Translation guide
The English word "voice" covers several distinct concepts in Japanese. The most common meanings are the physical sound produced when speaking, and the act of expressing an opinion. Other uses include a character's voice in media, grammatical voice, and metaphorical senses.
The sound produced by a person when speaking or singing.
The most common and general word for 'voice'. It refers to the sound made by humans and animals.
Her voice is very beautiful.
大きな声で話してください。
Please speak in a loud voice.
Often used in technical or formal contexts, such as 'voice recognition' or 'audio'. It emphasizes the sound as a signal.
音声認識技術が進歩している。
Voice recognition technology is advancing.
The act of expressing one's thoughts, opinions, or feelings, especially in a collective context.
Also used metaphorically for 'opinion' or 'say'. Often appears in phrases like 声を上げる (to raise one's voice/speak out).
国民の声を聞くべきだ。
We should listen to the voice of the people.
彼は反対の声を上げた。
He raised his voice in opposition.
Directly means 'opinion'. Use this when 'voice' simply means 'opinion'.
Means 'right to speak' or 'say'. Used in formal contexts like meetings.
The voice of a character in animation, video games, or dubbing, often referring to the voice actor's performance.
The standard term for a character's voice. Often combined with 優 (actor) to mean 'voice actor' (声優).
このキャラクターの声は誰ですか？
Whose voice is this character?
彼は声優として有名だ。
He is famous as a voice actor.
Loanword from English, often used in gaming or media contexts, e.g., 'voice pack' (ボイスパック).
The grammatical category that expresses the relationship between the verb and its arguments (active, passive, etc.).
The technical term for grammatical voice. Used in linguistics.
受動態は「れる・られる」で表される。
The passive voice is expressed with 'reru/rareru'.
Loanword used in some linguistic contexts, but 態 is more standard.
Specifically the voice used for singing, often with a focus on quality or style.
Literally 'singing voice'. Used to describe the sound of someone singing.
彼女の歌声に感動した。
I was moved by her singing voice.
Can also be used for singing voice in context, but 歌声 is more specific.
彼はいい声で歌う。
He sings with a good voice.
A metaphorical voice representing one's inner thoughts, conscience, or intuition.
Literally 'voice of the heart/mind'. Commonly used for inner voice or true feelings.
心の声に従いなさい。
Follow your inner voice.
A more literary expression for 'inner voice'.
彼は内なる声に導かれた。
He was guided by an inner voice.
English uses 'voice' in many idiomatic expressions that don't directly translate to 声. For example, 'to voice an opinion' is 意見を言う, not 声を言う. 'At the top of one's voice' is 声を限りに or 大声で. Always consider the intended meaning before choosing a Japanese equivalent.
声 (こえ) is the general word for voice, used for people and animals. 音声 (おんせい) is more technical and refers to voice as audio data or sound signal, often used in technology contexts like 音声認識 (voice recognition).
彼女は声がきれいだ。
She has a beautiful voice.
顧客の声に耳を傾ける必要がある。
We need to listen to the voice of the customer.
彼は会議で懸念を表明した。
He voiced his concerns at the meeting.
Here 'voice' is a verb, translated as 表明する (express).
Please let us hear your voices (opinions).
この問題について発言権がない。
I have no voice (say) in this matter.
I downloaded a new voice pack.
The voice system of Japanese is complex.