声

• Reading: こえ
• Romaji: koe
• Kanji breakdown: 声 (koe/sei) — voice, sound
• Pronunciation: /ko.e/

Meaning

Voice. The sound produced by a person when speaking, singing, or calling out.

Refers specifically to human vocal sound, as distinct from 音 (oto, general sound). Used in many compound words and expressions: 大声 (ōgoe, loud voice), 小声 (kogoe, whisper), 声を出す (koe wo dasu, to speak up). Also used figuratively to mean opinions or feedback.

Examples

1. 先生の声がよく聞こえません。 I can't hear the teacher's voice very well.
2. 大きい声で読んでください。 Please read in a loud voice.
3. きれいな声で歌っていますね。 You're singing with a beautiful voice.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, school, music

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 声 is a simplified form of the traditional character 聲, which depicted a musical instrument being struck, producing sound.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal