voce bassa
The English phrase 'soft voice' is translated into Italian as voce bassa.
voce bassa is used to describe a voice that is quiet in volume.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase voce bassa literally translates to 'low voice'.
Which one should you use?
Italian offers several nuances depending on the specific quality of the softness: voce soffusa describes a voice that is softly spoken or whispered. voce leggera conveys a light, soft and delicate voice. voce appena percettibile describes a voice that is barely audible or faint. And voce sommessa refers to a subdued, quiet and low volume voice.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you must change both the noun and the adjective to voci basse.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using voce dolce to mean a soft voice in terms of volume. voce dolce refers to a pleasant or sweet tone rather than volume.
Did you know?
- While voce bassa describes volume, the word basso also identifies the lowest singing range for men. This creates a linguistic link between speaking quietly and the physical depth of a singer's voice.
- In Italian literature, voce sommessa is often used as a stylistic signal to indicate that a character is being modest or secretive.
- To describe the act of speaking in a 'soft voice', Italians add the preposition a to create the phrase a bassa voce.
Examples in context
- Tom ha la voce bassa.Tom has a soft voice.This sentence is useful for describing Tom's voice using voce bassa.Tatoeba #5664539 by Guybrush88, translation #5418381 by CK
- Tadashi ha una voce bassa.Tadashi has a soft voice.This sentence is useful for describing Tadashi's voice using voce bassa.Tatoeba #5246501 by Guybrush88, translation #271589 by CN
- Amore, hai una voce così dolce quando mi sussurri all'orecchio.Darling, you have such a sweet voice when you whisper in my ear.
- Parla con una voce bassa.He speaks with a soft voice.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are talking in a quiet cinema.
- ChiaraPer favore, usa la voce bassa.Please, use a soft voice.
- MatteoScusa, non me ne sono accorto.Sorry, I didn't notice.
- ChiaraTutti ci stanno guardando, Matteo.Everyone is looking at us, Matteo.
- MatteoHai ragione, parlerò a voce bassa.You are right, I will speak in a soft voice.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
