叫ぶ

さけぶ

to shout, to cry

JLPT N3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 叫ぶ (さけぶ) primarily means "to shout" or "to cry out loudly." It is used when someone raises their voice to express strong emotions such as fear, joy, or to call for help.

Common Contexts

You will often hear 叫ぶ in situations involving urgent calls for help, expressions of excitement, or sudden surprise. It is a versatile verb that can describe both positive and negative emotional outbursts.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 大声で叫ぶ (おおごえでさけぶ): to shout loudly, often used when calling for attention or help.
  • 助けを叫ぶ (たすけをさけぶ): to shout for help, a common phrase in emergencies.
  • 喜びで叫ぶ (よろこびでさけぶ): to shout with joy, used in celebrations or happy moments.

Register and Nuance

叫ぶ is a neutral verb and can be used in both casual and formal contexts, though it is more common in spoken language. It conveys a strong vocal expression and is more intense than simply speaking loudly.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 叫ぶ with 泣く (なく, to cry) or 話す (はなす, to speak). Remember, 叫ぶ specifically involves shouting or yelling, not just crying or talking.

Example Sentences

かれはたすけをもとめておおごえでさけんだ。

He shouted loudly, asking for help.

しあいでかったとき、みんながさけんでよろこんだ。

When they won the match, everyone shouted with joy.

かのじょはおどろいてさけんだが、すぐにおちついた。

She screamed in surprise but quickly calmed down.