Translation guide
Describes a voice that sounds like the speaker is crying or about to cry, often due to sadness, emotion, or distress.
Describe a voice that is shaky, choked, or breaking because the speaker is emotional or holding back tears.
The most common and natural way to say 'tearful voice' in Japanese. It literally means 'tear voice' and is used when someone's voice sounds like they are crying or about to cry.
Describe a voice that conveys sadness, often evoking sympathy, without necessarily implying actual tears.
Means 'sad-sounding voice'. It describes a voice that sounds sad, which often overlaps with a tearful quality.
彼は悲しそうな声で別れを告げた。
He said goodbye in a sad voice.
涙声 (なみだごえ) specifically refers to a voice that sounds tearful, often when someone is holding back tears or speaking while emotional. 泣き声 (なきごえ) is more directly the sound of crying, like sobbing or wailing. Use 涙声 for a choked, emotional voice, and 泣き声 for audible crying.
The English phrase 'tearful voice' is not directly translated as '涙の声' (namida no koe). That would sound unnatural. Use 涙声 (なみだごえ) instead.
彼女は涙声で「ありがとう」と言った。
She said 'thank you' in a tearful voice.
電話の向こうから涙声が聞こえた。
I heard a tearful voice from the other end of the phone.
Literally 'crying voice'. It can mean the sound of actual crying, but also a voice that sounds like crying. Often used for children or when someone is audibly sobbing.
赤ちゃんの泣き声が聞こえる。
I can hear a baby's crying voice.
彼は泣き声で助けを求めた。
He called for help in a tearful voice.
A phrase meaning 'to choke up' or 'to have one's voice catch'. It describes the moment when emotion makes it hard to speak smoothly.
彼は声を詰まらせながら話した。
He spoke in a choked voice.
Means 'trembling voice'. It can be used for tearfulness, but also for fear, cold, or anger. Context clarifies the emotion.
彼女は震える声で真実を語った。
She told the truth in a trembling voice.
Means 'pitiful-sounding voice'. It implies a voice that evokes pity or compassion, often with a tearful nuance.
彼女は哀れっぽい声で許しを請うた。
She begged for forgiveness in a pitiful voice.