Meaning and Usage
The adjective うるさい primarily means "noisy" or "loud," often describing sounds or environments that disturb peace. However, it also carries a secondary meaning of "annoying" or "nagging," especially when referring to people who complain or fuss too much.
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear うるさい used to describe noisy neighbors, loud children, or any situation where sound is bothersome. It is also used to express irritation towards someone who is being overly critical or persistent.
Collocations and Patterns
- うるさい音 (noisy sound): used to describe loud or disturbing noises.
- うるさい人 (annoying person): refers to someone who nags or complains.
- うるさく言う (to nag): a common phrase meaning to scold or complain repeatedly.
Register and Politeness
うるさい is casual and can sound blunt or rude if used directly toward someone. In polite contexts, softer expressions like もう少し静かにしてください (please be a little quieter) are preferred.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse うるさい with just "loud" in a neutral sense, but it often implies annoyance. Be careful not to use it in formal situations or when you want to sound neutral or positive about noise.