Entry
きー
kii
This word represents a sudden, sharp, high-pitched screech, squeak, or squeal.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics a very high-pitched, sharp friction sound, such as tires screeching on asphalt or a rusty door hinge squeaking. It is also commonly used in a figurative sense to describe a person, especially a child or an agitated adult, letting out a sharp squeal or throwing a screaming hysterical tantrum.
- screeching brakes
- squeaky hinges
- high-pitched squeal
- hysterical reaction
Sense Map
Mechanical screech
Describes a sudden, sharp, high-pitched mechanical friction sound.
車が急ブレーキでキーッと止まる。
Emotional squeal
Describes a high-pitched cry or becoming hysterically agitated.
怒ってキーッとなる。
Usage Note
How to Use
キーッと + verb
Used with action verbs like 鳴る (to sound) or 止まる (to stop) to describe the action producing the screech.
キーッとなる
A specific idiom meaning to lose one's temper and become hysterically agitated.
How to Use
Common Phrases
キーッと音がする
To make a screeching sound
キーッと鳴る
To screech / squeak
キーッと止まる
To screech to a halt
キーッとなる
To become hysterical or throw a fit
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical friction (brakes/hinges) | Neutral | Merely describes the high pitch and suddenness of the friction sound. |
| Human emotion | Negative | Suggests the person is shrieking, throwing a tantrum, or acting hysterically. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
きーきー きーきー / similar | Used for continuous or repetitive squeaking. | Not used for a single, abrupt sharp screech. | ドアがキーキー鳴る |
ぎーぎー ぎーぎー / similar | Used for a heavy, dull, and grating creak. | Not used for high-pitched or piercing noises. | 古い床がギーギー鳴る |
きーん きーん / similar | Used for a continuous piercing ring in the ears or a shrill metallic sound. | Not a mechanical friction screech or a squeal. | 耳がキーンとする |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it to describe a squeaky toy or a swing that squeaks back and forth.
Use キーキー for continuous or repetitive squeaks.
Using it to describe a heavy wooden door creaking slowly.
Use ギーギー for heavy, low-pitched creaks.
Examples
Examples
車が急ブレーキをかけて、キーッと止まった。
くるまがきゅうぶれーきをかけて、きーっととまった。
The car applied sudden brakes and screeched to a halt.
LiteralThe most common usage describing the sound of vehicle brakes applied suddenly.
古い箱を開けると、蝶番がキーと鳴った。
ふるいはこをあけると、ちょうつがいがきーとなった。
When I opened the old box, the hinge squeaked.
LiteralUses the variant without the small 'tsu' (ッ) for a shorter squeak from a small object.
少しからかわれただけで、彼女はすぐにキーッとなる。
すこしからかわれただけで、かのじょはすぐにきーっとなる。
She becomes hysterically angry just from being teased a little.
FigurativeAn example of the idiom 'キーッとなる' meaning to lose emotional control or fly into a rage.
雨の日は自転車のブレーキがキーッと鳴りやすい。
あめのひはじてんしゃのぶれーきがきーっとなりやすい。
On rainy days, bicycle brakes tend to screech loudly.
LiteralExplains the tendency of mechanical objects to produce a sharp sound under certain conditions.
驚いた子供がキーッと叫んだ。
おどろいたこどもがきーっとさけんだ。
The startled child let out a sharp squeal.
VisualA literal high-pitched sound produced by a person when startled.
Similar Words
キーキー
kiikii
A high-pitched, sharp sound typically made by friction or high-pitched cries. For continuous or repetitive squeaking sounds.
ギーギー
giigii
A heavy, harsh creaking or grating sound caused by friction, like rusty hinges or old wooden boards. For heavy, dull creaking sounds, unlike high-pitched screeches.
キーン
kiin
キーン (kiin) describes a high-pitched, shrill ringing sound (like ears ringing) or a sudden, sharp pain from cold (like brain freeze). For high-pitched ringing in the ears or metallic shrills, not mechanical friction.
Questions
Can this word be used for animal noises?
Yes, it is often used for the sharp squeal or shriek of an animal, like a monkey.
What is the difference between this and キーキー (kī-kī)?
キー (kī) generally represents one abrupt, single screech, while キーキー denotes a repetitive or continuous squeaking sound.
Why is the phrase キーッとなる so common?
It is a widely used idiom that figuratively means someone has completely lost their composure and is having a hysterical outburst.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2831102
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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