1.
scream, shriek, cry of distress
A sharp, high-pitched cry uttered out of fear, pain, or shock. Also used figuratively to describe an extreme state of distress or strain.
悲鳴が聞こえた。
A scream was heard.
彼女は悲鳴を上げて逃げた。
She screamed and ran away.
人手不足で現場は悲鳴を上げている。
The workplace is crying out from the lack of staff.
Figurative use: a situation in extreme strain.
悲鳴 combines 悲 (sad, tragic) and 鳴 (cry, sound).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 悲鳴を上げる: to let out a scream
- 悲鳴が響く: a scream echoes
- 悲鳴が聞こえる: a scream is heard
FIGURATIVE USE:
悲鳴を上げる is commonly used figuratively to mean "to be under extreme strain":
- 家計が悲鳴を上げている: household finances are groaning
- 体が悲鳴を上げる: one's body is crying out (from overwork or exhaustion)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 悲鳴: scream of fear or distress
- 叫び: shout, cry (broader, not limited to distress)
- 絶叫: shriek, piercing scream (more intense)