ざわざわ

Alternative writings: ザワザワ
Frequency:
1

Noisily, with a commotion (from many people talking); the feeling of a restless or agitated crowd.

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

発表が終わると会場はざわざわと話し始めた。

After the presentation ended, the venue began to buzz with conversation.

新しい噂が広まり、クラスがざわざわしている。

A new rumor has spread and the class is all abuzz.

選挙の速報が出ると選挙事務所はざわざわした雰囲気になった。

When the election updates came out, the campaign office became restless and noisy.

2

With a rustling sound (of leaves, branches) or a rippling sound (on water surface).

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

秋の森は風で木々がざわざわしていた。

In the autumn forest, the trees rustled in the wind.

湖面が船の通過でざわざわと波立った。

The lake's surface rippled noisily as the boat passed.

窓の外で風がざわざわと吹いている音が聞こえる。

You can hear the wind rustling outside the window.

3

A feeling of chill or a shiver (e.g., 'a chill runs down one's spine').

AdverbAdverb Taking 'と'Irregular VerbOnomatopoeic or Mimetic Word

Examples

古い屋敷の話を聞くと背中がざわざわした。

Hearing stories about the old mansion made my spine tingle.

真夜中に誰かの足音がして、部屋中がざわざわした気配に包まれた。

At midnight I heard footsteps and the room was filled with an uneasy feeling.

彼の言葉は冗談のつもりでも、聞いているとざわざわする。

Even if he means it as a joke, his words give me an uneasy feeling.

Word Relationships

Synonyms
Antonym