When you're first learning Chinese, it's really helpful to start with common words. Today we're looking at 声音 (shēngyīn).
This word means 'voice' or 'sound'. Think about all the sounds around you, or someone's voice when they speak. That's 声音.
You'll hear and use this word a lot in daily conversations. It's a fundamental noun for describing the world.
So, if you hear something, you can say it's a 声音. If someone speaks, their 声音 is what you hear.
The word 声音 (shēngyīn) is a versatile noun in Chinese, primarily meaning 'voice' or 'sound'.
You'll use it to talk about human voices, animal sounds, or even inanimate sounds like the sound of music or a car horn.
For example, if you want to say 'her voice is beautiful,' you'd say '她的声音很美' (Tā de shēngyīn hěn měi). Or, to refer to the sound of rain, you'd say '雨的声音' (Yǔ de shēngyīn).
It's a very common and essential word for describing the auditory world around you.
The word 声音 (shēngyīn) is a versatile noun that refers to both 'voice' and 'sound.' Think of it as the general term for anything you hear. For example, a person's 声音 is their voice, and the 声音 of a bird is its song or chirping. You can also use it to describe the 声音 of a car or music. It's a fundamental word for talking about auditory experiences.
When talking about 声音 (shēngyīn), it refers to any sound, like music or noise. It can also specifically mean a person's voice, as in, "Her voice is very pleasant."
For example, if you hear a strange sound, you could say “我听到奇怪的声音” (Wǒ tīngdào qíguài de shēngyīn). Or, if you want to compliment someone’s singing, you might say “她的声音很好听” (Tā de shēngyīn hěn hǎotīng).
When talking about 声音 (shēngyīn), meaning 'voice' or 'sound,' it's pretty straightforward. You use it for anything that produces an audible sound, from a human voice to the sound of a car. For example, if you want to say 'Her voice is beautiful,' you'd say '她的声音很美 (Tā de shēngyīn hěn měi).' Or, if you hear a strange sound, you could say '我听到一个奇怪的声音 (Wǒ tīngdào yīgè qíguài de shēngyīn).' It's a versatile word, so just remember it covers any kind of sound you might encounter.
§ Basic Usage of 声音
The word 声音 (shēngyīn) is a noun and generally translates to 'voice' or 'sound' in English. It's quite straightforward to use. Think of it as the general term for anything you hear.
- Grammar
- 声音 is typically used as the subject or object in a sentence. It doesn't change its form based on number or case, unlike in some other languages.
我听到了一个奇怪的声音。(Wǒ tīngdào le yī gè qíguài de shēngyīn.)
- Translation Hint
- I heard a strange sound.
In this example, 声音 is the object of the verb 听到 (tīngdào - to hear).
她的声音很好听。(Tā de shēngyīn hěn hǎo tīng.)
- Translation Hint
- Her voice is very pleasant to hear.
Here, 声音 is the subject of the sentence, describing the quality of her voice.
§ Using Adjectives with 声音
You can use various adjectives before 声音 to describe the type or quality of the sound/voice. This is a common way to give more detail.
- 大/小 (dà/xiǎo) - big/small (loud/quiet)
请你把声音调大一点。(Qǐng nǐ bǎ shēngyīn diào dà yī diǎn.)
- Translation Hint
- Please turn up the volume (lit. make the sound bigger a bit).
- 好听/难听 (hǎotīng/nántīng) - pleasant to hear/unpleasant to hear
他唱歌的声音非常难听。(Tā chànggē de shēngyīn fēicháng nántīng.)
- Translation Hint
- His singing voice is very unpleasant to hear.
- 甜美 (tiánměi) - sweet (often used for voices)
她的声音很甜美。(Tā de shēngyīn hěn tiánměi.)
- Translation Hint
- Her voice is very sweet.
§ Prepositions and Common Phrases with 声音
While 声音 doesn't typically require complex prepositions, it often appears in common phrases that are useful to know.
- 发出声音 (fāchū shēngyīn) - to emit a sound, to make a sound
那个机器发出了奇怪的声音。(Nà gè jīqì fāchū le qíguài de shēngyīn.)
- Translation Hint
- That machine made a strange sound.
- 没有声音 (méiyǒu shēngyīn) - no sound, silent
房间里一点声音都没有。(Fángjiān lǐ yī diǎn shēngyīn dōu méiyǒu.)
- Translation Hint
- There was no sound at all in the room.
When you're trying to describe something audible, 声音 is your go-to word. Just remember to pair it with the right adjectives or verbs, and you'll be expressing yourself clearly in no time.
§ Understanding 声音 (shēngyīn)
The Chinese word 声音 (shēngyīn) is quite versatile. It can mean both 'voice' and 'sound' in English. This dual meaning can sometimes confuse learners, but with a few clear examples, you'll get the hang of it.
- Definition
- Voice; sound.
她的声音很好听。(Her voice is very pleasant.)
我听到一个奇怪的声音。(I heard a strange sound.)
§ 声音 as 'Voice'
When 声音 refers to 'voice', it's talking about the sound produced by a person's mouth. This is the most common usage when describing someone's speech or singing.
请大点声音。(Please speak up / Use a louder voice.)
他的声音很有磁性。(His voice is very magnetic.)
§ 声音 as 'Sound'
When 声音 means 'sound', it can refer to any audible sensation, whether from people, animals, objects, or nature. It's a general term for anything you hear.
外面有很大的声音。(There's a loud sound outside.)
风的声音很大。(The sound of the wind is loud.)
§ Similar words and when to use them
While 声音 is a broad term, there are other words for 'sound' that are more specific. Here are a few common ones and when to use them:
响声 (xiǎngshēng): This also means 'sound', but it often implies a sudden, loud, or distinct sound. It emphasizes the act of making a noise.
我听到一声巨响。(I heard a loud bang / a huge sound.)
噪音 (zàoyīn): This specifically means 'noise', usually referring to unpleasant or unwanted sound. It carries a negative connotation.
这里的噪音太大，我睡不着。(The noise here is too loud, I can't sleep.)
音 (yīn): This is a more general and sometimes more formal term for 'sound' or 'tone'. It's often used in compound words like 音乐 (yīnyuè - music) or 口音 (kǒuyīn - accent).
这个字的音怎么读？(How do you pronounce the sound of this character / this character's pronunciation?)
§ Key takeaway
When in doubt, 声音 is usually a safe choice for both 'voice' and general 'sound'. However, if you want to be more specific:
Use 声音 for a person's voice or a general, neutral sound.
Use 响声 for a distinct or sudden noise.
Use 噪音 for unwanted or unpleasant noise.
Consider compound words with 音 for more specific contexts like music or pronunciation.
Practice using these words in different contexts, and you'll quickly develop an ear for when to use each one correctly.
난이도
Two common characters. Easy to recognize.
Two common characters. Not many strokes.
Simple pronunciation, two first tones.
Clear pronunciation, easy to distinguish.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
수준별 예문
我听到一个奇怪的声音。
I heard a strange sound.
听到 (tīngdào) is a resultative verb indicating successful hearing.
她的声音很好听。
Her voice is very pleasant to hear.
好听 (hǎotīng) means 'pleasant to hear' or 'beautiful (of sound/voice)'.
请把声音调小一点。
Please turn down the volume a little.
调小 (tiáoxiǎo) means 'to turn down (volume)'. 一点 (yīdiǎn) means 'a little'.
风吹过树叶发出沙沙的声音。
The wind blowing through the leaves made a rustling sound.
发出 (fāchū) means 'to emit' or 'to give out'. 沙沙 (shāshā) is an onomatopoeia for rustling.
你听到了什么声音？
What sound did you hear?
什么 (shénme) is an interrogative pronoun.
小鸟的歌声很美。
The little bird's singing is beautiful.
歌声 (gēshēng) specifically refers to the sound of singing.
我喜欢海浪的声音。
I like the sound of the ocean waves.
海浪 (hǎilàng) means 'ocean waves'.
老师的声音有点大。
The teacher's voice is a bit loud.
有点 (yǒudiǎn) means 'a bit' or 'a little (negative connotation)'.
我听到了一些奇怪的声音从房子里传出来。
I heard some strange sounds coming from the house.
This sentence uses '传出来' (chuán chūlái) which means 'to come out from' or 'to emanate from'.
她的声音很甜美，唱歌非常好听。
Her voice is very sweet, and she sings beautifully.
Here, '甜美' (tiánměi) describes the quality of the voice.
请你把电视的声音调小一点，我正在看书。
Please turn down the TV volume a bit; I'm reading a book.
'调小' (tiáo xiǎo) means 'to turn down' or 'to lower' (volume, etc.).
夜深人静的时候，任何细微的声音都听得很清楚。
When it's late at night and everyone is quiet, even the slightest sound can be heard clearly.
'夜深人静' (yèshēnrénjìng) is an idiom meaning 'late at night when all is quiet'.
这种机器运行时几乎没有声音，非常安静。
This machine runs with almost no sound; it's very quiet.
'运行时' (yùnxíng shí) means 'when operating' or 'while running'.
他的声音里充满了疲惫，听起来像是熬夜了。
His voice was full of fatigue; it sounded like he had stayed up all night.
'充满了' (chōngmǎn le) means 'filled with' or 'full of'.
我们应该听取不同的声音，才能做出全面的判断。
We should listen to different voices (opinions) to make a comprehensive judgment.
In this context, '声音' refers to opinions or views. '听取' (tīngqǔ) means 'to listen to' or 'to heed'.
她用微弱的声音请求帮助，但没人听见。
She asked for help in a faint voice, but no one heard.
'微弱' (wēiruò) means 'faint' or 'weak'.
문법 패턴
관용어 및 표현
"大声 (dà shēng)"
Loudly; in a loud voice
请你大声说，我听不清。(Please speak loudly, I can't hear clearly.)
neutral"小声 (xiǎo shēng)"
Softly; in a low voice
她小声说了一个秘密。(She whispered a secret.)
neutral"出声 (chū shēng)"
To utter a sound; to make a noise
他听到外面有出声，就去看看。(He heard a noise outside, so he went to check.)
neutral"听声音 (tīng shēngyīn)"
To listen to a sound/voice
你听，这是什么声音？(Listen, what sound is this?)
neutral"声音洪亮 (shēngyīn hóngliàng)"
Loud and clear voice
他的声音洪亮，很有感染力。(His voice is loud and clear, very infectious.)
formal"声音沙哑 (shēngyīn shāyǎ)"
Hoarse voice
他感冒了，声音有点沙哑。(He caught a cold, and his voice is a bit hoarse.)
neutral"无声无息 (wú shēng wú xī)"
Silent; without a sound or trace
他无声无息地离开了。(He left silently.)
formal"声音甜美 (shēngyīn tiánměi)"
Sweet voice
她的声音甜美，像唱歌一样。(Her voice is sweet, like singing.)
neutral"噪音 (zàoyīn)"
Noise (unwanted sound)
这里的噪音太大了，我睡不着。(The noise here is too loud, I can't sleep.)
neutral"发声 (fā shēng)"
To vocalize; to make a sound
这个乐器怎么发声？(How does this instrument make a sound?)
neutral문장 패턴
这是什么声音？ (Zhè shì shénme shēngyīn?)
这是什么声音？ (What is this sound?)
我听到了一个声音。 (Wǒ tīngdào le yīgè shēngyīn.)
我听到了一个声音。 (I heard a sound.)
她的声音很好听。 (Tā de shēngyīn hěn hǎotīng.)
她的声音很好听。 (Her voice is very pleasant to listen to.)
请把声音调小一点。 (Qǐng bǎ shēngyīn tiáo xiǎo yīdiǎn.)
请把声音调小一点。 (Please turn down the sound a little.)
老师的声音很大，我们都听得很清楚。 (Lǎoshī de shēngyīn hěn dà, wǒmen dōu tīng dé hěn qīngchǔ.)
老师的声音很大，我们都听得很清楚。 (The teacher's voice is loud, so we all heard very clearly.)
我喜欢听海浪的声音。 (Wǒ xǐhuān tīng hǎilàng de shēngyīn.)
我喜欢听海浪的声音。 (I like to listen to the sound of waves.)
这个声音听起来很熟悉，但我记不起是谁的了。 (Zhège shēngyīn tīng qǐlái hěn shúxī, dàn wǒ jì bù qǐ shì shéi de le.)
这个声音听起来很熟悉，但我记不起是谁的了。 (This sound seems familiar, but I can't remember whose it is.)
他用很小的声音说，生怕别人听到。 (Tā yòng hěn xiǎo de shēngyīn shuō, shēngpà biérén tīngdào.)
他用很小的声音说，生怕别人听到。 (He spoke in a very low voice, afraid that others would hear.)
셀프 테스트 48 질문
她喜欢听音乐的___。
Here, '声音' refers to the 'sound' of music.
你的___很好听。
'声音' means 'voice' in this context.
狗的___很大。
The 'sound' a dog makes can be loud.
请小声点，不要发出大的___。
Here, '声音' means 'sound' or 'noise'.
我听不到你的___。
You can't hear someone's 'voice'.
这个地方的___很安静。
The 'sounds' of a place can be quiet.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 我的 ___ 很好听。
The sentence means 'My voice/sound is very pleasant to hear.' '声音' fits best here.
Which word means 'sound' or 'voice'?
声音 (shēngyīn) directly translates to 'voice' or 'sound'.
When you want to say something is loud, you can say '___ 很大' (___ is very big). What word goes in the blank?
声音 (shēngyīn) means 'sound' or 'voice'. So '声音很大' means 'the sound is very loud'.
The word '声音' (shēngyīn) can be used to describe a person's voice.
Yes, '声音' refers to both general sounds and a person's voice. For example, '她的声音很好听' (Her voice is very pleasant to hear).
You can use '声音' (shēngyīn) to talk about the sound of music.
That's right. '音乐的声音' (yīnyuè de shēngyīn) means 'the sound of music'.
The word '声音' (shēngyīn) is typically used to refer to a quiet place.
No, '声音' refers to sound or voice. A quiet place would be '安静的地方' (ānjìng de dìfang).
Write a short sentence describing a pleasant sound using '声音'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这个声音很好听。(This sound is very pleasant.)
Write a short sentence about someone's voice using '声音'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
她的声音很大。(Her voice is very loud.)
Write a short sentence asking about a sound using '声音'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
那是什么声音？(What is that sound?)
文章中提到什么声音很好听？
Read this passage:
我喜欢听音乐。音乐的声音很好听。我的朋友也喜欢听音乐。
文章中提到什么声音很好听？
文章中明确说明“音乐的声音很好听”。
文章中明确说明“音乐的声音很好听”。
根据短文，妈妈的声音怎么样？
Read this passage:
妈妈的声音很温柔。我喜欢听妈妈的声音。她唱歌的声音也很好听。
根据短文，妈妈的声音怎么样？
短文第一句就说了“妈妈的声音很温柔”。
短文第一句就说了“妈妈的声音很温柔”。
外面有什么声音？
Read this passage:
外面有狗的声音。它一直在叫。这个声音有点大。
外面有什么声音？
文章第一句明确指出“外面有狗的声音”。
文章第一句明确指出“外面有狗的声音”。
What do I like to listen to?
How is the sound?
How is the teacher's voice?
Read this aloud:
请你重复这句话：我喜欢大海的声音。
Focus: 大海 (dàhǎi) - ocean
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请你用“声音”造一个句子。
Focus: 声音 (shēngyīn) - voice, sound
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你喜欢什么样的声音？
Focus: 什么 (shénme) - what
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a sentence describing a loud sound you heard recently.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨天我听到很大的声音。
Write a sentence about someone's nice voice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
她的声音很好听。
Write a sentence asking someone to lower their voice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
请你把声音小一点。
小明妈妈让小明做什么？
Read this passage:
小明喜欢听音乐。他觉得音乐的声音很好听。但是，他妈妈说声音太大了，让他把声音调小一点。
小明妈妈让小明做什么？
妈妈说声音太大了，让他把声音调小一点。(Mom said the sound was too loud and told him to turn the volume down a bit.)
妈妈说声音太大了，让他把声音调小一点。(Mom said the sound was too loud and told him to turn the volume down a bit.)
为什么小狗的声音很小？
Read this passage:
这只小狗的声音很小。它生病了，所以没什么力气叫。医生说它需要多休息。
为什么小狗的声音很小？
它生病了，所以没什么力气叫。(It's sick, so it doesn't have the strength to bark.)
它生病了，所以没什么力气叫。(It's sick, so it doesn't have the strength to bark.)
这段话的意思是什么？
Read this passage:
请不要发出大的声音，宝宝正在睡觉。我们可以小声说话。
这段话的意思是什么？
请不要发出大的声音，宝宝正在睡觉。(Please don't make loud noises, the baby is sleeping.)
请不要发出大的声音，宝宝正在睡觉。(Please don't make loud noises, the baby is sleeping.)
Describe a time you heard a strange sound. What was it? How did it make you feel? (Use '声音' at least once.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨天晚上，我听到一个奇怪的“声音”。它听起来像是一个小动物在叫，让我有点害怕。我打开窗户，但是什么也没看到。
Imagine you are describing your favorite singer to a friend. What do you like about their voice? (Use '声音' at least once.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我最喜欢的歌手是Taylor Swift。她的声音很甜美，很有感染力。每次听她的歌，我都觉得很放松。
Write three sentences about different types of sounds you hear in a city. (Use '声音' in each sentence.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在城市里，我经常听到汽车的“声音”。咖啡馆里有很多人说话的“声音”。晚上，有时候还能听到远处传来音乐的“声音”。
根据短文，小明为什么戴耳机？
Read this passage:
小明喜欢安静的环境。他不喜欢嘈杂的声音。每天晚上，他都会戴上耳机，听一些轻柔的音乐，这样他就能睡个好觉。
根据短文，小明为什么戴耳机？
短文说小明不喜欢嘈杂的声音，并且他会听轻柔的音乐以便睡个好觉。
短文说小明不喜欢嘈杂的声音，并且他会听轻柔的音乐以便睡个好觉。
作者被什么吵醒了？
Read this passage:
今天早上，我被一阵很大的声音吵醒了。我以为是外面有施工，但当我看向窗外时，发现原来是我的邻居在装修房子。这种声音真是太烦人了！
作者被什么吵醒了？
文章提到作者被“一阵很大的声音吵醒了”，后来发现是“我的邻居在装修房子”。
文章提到作者被“一阵很大的声音吵醒了”，后来发现是“我的邻居在装修房子”。
根据短文，森林里有什么样的声音？
Read this passage:
森林里有很多种声音。鸟儿在唱歌，风吹过树叶发出沙沙的声音，还有小溪流水的潺潺声。这些声音让森林充满了生机。
根据短文，森林里有什么样的声音？
短文明确提到了“鸟儿在唱歌，风吹过树叶发出沙沙的声音，还有小溪流水的潺潺声”。
短文明确提到了“鸟儿在唱歌，风吹过树叶发出沙沙的声音，还有小溪流水的潺潺声”。
她听到一个奇怪的___，然后就吓了一跳。
Context suggests 'sound' or 'voice' is needed. 颜色 means color, 味道 means smell, 感觉 means feeling.
他的___很低沉，听起来很专业。
The sentence describes how he sounds, so '声音' (voice) fits best. 眼睛 means eyes, 心情 means mood, 动作 means action.
请你把电视的___调小一点，太吵了。
When something is 'too noisy' (太吵了), you adjust the 'sound' (声音). 画面 means screen/picture, 颜色 means color, 大小 means size.
我喜欢听海浪的___，它让我感到平静。
You 'hear' the 'sound' (声音) of ocean waves. 味道 means smell, 颜色 means color, 形状 means shape.
虽然他戴着口罩，但我还是能从他的___中认出他。
If you can't see someone's face, you might recognize them by their 'voice' (声音). 眼睛 means eyes, 头发 means hair, 衣服 means clothes.
这个房间的隔音效果很好，外面一点___都听不到。
Good sound insulation (隔音效果) means you can't hear any 'sound' (声音) from outside. 光线 means light, 风 means wind, 味道 means smell.
This sentence describes a faint sound coming from next door. The structure '一阵...的声音' (a burst of... sound) is common, followed by the source '从隔壁' (from next door) and the verb '传来了' (came over).
This sentence describes someone's voice as being full of determination and confidence. '充满' means 'full of', and '坚定和自信' are the qualities it's full of.
This sentence means 'It's impossible to talk under such noisy conditions.' '在这种...下' (under this kind of...) is a common structure, with '嘈杂的声音' (noisy sound) being the condition.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
예시
你的声音真好听。
관련 콘텐츠
general 관련 단어
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
一点儿
A1a little, a bit
一会儿
A1a moment, a while
一部分
B1part; portion; minority
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
