Translation guide
Describes a rough, weak, or strained voice, often from illness, overuse, or emotion.
The voice sounds rough, scratchy, or unclear, often due to a cold, shouting, or dryness.
The most common and natural adjective for a hoarse, husky, or raspy voice. Used for both temporary and chronic conditions.
My voice is hoarse from a cold.
He spoke in a hoarse voice.
Similar to しわがれた, but often implies a weaker, more breathy hoarseness. Can also describe a faint or indistinct sound.
My voice is hoarse and hard to hear.
Loanword from English 'husky'. Often used positively to describe an attractive, low, slightly rough voice, especially in entertainment contexts.
Her husky voice is charming.
The voice becomes hoarse after shouting, singing, or talking too much.
Literally 'voice withers'. The most natural way to say one's voice gives out or becomes hoarse from overuse.
I shouted too much yesterday and lost my voice.
My voice got hoarse from cheering.
Literally 'voice is crushed'. Implies a more severe loss of voice, often to the point of being unable to speak.
I sang too much at karaoke and my voice is wrecked.
The voice is hoarse specifically because of a cold, flu, or throat infection.
Common expression meaning 'voice won't come out due to a cold'. Often used when the voice is very weak or gone.
I couldn't answer the phone because I lost my voice from a cold.
Describes hoarseness accompanied by a sore throat.
The voice becomes rough or choked due to crying, fear, or strong emotion.
Both mean 'hoarse', but しわがれた emphasizes a rough, grating quality, while かすれた suggests a faint, breathy, or indistinct sound. しわがれた is more common for describing a person's voice.
The English word 'hoarse' is an adjective, but Japanese often uses verb phrases like 声が枯れる (voice becomes hoarse) or descriptive phrases like しわがれた声 (hoarse voice). Using a single adjective equivalent is less natural.
My throat hurts and my voice is hoarse, so I can't talk much.
I tried to express my gratitude, but my voice choked with emotion.