In English-language anime and manga, quiet and secretive conversations are often described with words like “Whisper”, “Soft Murmur”, or “Hushed Voice.”
These are the moments when characters lean in close to share a secret —
or when something mysterious is happening just out of earshot.
But how are these whispery, intimate feelings captured in the original Japanese?
Let’s step into the world of anime and manga and discover how Japanese onomatopoeia expresses the language of low voices.
What Is a “Whisper” Moment?
It’s when words float just under the surface —
too quiet for everyone, just loud enough for someone.
In anime and manga, this happens when:
- classmates pass notes and whisper in the back row
- two spies exchange information in an alley
- a character gossips softly in a library
- a mysterious pair speaks in hushed tones behind a door
In English, these moments are described with:
- Whisper – A soft, breathy voice used to speak privately
- Murmur – A gentle, low voice that feels intimate or secretive
- Hushed Voice – A tone used in quiet or respectful places
- Low-Tone Conversation – Speech meant not to be overheard
So how does Japanese give that secretive mood a sound?
How Is This Feeling Expressed in Japanese?
In Japanese, even the smallest sounds get their own expressive words —
and when it comes to quiet, secretive whispers, the perfect word is:
“Hiso Hiso” (ひそひそ)
It’s the sound of softly exchanged voices,
spoken just under the radar — intimate, conspiratorial, or maybe even a little suspicious.
Let’s hear how it sounds.
What Is Japanese Onomatopoeia “Hiso Hiso” (ひそひそ) ?
“Hiso Hiso” is a Japanese onomatopoeia that represents a soft, secretive whisper — voices exchanged quietly so others can’t hear.
It’s often used in manga, anime, and everyday speech to express:
- whispering in a library or classroom
- sharing secrets with a friend
- sneaky gossiping or suspicious murmurs
- quiet talking in tense or hidden situations
Unlike words like “sasayaki” (ささやき, whisper), which focus on the softness,
“hiso hiso” adds a layer of secrecy, intimacy, or even mischief.
Used in:
- Whispered conversations behind the scenes
- Suspicious meetings or exchanges
- Gossiping or hushed reactions in tense moments
- Two characters plotting something quietly
Pronunciation
hee-so hee-so
(Say it gently, letting the breath linger on the “so.” Whisper it rather than speak it.)
Categories
Sound
Examples in Daily Life
To learn about how it appears in manga or daily conversation, dive into the following page:
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