How to say "hum" in Japanese

• 口ずさむくちずさむJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe verb for humming a tune: producing a melody without words, as someone might while walking or working. It also covers singing to oneself or crooning.
  母ははは台所だいどころでせっせと料理りょうりしながら歌うたを口くちずさんでいた。↗

  Mother hummed to herself as she went about her cooking in the kitchen.
• うんJLPT N4approx.Common
  interjectionThis is the interjection: a filler sound of hesitation or thought, close to English 'hmm' or 'erm', also a hesitant 'well'. It is not the verb for humming a tune; that is 口ずさむ.
  う〜む、相貌そうぼうから判断はんだんするに上海しゃんはいからか。↗

  Hrmmm, to judge from their looks they might be from Shanghai.

Use 「口ずさむ」 when humming means producing a tune with your voice, and 「うん」 for the interjection 'hum' — a hesitant or thinking sound like English 'hmm' or 'erm'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 口ずさむくちずさむto hum (a tune)
• ハムhum (of a TV, radio, etc.)
• むむhum
• ぶーんwhirr
• ぶんぶんbuzz
• 低唱ていしょうhum
• 沈吟ちんぎんhum
• 羽音はおとflapping sound (of wings)
• ほーんhuh?
• うんhum
• 唸るうなるto hum (engine, wind, etc.)
• 唸り声うなりごえhum (of a machine, power lines, etc.)
• 唸りうなりhum (e.g. of a motor)