Translation and Meaning of: 口ずさむ - kuchizusamu

If you have ever listened to a Japanese song and, without realizing it, started to hum some parts even without understanding the lyrics, you have experienced something close to what the Japanese call 口ずさむ (kuchizusamu). This word captures a common habit, but it is often difficult to describe in other languages. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and usage in everyday life in Japan, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

口ずさむ is a verb that goes beyond the simple act of singing. It carries nuances of spontaneity and lightness, often associated with moments of distraction or pleasure. If you study Japanese or are curious about unique expressions of the language, understanding this word can enrich your vocabulary and cultural perception. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to explain terms like this with depth and clarity.

Meaning and usage of 口ずさむ

口ずさむ describes the act of humming or murmuring a song softly, usually without much awareness or effort. Unlike 歌う (utau), which means "to sing" in a deliberate and projected manner, 口ずさむ has a more casual and intimate tone. Imagine someone walking down the street and unconsciously letting out the chorus of a song they heard on the radio — that’s the perfect scenario to use 口ずさむ.

In Japan, this word frequently appears in everyday contexts, such as in mangas, dramas, or informal conversations. A classic example is when a character is happy and starts to hum to themselves, revealing their state of mind without the need for dialogue. This subtlety is part of the expressive richness of Japanese, which often captures emotions through simple actions.

Origin and composition of the term

The word 口ずさむ is composed of two kanji: 口 (kuchi), which means "mouth", and ずさむ (zusamu), a form derived from the verb 囁く (sasayaku), "to whisper". Together, they convey the idea of "whispering with the mouth", which perfectly reflects the act of humming softly or inattentively. This construction shows how Japanese often combines radicals to create precise expressions.

It's worth noting that 口ずさむ is not an old or rare term. It continues to be widely used today, especially in situations involving music or sentimental memories. Its usage is so natural that many Japanese people do not even realize its etymology when using it in daily life, but for language learners, knowing its roots can aid in memorization.

Tips for memorizing 口ずさむ

An effective way to remember 口ずさむ is to associate it with real-life situations. For example, if you've ever had a catchy chorus stuck in your head and found yourself repeating it mentally, try thinking: "I'm 口ずさむ this song." Creating this link between personal experience and the Japanese term helps to internalize it organically.

Another tip is to practice with short Japanese songs or jingles. When you hear a simple melody, try to hum some parts and tell yourself: 口ずさんでみた (kuchizusande mita) — "I tried to hum." This type of contextualized exercise makes learning more dynamic and less abstract, especially for those who learn better with practical examples.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 口ずさむ

• 口ずさむ - dictionary form
• 口ずさめる - Potential
• 口ずさもう - Volitional
• 口ずさませる - Causative
• 口ずさまれる - passive

Synonyms and similar words

• 歌う (Utau) - Sing
• ハミングする (Hamingu suru) - Make h humming, to hum
• つぶやく (Tsubuyaku) - Murmuar, whisper
• ひそひそ話す (Hisohiso hanasu) - Speak in whispers

口ずさむ

Romaji: kuchizusamu
Kana: くちずさむ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Sing something; self

Meaning in English: to hum something;to sing to oneself

Definition: To hum songs or music without speaking out loud.

Example Sentences - (口ずさむ) kuchizusamu

See below some example sentences:

私はいつも口ずさむ歌があります。

Watashi wa itsumo kuchizusamu uta ga arimasu

I always have a song that I sing.

I always have a song to hum.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• いつも (itsumo) - Japanese adverb meaning "always"
• 口ずさむ (kuchizusamu) - Japanese verb that means "to hum"
• 歌 (uta) - Japanese noun meaning "song"
• が (ga) - Japanese particle that marks the subject of the sentence, in this case, "song".
• あります (arimasu) - Japanese verb that means "exist", in this case, "exists"