Meaning

Primary

To Make An Animal Sound

Alternatives

To Bark, To Chirp

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means chirp but the verb has the broader meaning to make an animal sound. Variations of this include to bark or to chirp, but this can be used for any animal sound.

Reading

なく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

The reading is the same reading as the one you learned with the kanji. So, spend more time chirping and less time memorizing, okay?

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 虫が鳴く

    the insects chirp

    鳥が鳴く

    a bird chirps

    ネコが鳴く

    a cat meows

Context Sentences

外から鳥が鳴く声がしますね。

We hear the birds chirping outside.

子犬がワンワン鳴いています。

The puppy is barking.

ニワトリが「コケコッコー!」と鳴く音が農場の朝を始めます。

The sound of chickens saying "cock-a-doodle-doo" starts the morning of the farm.

Kanji Composition