Japanese Learning TIPS

The Difference Between うるさい (urusai) vs にぎやか (nigiyaka)｜Japanese Grammar (N5–N3)

  • 17 Nov, 2025
  • Com 0
(Alt Text: Joy annoyed by noise [Urusai] vs. Joy enjoying a lively street [Nigiyaka])
(Joy annoyed by noise [Urusai] vs. Joy enjoying a lively street [Nigiyaka])

“Shut up!” vs. “What a lively party!”
In Japanese, describing sound and people is tricky. うるさい (Urusai) means “Noisy/Annoying” (Negative). にぎやか (Nigiyaka) means “Lively/Busy” (Positive). Using the wrong one can be very rude! Let’s learn with Joy and Ken.

🗣 Conversation Scene

Joy and Ken are trying to study in a cafe.

Joy
隣（となり）の席（せき）の人たち、声（こえ）が大きくて うるさい ですね。
勉強（べんきょう）できません。
(The people at the next table have loud voices and are “annoying/noisy”. I can’t study.)
Ken
そうですね。ここは人気（にんき）があって にぎやか ですが、勉強には向きませんね。
(True. This place is popular and “lively/bustling”, but it’s not suitable for studying.)

💡 Explanation

Do you feel “Annoyed” or “Happy”?

Point 1: Urusai (うるさい) = Noisy / Annoying

Type: I-Adjective (Urusai)
Used when sounds bother you. It implies “I don’t like this sound.” It can also mean someone is nagging or persistent.

  • 工事（こうじ）の音（おと）が うるさい です。
    (The construction noise is annoying.)
  • うるさい！黙（だま）れ！
    (Shut up! Be quiet! [Very rude])

Point 2: Nigiyaka (にぎやか) = Lively / Bustling

Type: Na-Adjective (Nigiyaka na)
Used when a place is full of people and energy. It describes a vibrant atmosphere. Usually positive.

  • お祭（まつ）りは とても にぎやか でした。
    (The festival was very lively.)
  • にぎやか な 通（とお）りを 歩（ある）きます。
    (I walk along a bustling street.)

📊 Comparison Table

Word Meaning Emotion
うるさい (Urusai) Noisy, Loud, Annoying 😖 Negative (Unpleasant)
にぎやか (Nigiyaka) Lively, Bustling 😊 Positive (Fun/Active)

🚧 Joy’s Mistake

(Complimenting a friend’s hometown)

❌ Wrong: あなたの町（まち）は、人が多くて うるさい ですね！
(You just said: “Your town is annoying/noisy!” It sounds like you hate it.)

✅ Right: あなたの町（まち）は、人が多くて にぎやか ですね！
(Your town is vibrant and full of life!)

🔥 Practice Quiz

Tap to check the answer!

Q1. A mosquito is flying around my ear.
(Ka ga tondeite, ______ desu.)
Answer: urusai (うるさい)
It is annoying/bothersome.
Q2. Shibuya is a famous, busy district in Tokyo.
(Shibuya wa totemo ______ na machi desu.)
Answer: nigiyaka (にぎやか)
It describes a lively place with many people.
Q3. The neighbors are having a loud argument.
(Tonari no hito ga ______ desu.)
Answer: urusai (うるさい)
It is disturbing you.
Keep practicing with JPLT!

 

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