.
がやがや（と）話す
Describes the manner in which a group is talking together loudly.
がやがやした場所
The 'shita' form acts as an adjective to describe a noisy, crowded location.
How to Use
Common Phrases
がやがやと騒ぐ
to make a noisy racket
教室ががやがやする
the classroom is noisy/bustling
がやがやした雰囲気
a noisy atmosphere
がやがや聞こえる
to hear a hubbub
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom | neutral | Describes students chatting freely during a break. |
| Busy Market | positive | Implies a vibrant, lively place filled with human activity. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ざわざわ ざわざわ / similar | Used for a quieter murmur in a crowd, or a restless, uneasy stir. | This word is clearly audible overlapping talk. The comparison term is a lower murmur spread through a room, not loud conversation. | 発表のあと、会場がざわざわした。 |
わいわい わいわい / contrast | Used for a cheerful, festive group noise, as at a party. | The comparison term is specifically upbeat and fun. This word is more purely descriptive of crowd-talk volume. | みんなでわいわい楽しむ。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using gayagaya for one loud person.
Gayagaya requires a group of people; use 'urusai' or 'ogoe' for an individual.
Applying it to traffic or machinery noise.
This term is reserved for human voices talking in a crowd.
Examples
Examples
先生が教室を出ると、すぐに生徒たちががやがやし始めた。
せんせいがきょうしつをでると、すぐにせいとたちががやがやしはじめた。
As soon as the teacher left the classroom, the students began to chatter noisily.
LiteralShows the shift from quiet to a noisy crowd atmosphere.
駅前の広場は、イベントを待つ人々でがやがや（と）騒がしかった。
えきまえのひろばは、イベントをまつひとびとでがやがや（と）さわがしかった。
The square in front of the station was bustling with people waiting for the event.
VisualDescribes the scene of a crowd producing a collective noise.
そんなにがやがや話さないで、静かにしなさい。
そんなにがやがやはなさないで、しずかにしなさい。
Don't talk so noisily; please be quiet.
LiteralUsed to scold a group for being too noisy while talking.
マーケットは朝からがやがやした活気に包まれている。
マーケットはあさからがやがやしたかっきにつつまれている。
The market has been wrapped in a bustling energy since morning.
FigurativeThe noise of the crowd is treated as a form of 'energy' or 'atmosphere'.
遠くからがやがやと笑う声が聞こえてきた。
とおくからがやがやとわらうこえがきこえてきた。
The sound of a crowd laughing could be heard from a distance.
LiteralIndicates that the laughter is coming from many people at once.
Similar Words
ざわざわ
zawazawa
A low murmur of many people, rustling leaves, or an uneasy chill that will not settle. A quieter crowd murmur, sometimes with unease.
ワイワイ
waiwai
This word describes the loud, energetic noise of many people having fun, persistently complaining, or crying loudly. Cheerful, festive group noise.
Questions
Is gayagaya always a negative word for 'noisy'?
No, it is often neutral or even positive, suggesting a lively and energetic atmosphere.
What is the difference between gayagaya and zawazawa?
Gayagaya is the clear sound of multiple people talking, while zawazawa is a more indistinct murmur or rustling sound.
Can I use it for bird sounds?
No, bird chattering is usually 'pichiku-pachiku'. Gayagaya is specifically for humans.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003280
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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