Translation and Meaning of: 声 - koe

The Japanese word 声[こえ] is one of those that every language student encounters early in their journey. Its main meaning is "voice," but it carries cultural nuances and uses that go beyond a simple translation. In this article, we will explore everything from its writing and pronunciation to how it appears in everyday Japanese, including common expressions and curiosities that make this word more interesting than it seems.

If you have ever watched animes or listened to Japanese music, you have probably noticed that 声[こえ] is not limited to the sound produced by the vocal cords. It can represent opinions, feelings, and even someone's "inner voice." Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to explain not only the basics but also these details that make a difference in learning.

Meaning and writing of 声[こえ]

The kanji 声 combines the radical 士 (warrior or samurai) with 殳 (ancient weapon), but its origin is not directly linked to these elements. Historically, it represents the idea of "sound produced by living beings," especially humans. The reading こえ (koe) is the most common, but the same kanji can also be read as "sei" in compounds like 歌声[うたごえ] (singing voice).

Unlike words like 音[おと] (inanimate sound), 声[こえ] almost always refers to voices or sounds emitted by people or animals. A helpful detail for memorization is to associate the top stroke of the kanji (丶) with an open mouth, although this is just a mnemonic technique, not an official writing rule.

Everyday use and common expressions

In daily life, the Japanese use 声[こえ] in situations that range from the basic ("Your voice is beautiful" – 声がきれいです) to more abstract contexts. For example, 声をかける (koe o kakeru) means "to call someone" or "to start a conversation," while 声が届かない (koe ga todokanai) expresses the frustration of "not being heard," whether literally or metaphorically.

In pop culture, the word stands out in areas like dubbing – 声優[せいゆう] (seiyuu) is the term for voice actor – and even in music reviews. One verifiable curiosity is that animes often use 声 as a theme in titles or dialogues, such as in the movie "Koe no Katachi" (A Silent Voice), where the word symbolizes communication and empathy.

Tips to learn and not confuse

A common trap for students is mixing 声[こえ] with 音[おと] or 響き[ひびき] (resonance). The tip is to remember that 声 is always related to something organic. Even the song of birds (鳥の声) uses this kanji, while the sound of a machine would be 機械の音.

To better solidify your understanding, it's worth observing how the word appears in authentic materials. Subtitles from doramas or lyrics of Japanese songs often reinforce its correct usage. And if you use apps like Anki, creating flashcards with phrases like 大きな声で話す (speak in a loud voice) can help internalize the real context of the word.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 音声 (Onsei) - Sound, voice;
• 声量 (Seiryō) - Volume of the voice;
• 声質 (Seishitsu) - Voice quality;
• 音質 (Onshitsu) - Sound quality;
• 口調 (Kuchō) - Tone or speaking style;
• 声色 (Koen) - Voice timbre;
• 話し声 (Hanashigoe) - Voice when speaking;
• 叫び声 (Sakebigoe) - Cry or call;
• 音 (On) - Som;
• 音域 (On'iki) - Interval of sound notes;
• 音節 (Onsetsu) - Sonorous syllable;
• 音符 (Onpu) - Musical note;
• 音楽 (Ongaku) - Music;

声

Romaji: koe
Kana: こえ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n5

Translation / Meaning: voice

Meaning in English: voice

Definition: The production of physical sounds and the sounds themselves. Or an organ to emit it.

Example Sentences - (声) koe

See below some example sentences:

彼女の声が突然跡切れた。

Kanojo no koe ga totsuzen atogireru

Her voice suddenly disappeared.

His voice was suddenly cut off.

• 彼女の - "of the girlfriend"
• 声が - "the voice"
• 突然 - "suddenly"
• 跡切れた - "stopped abruptly"

歓声が響き渡った。

Kansei ga hibikiwatatta

The sound of applause and cheers echoed.

The applause echoed.

• 歓声 - Japanese word meaning "screams of joy" or "applause"
• が - Particle in Japanese that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 響き渡った - Japanese verb meaning "echoed" or "resonated"

叫び声が響き渡った。

Sakebi goe ga hibikiwatatta

A scream echoed.

The screams echoed.

• 叫び声 - shout
• が - subject particle
• 響き渡った - echoed

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")

この声明は真実を伝えるために発表されました。

Kono seimei wa shinjitsu o tsutaeru tame ni happyō sa remashita

This statement was released to convey the truth.

This statement was announced to convey the truth.

• この声明 - this declaration
• は - it is a particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 真実 - truth
• を - particle that indicates the direct object
• 伝える - transmit
• ために - for
• 発表されました - was announced

声が大きい人は迷惑です。

Koe ga ookii hito wa meiwaku desu

People with loud voices are annoying.

• 声が大きい人 - person with a loud voice
• は - Topic particle
• 迷惑 - discomfort
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

彼女は自分の声を弱めた。

Kanojo wa jibun no koe o yowameta

She lowered her voice.

She weakened her voice.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 自分 (jibun) - yourself
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 声 (koe) - voice
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 弱めた (yowameta) - weakened

彼女の声が聞こえる。

Kanojo no koe ga kikoeru

I can hear her voice.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - "Ela" significa "彼女" (kanojo) em japonês.
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 声 (koe) - means "voice" in Japanese
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 聞こえる (kikoeru) - A palavra é "audível" em inglês.

彼女の歌声には感心する。

Kanojo no utagoe ni wa kanshin suru

I am impressed with her singing voice.

I'm impressed with her singing voice.

• 彼女 - she
• の - of
• 歌声 - Singing voice
• に - in
• は - (topic particle)
• 感心 - admiration, praise
• する - make

満場掌声を浴びる。

Manjou shousai wo abiru

Receive applause from the entire audience.

I will be exposed to the full voice.

• 満場 - means "the entire audience" or "everyone present at the venue".
• 掌声 - means "applause".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 浴びる - verb meaning "to receive" or "to bathe". In this case, it is being used in the figurative sense of "receiving" the applause.