Entry
キーキー
kiikii
A high-pitched, sharp sound typically made by friction or high-pitched cries.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word describes a sharp, piercing sound that is often unpleasant to the ears. It is commonly used for mechanical friction (like unoiled hinges or screeching brakes), high-pitched animal cries (mice, monkeys), or a person's shrill, screeching voice.
- High-pitched mechanical friction
- Squeaking sounds of small animals
- Shrill or screeching human voices
Sense Map
Mechanical
The sound of sharp friction, such as car brakes or door hinges.
Bicycle brakes screeching loudly.
Living Things
The squeaks of mice, the screeches of monkeys, or the shrill cries of children.
Monkeys screeching in the jungle.
Usage Note
How to Use
キーキー（と）鳴る
Used for inanimate objects producing a screeching or creaking sound due to friction.
キーキー言う
Used to describe something or someone that continuously makes high-pitched noises.
キーキー（と）鳴く
Specifically used for the high-pitched cries or vocalizations of animals.
How to Use
Common Phrases
ブレーキがキーキー鳴る
Brakes screeching loudly
キーキーと鳴く猿
Screeching monkeys
キーキー言う子供
Children yelling shrilly
ドアの蝶番がキーキー言う
Door hinges squeaking
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Negative | Indicates a lack of maintenance or a problem. |
| Human Voice | Negative | Implies an annoying, piercing, or overly emotional voice. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぎーぎー ぎーぎー / contrast | Used for a heavier, lower-pitched creaking sound. | Focuses on the weight or heavy friction, not the high pitch. | A heavy old door creaking (ギーギー). |
きしきし きしきし / nearby | Used for a dry, repeating squeaking sound. | Often used for wooden floors or bed springs. | Wooden floorboards squeaking (きしきし) underfoot. |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for low-pitched sounds.
Use ギーギー for heavy, low-pitched creaks.
Confusing it with visual brightness.
This is purely an auditory term; use きらきら for visual sparkle.
Examples
Examples
自転車のブレーキがキーキー鳴っていて、耳が痛い。
じてんしゃのブレーキがキーキーなっている、みみがいたい。
The bicycle brakes are screeching and it hurts my ears.
LiteralDescribes a sharp metal friction sound.
天井裏でネズミがキーキーと鳴いているのが聞こえる。
てんじょううらでネズミがキーキーとないているのがきこえる。
I can hear mice squeaking shrilly in the attic.
LiteralUsed for high-pitched cries of small animals.
子供たちが公園でキーキー騒いでいる。
こどもたちがこうえんでキーキーさわいでいる。
The children are screaming shrilly in the park.
LiteralDescribes the high-pitched noise of children playing.
古いドアがキーキー言うので、油を差した。
ふるいドアがキーキーいうので、あぶらをさした。
The old door was squeaking, so I oiled it.
LiteralThe sound of hinges rubbing due to lack of lubricant.
彼女は怒ってキーキーとわめき散らした。
かのじょはおこってキーキーとわめきちらした。
She got angry and ranted in a shrill voice.
FigurativeDescribes emotions overflowing through an unpleasant voice.
Similar Words
ギーギー
giigii
A heavy, harsh creaking or grating sound caused by friction, like rusty hinges or old wooden boards. A lower and heavier creaking sound.
きしきし
kishikishi
Kishikishi represents a light, repetitive squeaking or creaking sound caused by the friction of dry or hard objects like wooden floorboards. A repeating dry squeaking sound.
Questions
What is the difference between kīkī and gīgī?
Kīkī is high-pitched and sharp; gīgī is lower-pitched and sounds heavier.
Can I use it for birds?
Yes, if the bird's cry is particularly sharp and screechy, like a hawk or a parrot.
Is this used for a physical feeling?
No, it is strictly for sound. For a sharp pain, one might use キーン (kīn).
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1003360
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
- Previous entry
- ガラガラ (garagara)
- Next entry
- きちんと (kichinto)