Usage Explanation ①: にぎやか (nigiyaka) – “Lively” (Positive)

にぎやか (nigiyaka) is a na-adjective. It means “lively,” “bustling,” or “vibrant.”

We use this when there are people and sounds, and the atmosphere is cheerful and energetic. It is a good thing.

Example 1: (A popular restaurant)

この店（みせ）は、いつもお客（きゃく）さんでにぎやかです。(Kono mise wa, itsumo okyakusan de nigiyaka desu.)

This shop is always bustling with customers. (It’s popular!)

Example 2: (A festival)

お祭（まつ）りは、とてもにぎやかでした。(Omatsuri wa, totemo nigiyaka deshita.)

The festival was very lively. (Fun atmosphere)

Example 3: (A town)

東京（とうきょう）は、にぎやかな街（まち）です。(Tōkyō wa, nigiyaka na machi desu.)

Tokyo is a vibrant/lively city.

Usage Explanation ②: さわがしい (sawagashii) – “Noisy” (Negative)

さわがしい (sawagashii) is an i-adjective. It means “noisy,” “boisterous,” or “chaotic.”

We use this when there is too much noise, often caused by people talking loudly, shouting, or running around. It implies a lack of calm or a disturbance.

Example 1: (Disturbance outside)

外（そと）がさわがしいですね。何（なに）かあったのかな？(Soto ga sawagashii desu ne. Nanika atta no kana?)

It’s noisy/chaotic outside. Did something happen? (Maybe an accident or argument)

Example 2: (Classroom)

教室（きょうしつ）がさわがしいので、先生（せんせい）が怒（おこ）りました。(Kyōshitsu ga sawagashii node, sensei ga okorimashita.)

The classroom was noisy (chaotic), so the teacher got angry.

Example 3: (Neighbors)

隣（となり）の部屋（へや）がさわがしくて、眠（ねむ）れません。(Tonari no heya ga sawagashikute, nemuremasen.)

The room next door is noisy (commotion), and I can’t sleep.

Comparison: にぎやか vs さわがしい

The difference is the feeling (Positive vs Negative).

Common Mistake Examples

Mistake 1: Complaining about neighbors

Wrong:

隣（となり）の人（ひと）が、夜（よる）遅（おそ）くまでにぎやかです。(Tonari no hito ga, yoru osoku made nigiyaka desu.)

Correct:

隣（となり）の人（ひと）が、夜（よる）遅（おそ）くまでさわがしい（またはうるさい）です。(Tonari no hito ga, … sawagashii / urusai desu.)

Why?

If you say “nigiyaka,” it sounds like your neighbors are having a fun party and you think it’s nice! If you want to complain because you can’t sleep, use さわがしい or うるさい.

Mistake 2: Praising a party

Wrong:

今日（きょう）のパーティーは、さわがしいですね！(Kyō no pātī wa, sawagashii desu ne!)

Correct:

今日（きょう）のパーティーは、にぎやかですね！(Kyō no pātī wa, nigiyaka desu ne!)

Why?

Using さわがしい sounds like you are criticizing the party for being too loud and chaotic.

Practice Quiz

Let’s check your understanding! Choose the correct word for ( ).

Q1.

救急車（きゅうきゅうしゃ）が来（き）て、外（そと）が ( ) なりました。

An ambulance came, and it became ( ) outside.

1. にぎやかに (nigiyaka ni)
2. さわがしく (sawagashiku)

Q2.

私（わたし）の家族（かぞく）は、みんなよく話（はな）すので、いつも ( ) です。

My family talks a lot, so it’s always ( ). (Positive meaning: cheerful)

1. にぎやか (nigiyaka)
2. さわがしい (sawagashii)

Q3.

図書館（としょかん）で ( ) してはいけません。

You must not make it ( ) in the library.

1. にぎやか (nigiyaka)
2. さわがしく (sawagashiku)

Summary: Key Differences

Which one fits your feeling?

• にぎやか (Na-adj): Positive. “Lively.” Sounds of life, energy, and fun.
• さわがしい (i-adj): Negative. “Noisy/Chaotic.” Sounds of disturbance, trouble, or lack of order.

Think: Is it a fun party (にぎやか) or a chaotic classroom (さわがしい)?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can さわがしい (sawagashii) be used for construction noise?

A1: Yes, but うるさい (urusai) is more common for mechanical noise. さわがしい (sawagashii) implies a chaotic atmosphere, often caused by *people* or animals moving and shouting.

Q2: Is にぎやか (nigiyaka) always good?

A2: Mostly yes. It describes a place full of energy and life. However, if you want a quiet place to study, a “nigiyaka” place might be inconvenient, but the word itself carries a positive meaning of “liveliness.”

Q3: What is the kanji for さわがしい?

A3: It is 騒がしい. The kanji 騒 (sawagu) means “to make noise” or “to clamor.” It is useful to remember this kanji!

Related Articles

• The Difference Between 「うるさい (urusai)」 and 「にぎやか (nigiyaka)」
• How to use the opposite: 「静か (shizuka)」 (Quiet)