音量
onryō[õ̞n̺ɾʲo̞ː]
In Japanese, the English phrase 'volume' (referring to the strength of sound) is translated as 音量 (onryō). Wiktionary also lists 声量 (seiryō) and ボリューム (boryūmu).
Meaning: strength of sound (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 音量 | onryō | [õ̞n̺ɾʲo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 声量 | seiryō | [se̞ːɾʲo̞ː] (narrow) |
| ボリューム | boryūmu | [bo̞ɾʲɨːmɯ̟] (narrow) |
What does it mean word for word?
The word 音量 is composed of 音 (sound) and 量 (amount/quantity).
Which one should you use?
While 音量 is used for the technical setting or physical level of sound produced by a machine or system, 声量 is used specifically when referring to the volume or power of a person's voice. Additionally, do not confuse these with 容量, which refers to the volume or capacity of something like a liquid in a bottle or hard drive storage.
How do you pronounce it?
onryō
Did you know?
- The word ボリューム is used in Japanese fashion and hairstyling to describe the 'fullness' or 'loft' of hair and fabric, rather than sound.
- In the context of food, ボリューム is used to describe a meal that is hearty or has a large portion size.
- When referring to the 'volume' of a book, Japanese does not use 音量 or ボリューム but uses the word 巻 to denote a specific tome in a series.
Examples in context
- 音量を下げてください。Turn down the volume, please.This sentence is useful for requesting someone to turn down the 音量.Tatoeba #188240 by bunbuku, translation #25380 by CK
- 音量調節はどこでやるの？Where's the volume control?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the 音量 control.Tatoeba #11491328 by bunbuku, translation #8511001 by CK
- ボリュームを下げてください。Please turn down the volume.This sentence is useful for requesting someone to turn down the ボリューム.Tatoeba #1078721 by bunbuku, translation #564913 by CK
- 音量を調節してくださいPlease adjust the volume
- テレビの音量を上げてくださいPlease increase the volume of the TV
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are watching a movie together in a living room.
- 陽葵 Himariこの映画、音量が大きすぎない？Kono eiga, onryou ga ookisuginai?Isn't the volume of this movie too loud?
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。少し下げようか。Sou dane. Sukoshi sageyou ka.You're right. Shall I lower it a bit?
- 陽葵 Himariお願い、健太君。Onegai, Kenta-kun.Please, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaはい、これでいいかな。Hai, kore de ii kana.Okay, is this better?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “volume” translations and entries 音量, 声量, ボリューム, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
