Translation guide
How to express 'make a sound' in Japanese, covering general sounds, human vocal sounds, animal sounds, and mechanical noises.
To say that something or someone produces a sound, noise, or auditory signal.
The most common and neutral way to say 'make a sound'. Works for people, animals, objects, and instruments.
急に大きな音を出さないでください。
Please don't make a loud sound suddenly.
This toy makes a sound when you press the button.
Used when a sound is heard, often spontaneously or from an unspecified source. Focuses on the perception of sound.
隣の部屋から変な音がした。
A strange sound came from the next room.
風で窓がガタガタ音がする。
The window is rattling (making a sound) because of the wind.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to ring', 'to sound', or 'to make a sound'. Used for alarms, phones, bells, and things that produce a sound by themselves.
電話が鳴っています。
The phone is ringing.
目覚まし時計が鳴らなかった。
The alarm clock didn't go off (make a sound).
Transitive verb meaning 'to make something sound' or 'to ring'. Used when someone intentionally causes a sound.
彼はクラクションを鳴らした。
He honked the horn (made a sound with the horn).
鈴を鳴らしてください。
Please ring the bell.
To produce a sound with one's voice, such as speaking, crying, or making a noise.
Specifically for making a vocal sound, like speaking, shouting, or crying. More natural than 音を出す for human voices.
驚いて声を出せなかった。
I was so surprised I couldn't make a sound.
赤ちゃんが大きな声を出した。
The baby made a loud sound.
Used when a voice is heard, often from an unknown source. Similar to 音がする but for voices.
外で誰かの声がした。
I heard someone's voice outside.
To make a groaning or moaning sound. More specific than just 'make a sound'.
彼は痛みでうめき声を上げた。
He made a groaning sound in pain.
To describe an animal making its characteristic sound.
General verb for animals making sounds (cry, sing, bark, meow, etc.). Covers most creatures.
犬がワンワン鳴いている。
The dog is barking (making a sound).
鳥が鳴いている。
The bird is singing (making a sound).
More explicit: 'to let out a cry'. Emphasizes the act of vocalizing.
猫が大きな鳴き声を上げた。
The cat let out a loud meow.
To describe a machine, device, or electronic equipment producing a sound.
Works for machines and electronics as well. Neutral and common.
パソコンが変な音を出している。
The computer is making a strange sound.
Specifically for operational sounds of machinery. Technical nuance.
エアコンから作動音がする。
The air conditioner is making an operating sound.
音を出す focuses on the agent producing the sound, while 音がする focuses on the sound being heard, often without specifying the source. Use 音を出す when someone/something actively makes a sound, and 音がする when you perceive a sound.
彼はギターで音を出した。
He made a sound with the guitar.
どこかで音がした。
I heard a sound somewhere.
Although 作る means 'to make', it is not used for producing sounds. Use 出す (だす) or 鳴らす (ならす) instead. Saying 音を作る sounds like you are creating or synthesizing a sound artificially, not just producing it.