Meaning
A voice that is high in volume.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Kiai' in martial arts involves a '{大|おお}きい{声|こえ}' to focus energy. It's not just noise; it's spirit. New employees are often expected to use a '{大|おお}きい{声|こえ}' for greetings to show enthusiasm and reliability. Speaking in a '{大|おお}きい{声|こえ}' on trains is considered very rude and 'meiwaku' (nuisance). Loud shouting is an integral part of festivals, used to cheer on those carrying the 'mikoshi' (portable shrine).
The 'De' Rule
Always remember '{大|おお}きい{声|こえ}で' (with/in a loud voice). It's the most common way you'll actually use it in a sentence.
Avoid 'Takai'
Never use 'takai' for volume. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
A voice that is high in volume.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember '{大|おお}きい{声|こえ}で' (with/in a loud voice). It's the most common way you'll actually use it in a sentence.
Avoid 'Takai'
Never use 'takai' for volume. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers.
Genki Greetings
If you want to impress Japanese people, use a '{大|おお}きい{声|こえ}' for 'Ohayou gozaimasu!'
Koe vs Oto
If it has lungs, use 'Koe'. If it has a plug or a motor, use 'Oto'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adjective for 'loud'.
{図書館|としょかん}で{＿＿＿|おおきい}{声|こえ}を{出|だ}さないでください。
In Japanese, 'big' (ookii) is used for volume.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask someone to speak louder?
Choose one:
The particle 'de' is used for manner, and 'koe' is for human voices.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a rock concert and want to tell your friend to shout.
You want them to use a 'big voice' to be heard over the music.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {田中|たなか}さんの{声|こえ}、どうですか？ B: {田中|たなか}さんは＿＿＿＿＿＿。
This is the standard 'Subject + ga + Adjective' pattern to describe a trait.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Voice vs. Sound
When to use a Big Voice
Good
- • Festivals
- • Greetings
- • Sports
Bad
- • Trains
- • Libraries
- • Hospitals
Practice Bank
4 exercises{図書館|としょかん}で{＿＿＿|おおきい}{声|こえ}を{出|だ}さないでください。
In Japanese, 'big' (ookii) is used for volume.
Choose one:
The particle 'de' is used for manner, and 'koe' is for human voices.
Situation: You are at a rock concert and want to tell your friend to shout.
You want them to use a 'big voice' to be heard over the music.
A: {田中|たなか}さんの{声|こえ}、どうですか？ B: {田中|たなか}さんは＿＿＿＿＿＿。
This is the standard 'Subject + ga + Adjective' pattern to describe a trait.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, use 'ookii oto' for a TV. 'Koe' is only for living things.
Yes, but 'oogoe' is a noun. You usually say 'oogoe wo dasu' (to shout).
It can be. It's better to say 'koe ga tooru' (your voice carries well) if you want to be positive.
Say 'Mou sukoshi ookii koe de hanashite kudasai'.
The opposite is 'chiisai koe' (small voice).
Yes, saying you will use a 'big voice' shows you are energetic and ready to work.
Not necessarily. It just means high volume. Shouting is 'sakebu'.
Japanese conceptualizes sound as something that occupies physical space.
Only with very close friends. It's quite rough/masculine.
Yes, 'inu no koe ga ookii' is perfectly natural.
Related Phrases
{大声|おおごえ}
synonymLoud voice (noun)
{小|ちい}さい{声|こえ}
contrastQuiet voice / whisper
{叫|さけ}ぶ
builds onTo shout / scream
{怒鳴|どな}る
specialized formTo yell in anger
{地声|じごえ}
similarOne's natural voice
{張|は}り{上|あ}げる
builds onTo raise (one's voice)
