Entry
ミンミン
minmin
The loud, continuous buzzing or crying sound made by cicadas, particularly during the peak of summer.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
An onomatopoeic word representing the distinct, loud buzzing or chirping sound of cicadas. In Japan, this sound is strongly associated with the peak of summer heat and is characteristic of a specific species called the 'minmin-zemi'.
- loud buzzing of cicadas
- summer atmosphere
Sense Map
Cicada's Cry
The actual loud, rhythmic crying sound made by cicadas, specifically the minmin-zemi.
ミンミンと鳴く。
Summer Atmosphere
The chorus of cicada sounds that vividly evokes the intense heat and atmosphere of a Japanese summer.
夏になるとミンミン聞こえる。
Usage Note
How to Use
ミンミンと鳴く
ミンミン鳴く
ミンミンという
How to Use
Common Phrases
ミンミンと鳴く
to cry 'minmin' (cicadas)
ミンミン鳴く
to cry 'minmin' (casual)
ミーンミーンと鳴く
to cry 'miin miin' (prolonged)
ミンミンゼミ
robust cicada (minmin-zemi)
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nature/Insects | Neutral | Directly describes the sound of the minmin-zemi cicada. |
| Summer Scenes | Nostalgic | Evokes the intense heat and typical atmosphere of a Japanese summer day. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
ぶんぶん ぶんぶん / similar | Use for the low, vibrating buzz of bees, flies, or mosquitoes flying around. | Does not apply to the sharp, rhythmic cry of cicadas. | 虫がぶんぶんと飛ぶ。 |
ぶーん ぶーん / similar | Use for a continuous hum or whirring sound made by engines, motors, or flying bugs. | Lacks the distinct rhythmic 'min-min' pattern of the cicada. | 蚊がブーンと飛んでいる。 |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Using it for a bee's buzzing.
Use ぶんぶん (bunbun) for bees. ミンミン is strictly for cicadas.
Using it to describe a buzzing machine.
Use ブーン (buun) or ジー (jii) for machines and electronics.
Examples
Examples
セミがミンミンと鳴いている。
セミがミンミンとないている。
The cicadas are buzzing loudly.
LiteralDescribes the continuous, repetitive cry of the insect.
木の上でミンミンとやかましく鳴いている。
きのうえでミンミンとやかましくないている。
They are buzzing noisily up in the trees.
LiteralEmphasizes the loud, sometimes overwhelming volume.
暑い日差しの中、ミーンミーンという声が響く。
あついひざしのなか、ミーンミーンというこえがひびく。
In the hot sunlight, the sound of cicadas echoes.
LiteralConnects the sound with the atmosphere of intense heat.
ミンミンゼミがミンミンと鳴き始めた。
ミンミンゼミがミンミンとなきはじめた。
The minmin-zemi cicadas have started to cry.
LiteralDirectly pairs the insect's name with its sound.
夏になると、あちこちでミンミン鳴く声が聞こえる。
なつになると、あちこちでミンミンなくこえがきこえる。
When summer comes, the buzzing of cicadas can be heard everywhere.
LiteralHighlights the strong seasonal association of the sound.
Similar Words
ブーン
buun
For the hum of motors or flying insects.
Questions
Can I use ミンミン for a buzzing bee?
No, it is exclusively used for the sound of cicadas. For bees, use ぶんぶん (bunbun).
What is a 'minmin-zemi'?
It is a specific species of cicada in Japan named after its distinct 'min-min' crying sound.
Is it always written in katakana?
Yes, animal sounds and insect cries are conventionally written in katakana in Japanese.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1012290
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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