せせらぎ
せせらぎ
noun
murmuring stream; babbling brook
1.
murmuring stream, babbling brook
A small, shallow stream that makes a gentle, rippling sound as it flows. Also refers to the sound itself.
せせらぎの音が聞こえる。
I can hear the sound of a babbling brook.
森の中のせせらぎに癒された。
I was soothed by the murmuring stream in the forest.
窓を開けると、近くの川のせせらぎが静かに響いていた。
When I opened the window, the gentle murmur of the nearby river echoed softly.
せせらぎ refers to both a small, shallow stream and the gentle sound it makes. The word itself is onomatopoeic in origin.
REGISTER:
A poetic, evocative word frequently used in literature, nature descriptions, and travel writing. Conveys a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Rarely used in everyday casual speech — 小川 (brook) is more common for the stream itself.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- せせらぎの音: the sound of a murmuring stream
- 小川のせせらぎ: the babbling of a brook
- せせらぎに耳を傾ける: to listen to the murmur of a stream
- せせらぎが聞こえる: to hear a babbling stream
CONTRAST:
- 小川: a small stream (neutral, everyday word)
- せせらぎ: emphasizes the gentle sound and poetic quality