Entry
がやがや
gayagaya
Describes the noisy, overlapping sound of many people talking at the same time.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
The word がやがや (gayagaya) is used to describe a noisy atmosphere caused by many people talking all at once. It captures the sound of overlapping voices where individual words are hard to distinguish, such as in an unsupervised classroom, a crowded station, or a busy event.
- noisy crowd
- overlapping chatter
Sense Map
General crowd noise
Describes the bustling, indistinct chatter of a large group of people in a public place like a street or station.
駅前ががやがやしている。
Indoor gathering noise
Describes the disruptive or loud chatter of many people talking simultaneously in an enclosed space like a classroom or meeting room.
教室の中ががやがやする。
Usage Note
How to Use
がやがや（と）する
がやがや（と）している
がやがや（と）＋動詞
Used as an adverb to modify other verbs, usually those related to speaking or making noise.
がやがやした＋名詞
Modifies a noun, often used with nouns like 'atmosphere' (雰囲気) to describe the condition of a place.
How to Use
Common Phrases
がやがや話す
to talk noisily
教室ががやがやする
the classroom gets noisy
がやがや騒ぐ
to make a clamor
がやがやした雰囲気
a noisy atmosphere
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| In a classroom or meeting | Negative/Disruptive | Often implies that people are talking when they shouldn't be, disrupting order. |
| In a public place (station, market) | Neutral | Simply describes a busy, bustling environment full of vocal noise. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
わいわい わいわい / contrast | Used when a group of people is having fun, partying, or chatting cheerfully. | Unlike がやがや which sounds noisy or slightly annoying, わいわい has a positive, enjoyable nuance. | みんなでわいわい楽しむ。 |
ざわざわ ざわざわ / similar | Used for the sound of low murmuring among a crowd, or an unsettled, uneasy feeling. | ざわざわ is quieter and can indicate uneasiness or whispering, whereas がやがや is louder, actual conversational noise. | 胸がざわざわする。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for the sound of objects falling or crashing.
がやがや is strictly used for human voices talking.
Using it for just one or two people speaking loudly.
It is only used for a group of people or a crowd.
Examples
Examples
先生がいない間、教室の中ががやがやしていた。
せんせいがいないあいだ、きょうしつのなかががやがやしていた。
While the teacher was away, the classroom was buzzing with noisy chatter.
LiteralShows the disruptive noise of students talking at once.
駅前はいつも大勢の人でがやがやしている。
えきまえはいつもおおぜいのひとでがやがやしている。
The area in front of the station is always noisy with crowds of people.
LiteralDescribes the bustle and overlapping voices in a public space.
後ろの席の人たちががやがやと話し続けていて、映画に集中できなかった。
うしろのせきのひとたちががやがやとはなしつづけていて、えいがにしゅうちゅうできなかった。
The people in the back seats kept chattering noisily, so I couldn't focus on the movie.
LiteralAn example where the overlapping voices are a clear nuisance.
観客ががやがや騒ぎ始めた。
かんきゃくががやがやさわぎはじめた。
The audience started to clamor noisily.
LiteralUsed with the verb 騒ぐ (sawagu) to emphasize the noisy commotion.
会議室は開会前からがやがやした雰囲気に包まれていた。
かいぎしつはかいかいまえからがやがやしたふんいきにつつまれていた。
The conference room was enveloped in a noisy, chattering atmosphere even before it started.
LiteralUsed as a modifier for the noun 雰囲気 (atmosphere).
Similar Words
ざわざわ
zawazawa
Zawazawa describes the murmuring sound of a crowd, rustling leaves, or a feeling of unease and chills. More about restless murmuring or rustling.
ワイワイ
waiwai
This word describes the loud, energetic noise of many people having fun, persistently complaining, or crying loudly. More positive and cheerful.
Questions
What is the difference between がやがや and わいわい?
がやがや focuses on the noise of many people talking at once and can sound disruptive, while わいわい is used for a cheerful, lively, and fun atmosphere.
Can がやがや be used for animal noises?
No, this word is specifically used for the overlapping voices of humans talking or chatting.
How do I use がやがや as an adjective?
You can use the form 『がやがやした』 before a noun, for example, 『がやがやした場所』 (a noisy/clamorous place).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 921249317
- Source
- Internal
- Source URL
- kotobank.jp/word/がやがや
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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