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JLPT N39画 · 9 strokesradical 音grade 2freq #1500

voice, sound

On'yomi (音読み)

  • セイ
  • ショウ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • こえ

Mnemonic

The sound of Seiyo's voice carries so powerfully, it echoes through the mountains, reminiscent of the kanji's design, combining 音 and セイ.

About this kanji

The kanji 「声」means 'voice' or 'sound,' and it can be used as both a noun and a verb. It is commonly seen in words like 「声援」(せいえん), which means 'cheering,' often used in sports events, and 「声楽」(せいがく), which refers to 'vocal music.' You might also encounter 「大声」(おおごえ)meaning 'loud voice' and 「小声」(こごえ)for a 'whisper.' This kanji is particularly useful in conversations involving music, talking, or expressing emotions vocally. Note that when referring to the 'sound' of something like a bell, a different kanji might be more appropriate.

Built from

セイ

Example sentences

  • 彼女の声はとても美しい。

    Her voice is very beautiful.

Meanings across languages

English
voice, sound
Tiếng Việt
giọng nói, âm thanh
日本語
声, 音
한국어
목소리, 소리
中文
声音, 音
id
suara, bunyi
th
เสียง, ดัง
es
voz, sonido
fr
voix, son
de
Stimme, Geräusch
pt
voz, som

Common compounds

  • 声援せいえんcheering, support
  • 声楽せいがくvocal music
  • 大声おおごえloud voice, shout
  • 小声こごえwhisper, soft voice

Want to actually learn this kanji?

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