Signification
A very weak, barely audible voice, like a mosquito's buzz.
Contexte culturel
The idiom reflects the value of 'Enryo' (restraint). However, in a modern professional setting, a 'mosquito voice' is often criticized as it hinders 'Hou-Ren-So' (Report-Inform-Consult). This phrase is a key descriptor for 'Moé' characters who are extremely shy. It helps establish a character's 'weakness' which often appeals to the protective instincts of the audience. In classical Japanese aesthetics, 'faintness' (kasuka) is often praised. However, when applied to a voice in a social context, it usually carries a negative or pathetic connotation. Japanese teachers often encourage students to use 'onaka kara koe wo dasu' (speak from the stomach) to avoid the 'mosquito voice' during presentations.
Use it in Writing
This idiom is a favorite for Japanese novelists. Use it in your creative writing to show a character's shyness without using the word 'hazukashigariya'.
Don't use for secrets
Remember, this implies weakness. If you want to say someone is whispering a secret, use 'hisohiso' or 'sasayaki'.
Signification
A very weak, barely audible voice, like a mosquito's buzz.
Use it in Writing
This idiom is a favorite for Japanese novelists. Use it in your creative writing to show a character's shyness without using the word 'hazukashigariya'.
Don't use for secrets
Remember, this implies weakness. If you want to say someone is whispering a secret, use 'hisohiso' or 'sasayaki'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blanks to complete the idiom.
{彼|かれ}はとても{恥|はず}かしがり{屋|や}で、いつも（ ）の（ ）ような{声|こえ}で{話|はな}す。
The idiom is '{蚊|か}の{鳴|な}くような{声|こえ}'.
Which situation is most appropriate for this idiom?
Which of these people is likely speaking with a '{蚊|か}の{鳴|な}くような{声|こえ}'?
The idiom describes a weak, timid voice often caused by guilt or fear.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: {田中|たなか}さんの{挨拶|あいさつ}、{聞|き}こえた？ B: いいえ、あまりにも（ ）だったので、さっぱりでした。
The context 'I couldn't hear it at all' (sappari) matches the idiom for a tiny voice.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercices{彼|かれ}はとても{恥|はず}かしがり{屋|や}で、いつも（ ）の（ ）ような{声|こえ}で{話|はな}す。
The idiom is '{蚊|か}の{鳴|な}くような{声|こえ}'.
Which of these people is likely speaking with a '{蚊|か}の{鳴|な}くような{声|こえ}'?
The idiom describes a weak, timid voice often caused by guilt or fear.
A: {田中|たなか}さんの{挨拶|あいさつ}、{聞|き}こえた？ B: いいえ、あまりにも（ ）だったので、さっぱりでした。
The context 'I couldn't hear it at all' (sappari) matches the idiom for a tiny voice.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt's not inherently rude, but it is descriptive of a weakness. Calling someone's voice a 'mosquito voice' to their face might be taken as a criticism of their confidence.
No, it's specifically a metaphor for human voices. For a real mosquito, you just say it's buzzing.
A good opposite would be '{響|ひび}き{渡|わた}るような{声|こえ}' (a resounding voice) or '{堂々|どうどう}とした{声|こえ}' (a dignified/confident voice).
It is used equally by both, though in fiction, it's often associated with shy female characters or weak male characters.
Expressions liées
{消|き}え{入|い}るような{声|こえ}
synonymA voice that sounds like it's about to vanish.
{細|ほそ}い{声|こえ}
similarA thin voice.
{小声|こごえ}
similarLow voice / Whisper.
{鶴|つる}の{一声|ひとこえ}
contrastThe voice of authority that settles an argument.
