Translation and Meaning of: 響き - hibiki

The Japanese word 「響き」(hibiki) is rich in layers of meaning and history. Composed of the kanji 「響」meaning sound or echo, it is often used to describe not only sounds in a physical sense, but also emotional reactions or internal resonances that a person may feel. When we look at the etymological roots, we see that 「響」 belongs to the group of kanji that reflect vibrations and sound qualities that reach the heart and mind, referring to the idea of something that resonates deeply.

「響き」(hibiki) can be translated as "resonance" or "echo," but its application in Japanese is vast, encompassing everything from the description of natural sounds to the emotional impacts generated by music or words. In more poetic contexts, a phrase or speech that "resonates" with an audience can be referred to using「響き」. The word captures the essence of conveying and sharing feelings, illustrating how sound vibrations can impact a being on various levels.

The origin of the word can be traced back to ancient Japanese texts, where 「響き」(hibiki) was used to describe the echo in the mountains or the resonance of drums at local festivals. This duality of sound and emotion is a recurring theme in Japanese literature and culture, where the acoustic simplicity of the term contrasts with its complex emotional and expressive depth. Even today, the word remains popular in songs, poetry, and dialogues, continuing to convey these swinging ideas of sound and feeling.

Furthermore, 「響き」(hibiki) also appears in proper names and commercial contexts, evoking the idea of something that should be remembered or that leaves a strong and impactful impression. In an increasingly noisy world, the search for sounds that resonate deeply continues to grow in importance, demonstrating how Japanese culture values the power of sounds that speak not only to the ears but also to the soul.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 響 (hibiki) - Eco, reverberation
• 音響 (onkyou) - Acoustics, sound in the environment
• 音色 (neiro) - Sound quality, timbre
• 音 (oto) - Sound, noise
• 音声 (onsei) - Voice, spoken sound
• 音符 (onpu) - Nota musical
• 音響効果 (onkyou kouka) - Sound effects
• 音響設備 (onkyou setsubi) - Sound equipment
• 音響機器 (onkyou kiiki) - Audio devices
• 音響技術 (onkyou gijutsu) - Sound technology
• 音響環境 (onkyou kankyou) - Acoustic environment
• 音響演出 (onkyou ensyutsu) - Sound production
• 音響制作 (onkyou seisaku) - Sound creation
• 音響調整 (onkyou chousei) - Sound adjustment
• 音響監督 (onkyou kantoku) - Audio director
• 音響効果作成 (onkyou kouka sakusei) - Creation of sound effects
• 音響効果制作 (onkyou kouka seisaku) - Sound effects production
• 音響効果デザイン (onkyou kouka dezain) - Sound effects design
• 音響効果担当 (onkyou kouka tantou) - Responsible for the sound effects

響き

Romaji: hibiki
Kana: ひびき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: echo; sound; reverberation; noise

Meaning in English: echo;sound;reverberation;noise

Definition: Characteristics of the sound that can be heard by the ear, caused by the impact of the sound on an object or in the air.

Example Sentences - (響き) hibiki

See below some example sentences:

歓声が響き渡った。

Kansei ga hibikiwatatta

The sound of applause and cheers echoed.

The applause echoed.

• 歓声 - Japanese word meaning "screams of joy" or "applause"
• が - Particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 響き渡った - Japanese verb meaning "echoed" or "resonated"

叫び声が響き渡った。

Sakebi goe ga hibikiwatatta

A scream echoed.

The screams echoed.

• 叫び声 - grito
• が - subject particle
• 響き渡った - ecoou