What does 声 mean in Japanese?
声 means voice. The kun’yomi こえ (koe) is the everyday word, and 声 is used mainly for voices, especially human voices, rather than general sounds or noise. For animal sounds, 鳴き声 is often the more natural expression. The distinction between 声 (voice), 音 (sound in general), and 音声 (audio/speech signal) is one of the key nuances for N4 learners.
声 appears in many natural expressions: 声をかける (to call out to someone, to speak to someone), 大声 (loud voice), 小声 (quiet voice). The on’yomi セイ forms compounds used in media and performing arts: 声優 (seiyuu, voice actor) and 声援 (seien, cheering support).
Reading
On’yomi: セイ (sei), ショウ (shou)
Kun’yomi: こえ (koe)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 声 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | voice |
| Stroke Count | 7 |
| JLPT Level | N4 |
How to Understand This Kanji
声 (koe) is specifically the voice — what a person produces with the throat and mouth when speaking, singing, or calling. 音 (oto) is sound in general — any audible vibration, including noise, music, and mechanical sounds. 音声 (onsei) is the technical or media term for audio, speech signal, or vocal output: 音声認識 (speech recognition), 音声ガイド (audio guide). In everyday speech: 声が大きい (the voice is loud), 声が聞こえる (I can hear a voice) — 声 is the natural word when a person’s vocal output is intended.
Common Words
- 声（こえ / koe） — voice
- 大声（おおごえ / oogoe） — loud voice
- 小声（こごえ / kogoe） — quiet voice, whisper
- 声援（せいえん / seien） — vocal support, cheering
- 声優（せいゆう / seiyuu） — voice actor
- 歌声（うたごえ / utagoe） — singing voice, song voice
Example Sentences
-
もっと大きな声で話してください。
もっとおおきなこえではなしてください。 / Motto ookina koe de hanashite kudasai.
Please speak in a louder voice.
-
わからないことがあれば声をかけてください。
わからないことがあればこえをかけてください。 / Wakaranai koto ga areba koe o kakete kudasai.
If there is anything you do not understand, please call out to me.
-
彼女は有名な声優です。
かのじょはゆうめいなせいゆうです。 / Kanojo wa yuumei na seiyuu desu.
She is a famous voice actor.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
声 vs 音 is the core distinction to master. 声 = voice, especially a person’s voice: 彼女の声が好きだ (I like her voice), 犬の鳴き声が聞こえる (I can hear a dog barking). 音 = general sound: 音が大きい (the sound is loud), 物音がする (there is a noise). 音声 = audio signal or recorded speech, used in technical and media contexts. In listening comprehension, pay attention to which word is used — 声 usually points to vocal production, especially a person’s voice. For animal sounds, 鳴き声 is often the more natural word.
声をかける (koe o kakeru, literally ‘to hang a voice on’) means to call out to someone, to speak to someone first, or to check in with someone. 声をかけてください (please call out to me / please come talk to me) is a very natural expression in customer service, classrooms, and social situations. This phrase appears frequently at N4 and is essential for daily communication.
大声 (oogoe, loud voice) and 小声 (kogoe, quiet voice) are formed simply by adding 大 (big) or 小 (small) before 声. 大声で話す (to speak in a loud voice), 小声で言う (to say in a whisper). 大声を出す (to raise your voice, to shout) is a common pattern.
声優 (seiyuu, voice actor) = 声 (voice) + 優 (actor/performer). Voice acting is a major profession and art form in Japan, with 声優 often having large fan followings. 人気声優 (popular voice actor) appears frequently in entertainment news and anime discussion.
Summary
声 means voice — used mainly for human vocal sound. The key distinction is 声 (voice) vs 音 (sound) vs 音声 (audio). 声をかける (to call out to) and 声優 (voice actor) are the most important compounds at N4.