口笛(くちぶえ)

A compound of 口(くち) (mouth) and 笛(ふえ) (flute/whistle). Refers to the sound made by blowing air through pursed lips, whether for music, signaling, or casual amusement.

Common collocations

• 口笛(くちぶえ)を吹(ふ)く: to whistle
• 口笛(くちぶえ)で曲(きょく)を吹(ふ)く: to whistle a tune
• 口笛(くちぶえ)が上手(じょうず): good at whistling

Similar words

• 笛(ふえ): flute or whistle (instrument) — refers to an actual instrument rather than whistling with the lips
• 警笛(けいてき): warning whistle or horn — a mechanical device, not produced by mouth

Cultural note

In Japan, whistling at night is traditionally considered bad luck, as it is said to attract snakes or evil spirits (夜(よる)に口笛(くちぶえ)を吹(ふ)くと蛇(へび)が来(く)る).