Entry
キャーキャー
kyaakyaa
キャーキャー describes high-pitched squealing or shrieking, typically out of excitement, fear, or the sound of monkeys chattering.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This word mimics a very high-pitched sound. It is commonly used to describe the ecstatic squealing of fans seeing a celebrity, the shrieks of children playing or someone scared by a bug, as well as the loud chattering of monkeys.
- Squealing in excitement
- Shrieking in fear/panic
- Monkey chattering
Sense Map
Excitement & Hysteria
Describes the high-pitched squealing of people (usually girls or women) who are extremely excited or frantic.
アイドルを見てキャーキャー騒ぐ
Fear & Startlement
Describes a sudden, high-pitched shriek out of fear, surprise, or panic.
お化け屋敷でキャーキャー叫ぶ
Animal Sounds (Monkeys)
Used to mimic the loud, high-pitched chattering of monkeys.
猿がキャーキャー鳴く
Usage Note
How to Use
キャーキャー言う
Used to describe the act of repeatedly squealing or shrieking.
キャーキャー騒ぐ
Means to make a big fuss while screaming in a high-pitched voice.
キャーキャー + verb
Acts as an adverb modifying a verb (like screaming, crying, running) with a shrieking sound.
How to Use
Common Phrases
キャーキャー言う
to squeal / to shriek
キャーキャー騒ぐ
to make a fuss with high-pitched squealing
キャーキャー叫ぶ
to scream (in a high pitch)
猿がキャーキャー鳴く
monkeys chattering
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Seeing a celebrity | positive | Indicates intense euphoria and excitement from fans. |
| Going into a haunted house | neutral | Indicates fear, shock, or panic accompanied by high-pitched shrieks. |
| Animal noises | neutral | Specifically refers to the screeching and chattering of monkeys. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぎゃあぎゃあ ぎゃあぎゃあ / contrast | Use ぎゃあぎゃあ for harsher, noisier, and more annoying sounds, such as angry yelling, a baby's loud crying, or relentless complaining. | キャーキャー is high-pitched (often euphoric or startled), whereas ぎゃあぎゃあ is rougher, more discordant, and usually indicates displeasure or annoyance. | ぎゃあぎゃあ文句を言う |
きゃっ きゃっ / similar | Use きゃっ for a single, momentary yelp or gasp of surprise/fear. | きゃっ is one short yelp, while キャーキャー is a continuous or repeated squealing noise. | きゃっと驚く |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using キャーキャー for an adult man shouting in anger.
Use 怒鳴る (donaru) or ぎゃあぎゃあ (gyaagyaa). キャーキャー implies a high-pitched squeal, so it is rarely used for adult male voices.
Assuming it only means screaming in terror.
It is very commonly used for extreme excitement, such as fans screaming for an idol or children playing joyfully.
Examples
Examples
アイドルを見て、ファンたちがキャーキャー騒いでいる。
アイドルを みて、 ファンたちが キャーキャー さわいで いる。
The fans are squealing and making a fuss seeing their idol.
LiteralShows great excitement and euphoria.
お化け屋敷の中でキャーキャー叫んだ。
おばけやしきの なかで キャーキャー さけんだ。
I shrieked in the haunted house.
LiteralExample of using the word for fear or shock.
公園で子供たちがキャーキャー言いながら遊んでいる。
こうえんで こどもたちが キャーキャー いいながら あそんで いる。
Children are playing in the park while squealing playfully.
LiteralShows the cheerful and high-pitched voices of children.
動物園で猿がキャーキャー鳴いている。
どうぶつえんで さるが キャーキャー ないて いる。
The monkeys are chattering loudly at the zoo.
LiteralSpecific usage for monkey sounds.
足元に虫がいて、思わずキャーキャーと声を上げた。
あしもとに むしが いて、 おもわず キャーキャーと こえを あげた。
There was a bug at my feet, and I instinctively let out a shriek.
LiteralA spontaneous reaction due to surprise.
Similar Words
きゃっ
kya'
A short, momentary yelp of surprise.
Questions
Is キャーキャー only used for women?
Mostly, yes. Since the word mimics a high-pitched squeal, it usually refers to the voices of women, children, or a crowd of fans. An adult man's shout is rarely described with this word.
What is the difference between it and ギャーギャー (gyaagyaa)?
キャーキャー is higher pitched and often related to excitement or being startled. ギャーギャー is harsher, noisier, and generally used for arguments, annoying complaints, or loud crying.
Can I use it to describe bird sounds?
Usually not. The loud cries of crows or noisy birds are more often described with ガーガー (gaagaa) or ギャーギャー (gyaagyaa). キャーキャー is specifically for the chattering of monkeys.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 2777080
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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