목소리
moksori[mo̞ks͈o̞ɾi]
The English word "voice" is translated into Korean as 목소리 (moksori).
목소리 refers to the sound produced by a human through the vibration of the vocal cords.
Meaning: sound made through vibration of the vocal cords (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 목소리 is a compound of 목, meaning "neck" and 소리, meaning "sound".
Which one should you use?
While 목소리 refers specifically to a human voice, the term 소리 is a broader word that encompasses any kind of sound or noise.
How do you pronounce it?
moksori
Did you know?
- If you are describing a 'voice' in a literary sense, such as a 'voice of reason', you would likely not use 목소리, as it is too physically grounded in the 'neck'.
- In a metaphorical sense, 목소리 is used to mean 'opinion' or 'say' in political or social contexts, such as 'giving a voice to the marginalized'.
- If you want to talk about a singer's 'vocal color' or unique tone, Koreans often use the word 음색, which relates to 'sound color' rather than using 목소리.
Examples in context
- 나는 내 목소리가 싫다.I hate my voice.This sentence is useful for expressing a dislike for one's own 목소리.Tatoeba #5526769 by raining211, translation #1887343 by CK
- 다만 네 목소리가 좀 듣고 싶었다.I just felt like hearing the sound of your voice.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to hear the sound of someone's 목소리.Tatoeba #10785655 by HappyMidnight, translation #40881 by CK
- 그게 내 언니의 목소리란 걸 알았어.I knew that it was my sister's voice.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific person's 목소리.Tatoeba #8533660 by Eunhee, translation #6620951 by Hybrid
- 그의 목소리는 매우 아름답습니다.His voice is very beautiful.
- 이 음성 메시지를 들어보십시오.Please listen to this voice message.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minji and Hyunwoo are talking on the phone.
- 민지 Min-ji현우 씨, 목소리가 왜 그래요?hyunwoo ssi, moksoriga wae geuraeyo?Hyunwoo, what is wrong with your voice?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo감기에 걸려서 목소리가 좀 안 좋아요.gamgie geollyeoseo moksoriga jom an joayo.I caught a cold, so my voice is not very good.
- 민지 Min-ji많이 아파요? 얼른 쉬어야 해요.mani apayo? eolleun swieoya haeyo.Are you very sick? You should rest immediately.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 고마워요, 민지 씨.ne, gomawoyo, minji ssi.Yes, thank you, Minji.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 목소리, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
