声が出なくなりました
koe ga denaku narimashita
The English phrase "I lost my voice" can be translated into Japanese as 声が出なくなりました (koe ga denaku narimashita).
This phrase is used when a person is unable to speak or speak clearly due to illness or strain.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally means "voice (subject) became unable to come out".
Which one should you use?
There is a subtle difference in how you describe your situation depending on the timing: 声が出なくなりました describes the process of having lost your voice, whereas 声が出ない describes the current state of having no voice or that your voice won't come out.
How do you pronounce it?
koe ga denaku narimashita
Did you know?
- If you want to say your voice is 'gone' due to a sudden temporary lapse, you might say 声が枯れた (koe ga kareta), which literally means your voice has 'withered' or 'dried up' like a plant.
- The word 声 is used in the expression 声がかかる ('voice is hung'), which means to be invited or recruited for a task, rather than actually speaking.
- When describing a voice that is hoarse or raspy from strain, Japanese speakers often use the word ガラガラ (gara-gara) to mimic the sound of something rattling or grinding.
Examples in context
- 風邪で声が出なくなりました。kaze de koe ga denaku narimashita.I lost my voice due to a cold.
- 喉が痛くて、声が出なくなりました。nodo ga itakute, koe ga denaku narimashita.My throat hurts and I lost my voice.
- 昨日から声が出なくなりました。kinou kara koe ga denaku narimashita.I have lost my voice since yesterday.
Example conversation
Yui is explaining to Kenta why she is using text messages.
- 結衣 Yui喉を痛めて、声が出なくなりました。nodo o itamete, koe ga denaku narimashita.I hurt my throat and lost my voice.
- 健太 Kenta大丈夫ですか？無理しないでくださいね。daijoubu desu ka? muri shinaide kudasai ne.Are you okay? Please don't overdo it.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます。今日は休みます。arigatou gozaimasu. kyou wa yasumimasu.Thank you. I will rest today.
- 健太 Kentaゆっくり休んでください。yukkuri yasunde kudasai.Please get some good rest.
