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:

オルガンの音色は美しいです。

O rugan no neiro wa utsukushii desu

The sound of the organ is beautiful.

The organ tone is beautiful.

• オルガン - organ
• の - Possession particle
• 音色 - timbre, sound quality
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

このチャンネルは映像がクリアで音声も良いです。

Kono channeru wa eizō ga kuria de onsei mo yoi desu

This channel has a clear picture and good sound.

This channel has clear video and has a good voice.

• この - this
• チャンネル - channel
• は - is
• 映像 - image
• が - (subject particle)
• クリア - clear
• で - (connection particle)
• 音声 - sound
• も - also
• 良い - good
• です - is (polite form of "to be")

ジャズは私の好きな音楽ジャンルです。

Jazu wa watashi no sukina ongaku janru desu

Jazz is my favorite music genre.

Jazz is my favorite music genre.

• ジャズ - jazz
• は - Topic particle
• 私 - I
• の - Possessive particle
• 好き - Like, preference
• な - adjectival particle
• 音楽 - Music
• ジャンル - genre
• です - Ser/estar (polite form)

ベルの音色は美しいです。

Beru no neiro wa utsukushii desu

The sound of the bell is beautiful.

The doorbell tone is beautiful.

• ベル - Bell
• の - Possessive particle
• 音色 - Timbre
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - pretty
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

五十音は日本語の基本的な音の組み合わせを表します。

Gojūon wa nihongo no kihonteki na oto no kumiawase o hyō shimasu

The 1950s indicate the basic combination of the Japanese sound.

• 五十音 - means "fifty sounds" and refers to the set of Japanese characters used to represent sounds and syllables.
• 日本語 - means "Japanese language".
• 基本的な - means "basic" or "fundamental".
• 音 - means "sound" or "musical note".
• 組み合わせ - means "combination" or "arrangement".
• 表します - means "represents" or "shows".

喧しい音が耳障りだ。

Urusai oto ga mimizawari da

Noisy sound is irritating to the ears.

The blurred sound is annoying.

• 喧しい - noisy, loud
• 音 - sound
• が - subject particle
• 耳障り - Annoying to the ears
• だ - Verb "to be" in the present tense

服が擦れる音が聞こえる。

Fuku ga sureru oto ga kikoeru

I hear the sound of clothing rustling.

You can hear the sound of clothes rubbing together.

• 服 (fuku) - clothes
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 擦れる (sureru) - rub
• 音 (oto) - sound
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 聞こえる (kikoeru) - be heard, be noticeable

歌謡は日本の伝統的な音楽ジャンルです。

Kayou wa Nihon no dentouteki na ongaku janru desu

Kayo is a traditional Japanese music genre.

• 歌謡 - Japanese folk song
• は - Topic particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possession particle
• 伝統的な - Traditional
• 音楽 - music
• ジャンル - genre
• です - Verb ser/estar (polite form)

民謡は日本の伝統音楽です。

Min'yo wa Nihon no dentou ongaku desu

Folk songs are traditional Japanese music.

• 民謡 - Folk music
• は - Topic marking particle
• 日本 - Japan
• の - Possession particle
• 伝統 - Tradition
• 音楽 - music
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

物音が聞こえる。

Mono oto ga kikoeru

I can hear the sound of objects.

You can hear the noise.

• 物音 - sound of objects
• が - subject particle
• 聞こえる - to be heard