Translation guide
Describes a rough, weak, or unclear voice, often due to illness, overuse, or emotion. Japanese has several common expressions, with しわがれ声 being the most general.
My voice is hoarse.
Describing a voice that is rough and unclear, typically from a cold, shouting, or tiredness.
The most common and neutral term for a hoarse voice. Can be used for temporary or chronic hoarseness.
I got a hoarse voice from a cold.
A hoarse or husky voice, often with a slightly negative or rough connotation. Can imply a voice that is naturally rough or strained.
Verb phrase meaning 'to become hoarse' or 'to lose one's voice'. Describes the process or state of hoarseness.
I shouted too much and my voice became hoarse.
Verb phrase specifically meaning 'to become hoarse' with the nuance of a rough, scratchy quality. Similar to 声がかれる but emphasizes the rough sound.
A voice that becomes rough or choked due to strong emotion like sadness or anger.
To choke up or have one's voice catch due to emotion. Often used when someone is about to cry.
She spoke words of gratitude in a choked voice.
Literally 'voice trembles'. Describes a shaky voice from nervousness, fear, or strong emotion. Not exactly hoarse, but often overlaps.
My voice trembled with nervousness.
When the voice is completely gone or reduced to a whisper.
しわがれ声 is the standard, neutral term for a hoarse voice. だみ声 often implies a naturally rough or unpleasant voice, while ハスキーボイス is a positive, attractive huskiness. Use しわがれ声 for illness or temporary hoarseness.
He has a naturally husky/rough voice.
I admire her husky voice.
Do not directly translate 'hoarse voice' as かすれた声 or しゃがれた声 in most contexts. While these are understandable, しわがれ声 is the natural collocation. 声がかれる is the most common verb phrase.
He spoke in a hoarse voice.
Loanword from English 'husky voice'. Often used in a positive or attractive sense, like a sultry or charmingly rough voice. Common in media and casual conversation.
Her husky voice is attractive.
朝からだみ声で、喉が痛い。
I've had a hoarse voice since morning and my throat hurts.
声がかれてうまく話せない。
My voice is hoarse and I can't speak well.
My voice got hoarse after talking for a long time.
I developed aphonia due to stress.