Ever overheard two people leaning close,
their voices barely above a breath —
words floating softly through the air?
That’s the world of “Hiso Hiso” (ひそひそ) —
a Japanese onomatopoeia that captures the quiet, confidential sound of whispering.
Before we dive in, hear what it sounds like!
What is “Hiso Hiso” (ひそひそ)?
“Hiso Hiso” represents a soft, secretive whisper —
voices exchanged quietly so others can’t hear.
It can describe:
- People whispering in secret
- Quiet conversations in libraries or classrooms
- A mysterious, secretive atmosphere
It often carries a nuance of secrecy, intimacy, or suspicion.
Pronunciation
hee-so hee-so
(Say it gently, letting the breath linger on the “so.” Whisper it rather than speak it.)
Categories
Condition
What Does “Hiso Hiso” Look Like?
It looks like two friends leaning close at a café.
Like children sharing a secret behind their hands.
Like wind whispering through the trees.
How Do You Say It?
Say it softly, almost like you’re afraid to be overheard:
Hiso hiso…
Let your voice fade like mist in the air.
Example in Daily Life
Example: Rumors at work
In the quiet office,
rumors spread softly,
hiso hiso…
Cultural Note
In English, you might say “whisper whisper” or “murmur,”
but “hiso hiso” paints a clearer picture —
you can hear the tiny movements of breath,
and feel the private space between the speakers.
It’s one of those Japanese sound words that don’t just describe sound —
they describe mood, distance, and intention.
Try Using It!
When you’re whispering with a friend,
telling a secret,
or when the air feels quietly mysterious —
say it softly:
Hiso hiso〜
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