ひそひそ
ひそひそ
adverb
in whispers, in hushed tones
1.
in whispers, in hushed tones
Speaking very quietly so that others cannot hear; whispering secretly.
二人はひそひそと話していた。
The two were whispering to each other.
隣の席でひそひそ話が聞こえる。
I can hear whispered conversation from the next seat.
ひそひそ話 is a common compound
彼はひそひそ声で秘密を教えてくれた。
He told me the secret in a whisper.
後ろでひそひそと何か言っているのが気になる。
It bothers me that they're whispering something behind me.
Implies suspicious or gossipy behavior
SOUND SYMBOLISM: The voiceless ひ sounds evoke the quiet, hushed quality of whispering.
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- ひそひそ話 (whispered conversation, gossip)
- ひそひそ声 (whispered voice)
NUANCE: Often implies secrecy or gossip. Can have negative connotations when describing people whispering about others.
VERB FORMS:
- ひそひそ話す (to whisper)
- ひそひそ言う (to say in a whisper)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- こそこそ: Stealthily, sneakily (about actions, not just speech)
- ぼそぼそ: Muttering (unclear speech, not necessarily quiet)
- がやがや: Noisily, clamorously (antonym)