You might know the sound of a horse as “neigh” in English.
In Spanish, it’s “hiii” or “relinchar.”
But in Japanese, the cry of a horse is often written as — 「ヒヒーン！」(Hihiin!)
It’s the sound of energy, speed, wild spirit — or sometimes just surprise!
From samurai films to anime to manga battles, “ヒヒーン” brings horses to life in a uniquely Japanese way.
What is “Hihiin” (ヒヒーン)?
“Hihiin” is the Japanese onomatopoeia for a horse’s cry — especially that high-pitched neigh or whinny.
It mimics a loud, shrill, often echoing sound, usually heard when a horse is excited, surprised, or neighing toward the sky.
It often appears in action scenes, old countryside tales, or races — wherever horses burst onto the scene.
Pronunciation
hee-heen
(Stress the second half — “ヒヒーン!” rises in pitch and often echoes in the distance.)
Categories
Animals / Sound
Examples in Daily Life
Example 1: A horse rearing up
The horse kicked its front legs into the air,
its mane wild in the wind —
“Hihiin!!”
Example 2: A horse startled by thunder
A sudden rumble shook the ground.
The horse neighed loudly —
“Hihiin!!”
How Do You Say It?
Say it with rising pitch and sudden energy:
Hi-hiiiin!!
It should feel like a burst — the voice of a powerful creature with emotion and instinct.
Kids often exaggerate it in play!
Let’s Compare!
Even though horses sound the same everywhere, different cultures describe their calls differently:
English: Neigh!
Spanish: Hiii, or relinchar
Why Do Horse Sounds Differ by Language?
Like all animal sounds, horse cries are interpreted through the lens of language.
Each language picks up on different parts of the sound — pitch, length, rhythm.
Japanese tends to stretch and dramatize sounds, making “ヒヒーン” especially expressive and emotional.
What Does “Hihiin” Look Like?
In manga, the sound of horses often appears near a galloping or rearing horse, with spiky, bold lettering.
You can almost hear the wind and hooves!
Watch & Feel the “Hihiin” World!
Watch the sound of this horse after the sound of a cat!
Try Using It!
Next time you draw a horse, act out a battle, or hear a loud cry…
try shouting:
ヒヒーン!!
And let the spirit of the horse run free!
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