Translation and Meaning of: 音 - oto

The Japanese word 音[おと] (oto) is a fundamental term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. It represents a simple yet essential concept in daily life: sound. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it is used in different contexts. Moreover, you will discover interesting facts about how this word is perceived by Japanese people and tips for memorizing it easily.

If you have ever watched anime or listened to Japanese music, you have probably come across this word. It appears in everyday situations, from the sound of rain to the sound of music. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide accurate and useful information for those who want to truly master Japanese. So, let's dive into the universe of 音[おと] and understand why it is so important.

Meaning and use of 音 [おと]

The word 音[おと] (oto) means "sound" in Japanese and is used to describe any type of noise or sound. Unlike other terms like 声[こえ] (koe), which specifically refers to the human voice, 音[おと] encompasses everything from natural sounds to those produced by objects. For example, the sound of rain is 雨の音[あめのおと] (ame no oto), while the noise of a car can be 車の音[くるまのおと] (kuruma no oto).

Furthermore, 音[おと] can appear in common expressions, such as 音がする (oto ga suru), which means "to make noise." This versatility makes it a very useful word in everyday conversations. If you are starting to learn Japanese, it is worth noting this word and practicing it in simple sentences to fix it in your memory.

Origin and writing of the kanji 音

The kanji 音 is composed of two elements: 立 (tatsu), which means "to stand," and 日 (hi), which represents the "sun." Originally, this character was related to the concept of "musical tone" in ancient China. Over time, its meaning expanded to include any kind of sound. This evolution shows how Japanese writing carries fascinating stories within its strokes.

One tip for memorizing this kanji is to associate the top part (立) with something that rises, like a sound that goes up in the air. Meanwhile, 日 can remind you of the idea of something spreading, just like sound waves. This visualization technique helps many students retain more complex characters. If you want to practice, try writing 音 several times and using it in simple sentences.

Curiosities about 音[おと] in Japanese culture

In Japan, sounds are often associated with sensations and emotions. For example, the expression 物音[ものおと] (mono oto) refers to mysterious noises, often used in suspense stories. Additionally, the word 音[おと] appears in song names and anime titles, reinforcing its importance in Japanese pop culture.

Another interesting aspect is that the Japanese have a unique sensitivity to natural sounds, such as the singing of birds or the wind passing through the trees. This connection with nature makes 音[おと] a word loaded with emotional meaning. If you have ever visited a Japanese garden, you know how each sound contributes to the peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 音色 (Nenshoku) - Color of sound, timbre
• 音響 (Onkyo) - Acoustics, properties of sound
• 音楽 (Ongaku) - Music
• 音量 (Onryou) - Volume level, sound intensity
• 音声 (Onsei) - Voice, sound of speech
• 音波 (Onpa) - Sound wave
• 音符 (Onpu) - musical note
• 音鳴り (Onnari) - Sound of tone, music produced
• 音域 (On'iki) - Sound frequency range, note interval
• 音色豊か (Ongaku yutaka) - Rich in timbre, sound diversity
• 音色変化 (Onshoku henka) - Timbre variation, changes in sound
• 音律 (Onritsu) - Rhythm, musical meter
• 音景色 (Onkeshiki) - Sound scene, auditory landscape
• 音感 (Onkan) - Auditory perception, sensitivity to sound
• 音楽的 (Ongakuteki) - Musical, related to music
• 音楽家 (Ongakuka) - Musician, musical artist
• 音符記号 (Onpu kigou) - Musical note symbols, musical notation
• 音声合成 (Onsei gousei) - Voice synthesis, creation of artificial speech
• 音声認識 (Onsei ninshiki) - Voice recognition, speech identification
• 音声案内 (Onsei annai) - Voice guidance, hearing assistance
• 音声入力 (Onsei nyuuryoku) - Voice input, speech input
• 音声出力 (Onsei shutsuryoku) - Voice output, sound output
• 音声学 (Onseigaku) - Phonetics, study of the sounds of speech
• 音声効果 (Onsei kouka) - Sound effects, sound manipulation
• 音声合成器 (Onsei gouseiki) - Voice synthesizer, sound synthesis device
• 音声変換 (Onsei henkan) - Voice conversion, speech transformation
• 音声信号 (Onsei shingou) - Voice signal, electronic representation of sound
• 音声処理 (Onsei shori) - Voice processing, audio manipulation
• 音声波 (Onseiha) - Sound wave, sound waveform
• 音声ファイル (Onsei fairu) - Audio file, digital sound file
• 音声調整 (Onsei chousei) - Voice adjustment, sound configuration
• 音声調査 (Onsei chousa) - Voice search, auditory survey
• 音声認証 (Onsei ninshou) - Voice authentication, auditory security
• 音 (Oto) - Sound, noise

音

Romaji: oto
Kana: おと
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n3, jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: sound; note

Meaning in English: sound;note

Definition: A physical phenomenon caused by the vibration of an object.

Example Sentences - (音) oto

See below some example sentences:

静音と思ってください。

Shiin to omotte kudasai

Please think quietly.

Think of it as quiet.

• 静音 - It means "silence" in Japanese.
• と - a Japanese particle that indicates a connection between two sentences or ideas.
• 思って - it is the form of the verb "to think" in the present tense and in the te-form in Japanese.
• ください - It is a polite form of the verb "to give" in Japanese, used to make a request or solicitation.

音楽が私の心を癒してくれる。

Ongaku ga watashi no kokoro wo iyashite kureru

Music heals my heart.

Music heals my heart.

• 音楽 - music
• が - subject particle
• 私 - I
• の - Possession particle
• 心 - heart, mind
• を - direct object particle
• 癒してくれる - to heal, to relieve (verb in present tense, polite form)

録音を再生してください。

Rokuon wo saisei shite kudasai

Please play the recording.

Please play the recording.

• 録音 - audio recording
• を - object particle
• 再生 - reproduce
• して - form of the verb "suru" (する) in the gerund
• ください - Please

釣鐘の音色は心を落ち着かせる。

Chou shou no neiro wa kokoro wo ochitsukaseru

The sound of the temple bell soothes the heart.

The tone of the bell soothes the heart.

• 釣鐘 - fishing bell
• の - Possession particle
• 音色 - timbre, sound
• は - Topic particle
• 心 - heart, mind
• を - direct object particle
• 落ち着かせる - calm, soothe

鈴の音が心地よいです。

Suzu no oto ga kokochi yoi desu

The sound of the bell is pleasant.

The doorbell sound is comfortable.

• 鈴の音 - sound of the bell
• が - subject particle
• 心地よい - pleasant, comfortable
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

雑音がうるさいです。

Zatsuon ga urusai desu

The noise is loud.

The noise is loud.

• 雑音 - background sound, noise
• が - subject particle
• うるさい - noisy, annoying
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

音楽が好きです。

Ongaku ga suki desu

I like music.

• 音楽 - means music in Japanese
• が - Subject particle in Japanese.
• 好き - means to like in Japanese
• です - polite way to be/act in Japanese

音色が美しい曲を聴くのが好きです。

Onsoku ga utsukushii kyoku wo kiku no ga suki desu

I like listening to music with beautiful tones.

• 音色 - som/timbre
• が - subject particle
• 美しい - beautiful
• 曲 - music
• を - direct object particle
• 聴く - to hear
• の - nominal particle
• が - subject particle
• 好き - like
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

車輪が軋む音が聞こえる。

Sharin ga kishimu oto ga kikoeru

You can hear the sound of the wheels.

You can hear the sound of the wheels.

• 車輪 (sharin) - wheel
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 軋む (kishimu) - creak, make noise
• 音 (oto) - sound
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 聞こえる (kikoeru) - be heard, be noticeable

木々が揺れる音が聞こえる。

Mokumoku ga yureru oto ga kikoeru

You can hear the sound of the trees trembling.

You can hear the sound of the trees trembling.

• 木々 - trees
• が - subject particle
• 揺れる - sway, tremble
• 音 - sound
• が - subject particle
• 聞こえる - to be heard, to be audible