1.
to groan, to moan in pain
To make a low, involuntary sound of pain or distress.
痛みで呻いた。
I groaned in pain.
患者がベッドの上で呻いている。
The patient is moaning on the bed.
高熱で一晩中呻き続けた。
I kept groaning all night with a high fever.
2.
to groan, to growl
To make a deep, guttural sound expressing frustration, anguish, or deep thought.
「うーん」と呻いた。
He let out a groan.
難問に頭を抱えて呻いた。
I groaned, holding my head over the difficult problem.
締め切りが迫り、作家は机に向かって呻くばかりだった。
With the deadline approaching, the writer could only groan at his desk.
CONJUGATION: Godan く-verb. 呻く → 呻いて → 呻いた.
USAGE: Sense 1 describes involuntary sounds of physical pain. Sense 2 extends to groaning from mental distress or deep thought — often used in literary contexts.
RELATED:
- 唸る: to groan or growl (stronger, more forceful sound)
- 呻き声: a groan, a moaning voice