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
Sound / Atmosphere
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〜
Comments