Cory Everett
Communicating that you have lost your voice in Japanese can be a useful skill when traveling or living in Japan. In this guide, we will explore different ways to express this phrase, including formal and informal variations. While regional dialects may exist, we will focus on standard Japanese. Let’s get started!
1. Informal Expressions:
When talking in a casual or friendly setting, you can use the following phrases to convey that you’ve lost your voice:
Code Example 1: Koe ga nakunatta. (声がなくなった。)
This simple phrase translates to “I lost my voice” in English. It is a straightforward and commonly used expression among friends or peers.
Code Example 2: Koe ga kikoemasen. (声が聞こえません。)
This phrase literally means “I can’t hear my voice” but is also used to indicate the loss of voice. It is often used humorously among close acquaintances.
2. Formal Expressions:
In more formal situations, such as speaking to your superiors or strangers, it is essential to use polite expressions. The following phrases will help you convey that you’ve lost your voice politely:
Code Example 3: Koe ga naku natte shimaimashita. (声がなくなってしまいました。)
This sentence indicates that you have completely lost your voice in a formal manner. Using the auxiliary verb “shimaimashita” expresses regret or a sense of completion.
Code Example 4: Koe ga kikoemasen deshita. (声が聞こえませんでした。)
This phrase, similar to Code Example 2, politely communicates the inability to hear one’s voice in the past tense. The use of “deshita” indicates a formal past event.
3. Additional Tips and Examples:
Below are some additional tips and examples to help you effectively communicate that you’ve lost your voice:
Useful Vocabulary:
- Koe (声) – Voice
- Nakunatta (なくなった) – Lost (casual)
- Kikoemasen (聞こえません) – Can’t hear (casual)
- Natu natte shimaimashita (なくなってしまいました) – Lost completely (formal)
- Kikoemasen deshita (聞こえませんでした) – Couldn’t hear (formal)
Examples:
Situation 1: Informal
Person A: Genki? (元気？) – How are you?
Person B: Koe ga nakunatta. (声がなくなった。) – I lost my voice.
Situation 2: Formal
Person A: O-genki desu ka? (お元気ですか？) – How are you?
Person B: Koe ga naku natte shimaimashita. (声がなくなってしまいました。) – I have completely lost my voice.
Conclusion:
Now you have a range of expressions to use when saying “I lost my voice” in Japanese, whether you’re in a casual or formal situation. Remember to consider the context and your relationship with the listener to determine the appropriate level of formality. With these phrases in your vocabulary, you’ll be able to effectively communicate your situation to native Japanese speakers. Best of luck with your Japanese communication endeavors!
