Entry
ホーホケキョ
hoohokekyo
Hoohokekyo is the iconic sound of the Japanese bush warbler (uguisu), heavily associated with the arrival of spring.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
In Japanese, hoohokekyo specifically represents the distinct singing voice of the Japanese bush warbler. Unlike general bird sounds, this phrase has significant cultural importance and instantly evokes the feeling of early spring and traditional nature scenes.
- The actual call of the Japanese bush warbler
- An imitation used as a symbol of spring
Sense Map
Bush Warbler Call
The actual melodic singing sound made by the Japanese bush warbler in nature.
ウグイスがホーホケキョと鳴く。
Spring Symbol
An imitation or reference to the sound used in storytelling or conversation to evoke the atmosphere of spring.
ホーホケキョの声で春を感じる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ホーホケキョと + verb
Typically paired with the verb naku (to sing/cry) to describe the action of the bird.
ホーホケキョという + noun
Used to modify a noun like koe (voice) to specify the sound being heard.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ホーホケキョと鳴く
to sing hoo-hokekyo
ホーホケキョという声
a hoo-hokekyo sound
ホーホケキョと聞こえる
to hear hoo-hokekyo
ホーホケキョのさえずり
the hoohokekyo chirping
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Spring nature scenes | Positive | Evokes a peaceful, warm, and traditional Japanese atmosphere. |
| Everyday conversation | Neutral | Usually mentioned when someone actually hears the bird while hiking or walking outside. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ちゅんちゅん ちゅんちゅん / similar | For the generic chirping of small birds, especially sparrows. | Hoohokekyo, which is strictly the signature melody of the bush warbler. | スズメがチュンチュンと鳴く。 |
ぴよぴよ ぴよぴよ / similar | For the peeping of baby birds or chicks. | The mature, melodic song represented by hoohokekyo. | ヒヨコがぴよぴよと鳴く。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for any small bird singing in a tree.
Only use it for the Japanese bush warbler (uguisu).
Treating it as a regular verb like hoohokekyo suru.
It is a quoted sound, typically followed by the particle to, such as hoohokekyo to naku.
Examples
Examples
庭からホーホケキョと鳴く声が聞こえる。
にわからホーホケキョとなくこえがきこえる。
I can hear a bird singing hoo-hokekyo from the garden.
LiteralUsed literally for the actual sound of the uguisu outside a house.
山を歩いていると、ホーホケキョという声が響いた。
やまをあるいていると、ホーホケキョというこえがひびいた。
While walking in the mountains, the voice hoo-hokekyo echoed.
LiteralShows the noun phrase usage to describe the sound echoing in nature.
ウグイスがホーホケキョと美しい声で鳴いている。
ウグイスがホーホケキョとうつくしいこえでないている。
The bush warbler is singing hoo-hokekyo with a beautiful voice.
LiteralExplicitly names the bird (uguisu) along with its signature sound.
春になると、どこからかホーホケキョと聞こえてくる。
はるになると、どこからかホーホケキョときこえてくる。
When spring comes, you can hear hoo-hokekyo from somewhere.
LiteralDirectly associates the sound with the atmosphere of spring.
彼はウグイスの真似をして、ホーホケキョと鳴いてみせた。
かれはウグイスのまねをして、ホーホケキョとないてみせた。
He imitated a bush warbler and showed off by singing hoo-hokekyo.
LiteralUsed when a person imitates the sound of the uguisu.
Similar Words
チュンチュン
chunchun
The chirping or cheeping sound of small birds, especially sparrows. Generic chirp of small birds like sparrows.
ぴよぴよ
piyopiyo
Represents the high-pitched peeping or chirping of chicks, as well as frail, gentle movements. Peeping sound of baby birds or chicks.
ちち
chichi
A high-pitched, delicate chirping or cheeping sound made by small birds or insects.
ほう
hou
An exclamation like 'oh' or 'ho' expressing surprise or admiration, or a sound imitating an owl or a flute.
Questions
What bird says hoohokekyo?
The Japanese bush warbler, known as uguisu in Japanese. It is a famous herald of spring.
Does it just mean 'tweet tweet'?
Only in the sense of a bird singing, but it refers specifically to one melodic, multi-syllable call rather than generic tweeting.
Why is this sound so famous in Japan?
It is a traditional symbol of spring, featured extensively in classical poetry, art, and modern media to set a seasonal mood.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2847382
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- パフ (pafu)
- Next entry
- こちゃこちゃ (kochakocha)