叫ぶ

• Reading: さけぶ
• Romaji: sakebu
• Kanji breakdown: 叫 (kyō/sake) — shout, scream, cry out
• Pronunciation: /sa.ke.bɯ/

Meaning

To shout; to scream; to cry out. A loud vocal expression of emotion, alarm, or urgency.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the ぶ row. Used for shouting in surprise, fear, joy, or to get attention. Also used figuratively for strong advocacy: 平和を叫ぶ (to cry out for peace). Common forms: 叫び声 (scream/shout), 叫び (a cry). Stronger and more emotional than 呼ぶ (to call) or 怒鳴る (to yell angrily).

Examples

1. 突然大きな音がして思わず叫んでしまった。 There was a sudden loud noise and I screamed without thinking.
2. 子どもたちが公園で楽しそうに叫んでいる。 The children are shouting happily in the park.
3. 助けを求めて大声で叫んだ。 I shouted loudly for help.

Usage Guide

Context: emergencies, emotions, daily life

Tone: intense

Origin & History

The kanji 叫 combines 口 (mouth) and 丩 (a phonetic element suggesting a sharp sound). The mouth radical clearly connects to vocal expression.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal