声
koe[ko̞e̞]
The Japanese word for voice is 声 (koe).
The term 声 refers to the sound made through the vibration of the vocal cords. You can use the compound word 声量 to describe the specific volume or power of a voice. If you want to describe the physical act of a voice coming out or the ability to speak, you can use the phrase 声が出る. To describe someone becoming hoarse or losing their voice due to overuse, the expression 声が枯れる is used. Related verbal phrases include 声をあげる, which means to clamor and 声に出す, which means to give utterance or expression to something.
Meaning: sound made through vibration of the vocal cords (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are describing a sound being heard, you use the subject marker が with 声, resulting in the form 声が.
How do you pronounce it?
koe
Did you know?
- The phrase 声をかける literally means 'to hang a voice', but it is the standard way to say you are calling out to someone or striking up a conversation.
- The expression 声が大きい can mean that someone has a loud physical volume, but it is also used idiomatically to describe someone who has a lot of influence or power in a group.
- The character 声 is derived from Middle Chinese 聲, which historically represented a bell or a musical instrument.
Examples in context
- 彼は声が大きい。He has a loud voice.This sentence is useful for describing the volume of a voice using 声.Tatoeba #103170 by bunbuku, translation #286988 by CK
- トムは声が高い。Tom has a high-pitched voice.This sentence is useful for describing the pitch of a voice using 声.Tatoeba #2310031 by tommy_san, translation #1025484 by CK
- 子供の声がした。I heard a child's voice.This sentence is useful for describing hearing a voice using 声.Tatoeba #12593036 by small_snow, translation #11118166 by ddnktr
- 音声でコミュニケーションを取ることは重要です。It is important to communicate through voice.
- あなたの声はとても美しいです。Your voice is very beautiful.
- 彼の声は大きくて元気ですね。His voice is loud and energetic, isn't it?
- あのアーティストのボイスは本当に特別です。That artist's voice is truly exceptional.
- 156 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are talking on the phone.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんの声、少し枯れていますね。Yota-san no koe, sukoshi karete imasu ne.Yota, your voice sounds a little hoarse.
- 陽太 Yota風邪をひいたみたいで、声が出にくいんだ。Kaze o hiita mitai de, koe ga denikui n da.I think I caught a cold, so it's hard to use my voice.
- 美咲 Misaki無理しないで、ゆっくり休んでくださいね。Muri shinaide, yukkuri yasunde kudasai ne.Don't push yourself, please get some rest.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、美咲さん。Arigato, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 声, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 声, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
